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Buddhist organisations are dependent on dedicated volunteers to carry out their educational mission. Volunteers are what makes the temples and Centres function from greeting visitors, facilitating Dhamma Schools, serving behind the scenes, carrying much of the fund raising and operational load. Volunteerism is more than a fulfilment of duties; it is a living practice of Dhamma that transforms both the community and individual.

Malaysia passed a significant demographic milestone in 2020, transitioning to an ageing nation as its population of those aged 65 and older exceeded the 7% threshold established by the United Nations. Two demographic factors driving the country’s ageing population are declining fertility rates and Malaysians live longer, thanks to improvement in income, healthcare, nutrition and sanitation.

Youths especially those who have little or no connection to spirituality or Buddhist temples and Centres, perceive Buddhism as outdated, even superstitious. This can be attributed to being exposed to cultural and traditional practices that are undertaken without understanding their value and significance. Buddhism is often conflated with Chinese folk religion and Buddhist monks are regarded as people who conduct funeral rites. Buddhism is depicted as serious, abstract, and even world negating, especially the image of a monastic who renounce the world.

Dhamma Schools for the young are an integral part of Buddhist education in temples and lay Buddhist organisations in Malaysia. They are seen as an effective way of imparting Buddhist teachings, practices, moral values and ethics through a structured and comprehensive curriculum. Through Dhamma schools, children not only learn practical ways to apply the teachings in their daily life and interactions with others but to preserve Buddhist traditions and culture.