About the Bodhgaya Development Association
We are a small group of passionate Australians who are dedicated to helping support the underprivileged people in the impoverished area of Bodhgaya, India. It is our belief that education is the key — empowering communities with the knowledge needed to make meaningful and sustainable change.
Our work began in Bodhgaya in 1993 in a small tent offering basic education to underprivileged children who otherwise had no access to education. From these simple beginnings, the Prajna Vihar School now educates 600 children in two solid, two-storey brick buildings with sixteen staff. The cost to educate one child per annum is approximately A$90. The school has no religious agenda – Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Christian teachers – and students work together for the common goal of providing and receiving an education.
Whilst the school is our main project, we support various other community enrichment programs which provide:* Medical aid to poor communities* Rural schools* Micro financing for women’s groups* Skill training for impoverished villages
The BDA (incorporated since 2001) is a completely voluntary organisation that self-funds its running costs enabling 100% of your donation to go directly to those in need. Our Brisbane-based committee meets quarterly to discuss fundraising, review finances and receive reports from our projects. Find out more about our Committee here.
In 2020 we received Australian Registered Charity status meaning that all money donated to the BDA can receive a receipt to be claimed on tax. We are very proud to be able to offer this to our supporters.
The members of the BDA would like to extend many thanks for the support received for our projects in the Bodhgaya area.