World Peace Buddhist School is located in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal, in the bustling area of New Baneshwor. Despite being in the city center, the school offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
- Proximity: Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from the VIN office.
- Public Transport: You can take a local bus from the Kathmandu bus station and alight between Tinkune and New Baneshwor. Alternatively, use ride-hailing apps like Pathao or InDriver.
- Accessibility: Due to its central location, transportation options to and from the school are convenient, especially from areas like Thamel.
Activities and Surroundings
While there aren’t many activities within the school premises, its tranquil setting makes it an excellent place to unwind. You can:
- Take walks in the surrounding areas, which include nearby restaurants and cafes.
- Visit the Buddhist temple within the school premises during puja times.
Buildings
The school is part of a Buddhist Vihar, featuring:
- A central temple open during puja times.
- Guest Rooms: Rooms for guests are located on the top floor, above where monks reside. Guests are provided with bed sheets and blankets, and rooms may be shared with same-gender visitors.
- Shared Bathrooms: These include:
- Regular toilets (locked for female guests).
- Squatting toilets for general use.
- Showers attached to the toilets with hot water (availability depends on solar power).
- Laundry: Buckets are available for hand washing clothes, which can be dried on the balcony or rooftop. Alternatively, nearby laundry services are an option.
Main Gate Timings
The school opens at 5:00 AM and closes between 7:00-8:00 PM.
Wi-Fi and Internet
Wi-Fi is available in many parts of the monastery, including the guest accommodations and near the temple. However, obtaining the password may require assistance from senior monks. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, purchasing a local 4G SIM card is advisable.
Food and Meal Timings
The school has a canteen that serves meals at the following times:
- Breakfast: 6:00 AM
- Lunch: 11:00 AM
- Dinner: 7:00 PM (usually provided only to small children).
Note: Meals primarily consist of Dal Bhat (lentil soup, rice, and vegetables). Filtered drinking water is available, and bottled water can be purchased nearby.
Academic Details
- Total Students: 45
- Class Size: 3-10 students per class.
- Grades: Regular classes from Grade 6 to 10.
- Schedule:
- Classes are flexible and vary based on your arrival.
- Typically, you may have 2-3 classes per day. On some days, classes may be canceled due to pujas (5:00 AM – 12:00 PM).
- English development classes are frequently added to the schedule.
Monks as Students
- Age Range: 12 to 50 years, with most students aged 12 to 20.
- Classroom Dynamics:
- Students are eager to learn but may initially be shy.
- Teaching methods should emphasize repetition, interactive activities, and practical usage of English.
- Games and movement-based activities can be incorporated to keep energy levels high.
- Challenges: Adult monks may be reserved and hesitant to communicate in English.
Preparation Tips
- Familiarize yourself with teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).
- Use available grammar and essay books, and supplement lessons with creative activities.
- Assess students’ levels during the first lesson to tailor your teaching approach.
- Incorporate speaking exercises, games, and practical applications of grammar.
Key Highlights
- Monastery Population: Approximately 60 monks, including 45 students.
- Cultural Interaction: Female visitors may face initial hesitancy from monks due to cultural norms but can build rapport over time.
- Learning Environment: Engage monks outside the classroom to encourage English usage and build confidence.
World Peace Buddhist School offers a unique experience of teaching and learning in a spiritual and peaceful setting amidst the bustling city of Kathmandu. The opportunity to interact with monks and immerse in Buddhist traditions makes it a rewarding journey.