Seeds of Hope, A Story of Buddhist Orphanages in Africa

This is the second film I am showing highlighting the activity of Buddhists in southern Africa. Although they are very much a minority population they have been making a difference in their communities.

Here we see Ven Hui-Li, originally from Taiwan, set up three very active orphanages: the first in Malawi, in 2004, which is also still the biggest, and two more later in Lesotho and Swaziland.

The film looks at the children’s family backgrounds, and their prospects for the future, which, with the Venerable’s emphasis on compassion, caring and education, should be much brighter than it otherwise would have been.

We see some of the daily activities of the children, how they are progressing, and the plans in place for vocational training for those who do not go on to higher education.

We also meet some of the staff, both volunteers and full-time employed, and there are interviews with Ven. Hui-Li who gets a chance to explain the philosophy behind the centres.