Engaged Buddhism: Venerable Pomnyun Sunim and JTS Volunteers Review Progress of Post-Earthquake School Project in Turkey

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim. Images courtesy of the Jungto Society

Korean Dharma master and Buddhist activist Venerable Pomnyun Sunim (법륜스님) and volunteers from Buddhist humanitarian aid organization JTS Korea returned to Turkey on August 28 to assess the progress of a school project launched by JTS following the devastating earthquakes that rocked southern Turkey and parts of Syria in March 2023.

Shortly after news of last year’s earthquakes spread around the world, JTS Korea volunteers responded by deploying team members to the field to help those at the epicenter of the crisis in Turkey (formerly Turkey). Venerable Pomnyun Sunim joined JTS Korea volunteers and local relief groups to provide humanitarian aid to survivors of the disaster, distributing supplies and offering support to those in need.*

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim founded the humanitarian organization Join Together Society (JTS) as an expression of the compassion of engaged Buddhism, and founded on the principle that helping others is the best way to enrich one's own life. Charged with bringing hope, empowerment and self-reliance to disadvantaged communities in developing countries, JTS is run and operated by unpaid volunteers, who ensure that all donations benefit marginalized communities. JTS carries out relief work in countries affected by humanitarian disasters and has engaged in humanitarian projects in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. JTS has also been granted special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

On August 28, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim and the JTS team were welcomed by volunteers from the White Helmets organization, who gave them a tour of the school project, which when completed will be able to accommodate up to 4 children.

“When Sunim first came to inspect the earthquake area, the school was completely collapsed and in a state of disrepair. Today, a beautiful new building in pastel colors stands proudly,” JTS noted. “This school is being rebuilt as part of the Turkey-Syria Earthquake Reconstruction Project, a collaboration between JTS and the White Helmets.” (Jungto Society)

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim inspected the interior of the new school, the classrooms and administrative offices. White Helmet volunteers explained that the building had been designed with an emergency shelter in the basement that could be used as an evacuation shelter, and that security measures were being put in place to prepare for emergencies in the still volatile region.

“Emergency measures must be put in place to allow safe evacuation in the event of a disaster, such as a fire or earthquake,” stressed Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, who was particularly interested in the safety aspects of the school. “There should be enough stairs and fire exits so that students can evacuate quickly in the event of a fire or earthquake.” (Jungto Society)

After visiting the construction site and briefing Venerable Pomnyun Sunim and JTS volunteers on the progress of the work, the White Helmets expressed their gratitude to Sunim for his support during the 18 months since the disaster: “Thank you very much for building this school. Many children have suffered from the war and earthquakes, and many have been unable to receive an education. Thanks to you, many children will now be able to study. We are sincerely grateful to you.” (Jungto Society)

“I am very happy that an environment has been created in which children can once again receive an education,” Venerable Pomnyun Sunim responded. (Jungto Society)

At a follow-up meeting, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim expressed his gratitude to the White Helmets team for their efforts in moving the project forward. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the facilities are adequate to meet the needs of 4 students and emphasized the need to prioritize the quality of construction and the safety of students. “Please do not rush to meet the completion date,” he observed. “It is important to build the structure safely, so it is normal to postpone the completion date. I will adjust my schedule and come back, so I hope you will not rush too much.” (Jungto Society)

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim also proposed including a memorial space within the school to remember the many students and teachers who lost their lives in the 2023 earthquake and for the school to become a symbol of hope for the local community: “I would like to erect a memorial to commemorate them, to create a space where we will not forget their sacrifice.” (Jungto Society)

Despite the progress made on this vital project, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim acknowledged that approximately one million children living in the region’s refugee camps were not receiving any education. He proposed introducing an interim online education system to address the problem until a more permanent solution could be found.

“The idea is to hold regular classes at this school and broadcast them through an online system,” Venerable Pomnyun Sunim explained. “Why not set up simple tent schools in refugee camps for online classes? This way, even if there is a shortage of teachers, we can educate many children. Children should not miss the crucial period of their education.” (Jungto Society)

The White Helmets have agreed to do their best to put in place the necessary infrastructure to enable the sharing of online courses with refugees.

“Let us give confidence and hope to those who have fallen into despair after suffering from earthquakes and war,” said Venerable Pomnyun Sunim. (Jungto Society)

Venerable Pomnyun Sunim is a well-respected Korean dharma teacher, author, and social activist. He has founded numerous organizations, initiatives and projects around the world, including: JTS Korea, an international humanitarian aid organization working to eradicate poverty and hunger; Jungto Society, a community of volunteers founded on the teachings of the Buddha and dedicated to solving modern social problems that lead to suffering; Ecobuddha, an organization focused on environmental ethics and sustainable living based on the teachings of the Buddha; and Good Friends, which promotes reconciliation and cooperation between North and South Korea, and provides humanitarian aid to North Koreans. Venerable Pomnyun Sunim also works closely with the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB).

In October 2020, the Niwano Peace Foundation in Japan awarded the 37th Niwano Peace Prize to Venerable Pomnyun Sunim in recognition of his international humanitarian work, intensive environmental and social activism, and tireless efforts to build trust and goodwill among communities of different faiths and cultures, with the goal of world peace.**

* Engaged Buddhism: Venerable Pomnyun Sunim joins JTS Korea volunteers for humanitarian relief work in Turkey (BDG)

** Buddhist monk Ven. Pomnyun Sunim awarded 37th Niwano Peace Prize (BDG)

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Pomnyun
Jungto Company
JTS Korea
JTS America
Let's finish this school and give hope to those affected by the earthquake (Jungto Society)
International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB)

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