Adelaide Sri Lanka Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Community Engagement Project on Organ and Tissue Donation
The main objective of the project is to make the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Sri Lankan community in South Australia aware of the importance of organ and tissue donation through Adelaide Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara Inc (ASBV).
The concepts of DonateLife community awareness and education are very closely aligned with three key philosophies in Buddhism
- the principle of ‘Dana’ or giving for the needy, without expecting a repayment
- the principle of Metta, which promotes loving compassion towards others
- the principle of Karuna, which promotes compassion and aspiration to find ways to be helpful to others
These philosophies provide the impetus for Adelaide Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara and its volunteer community to commit to implementing this project.
The ASBV was able to receive more than 100 applications from individuals to sign up to the Australian Organ Donor Register in addition to a large number of online registrations. This project is considered as a continuous and an integral part of the ASBV activities.
2019 Project
Activities:
- Conduct Monthly Awareness Programs on organ and tissue donation (Buddhist Sil/Meditation program)
- Major community awareness event Katina (Vass) Ceremony- [ Robe Offering Ceremony for Monks]- 20 Oct 2019
2016 Project
Activities:
- Conducting monthly awareness program on organ and tissue donation on Sil program day; for adults and older adults
- Major community awareness event – Vesak Celebration 21 and 22 May 2016
- Conduct an awareness program on organ and tissue donation for ASBV- Youth Group to promote and engage youth on organ and tissue donation discussion and key messages
2014-2015 Project
Activities:
- Monthly Awareness sessions during ASBV Sil program
- Produce and stage a short drama on organ and tissue donation focusing on the DonateLife key messages: The Sinhala-Tamil New Year celebration event on 12th April 2015
- Develop a culturally sensitive film on organ and tissue donation focusing on the DonateLife key messages
Project Advisor: Ven Udagabbala Sumedha Thero
Project Coordinator: Dr Rasika Jayasekara
