FDCW 2024 Annual Review

Dear Friend,

We are delighted to share with you below the FDCW 2024 Annual Review. Our facilitators have found new ways to share FDCW programs with their communities. Their patience, skill and dedication are making a real difference in transforming many people’s lives in a positive way.

Other highlights are the successful launch of our new website with visitors increasing by 277%, the
creation of a new series of meditations on values and the successful launch of Friends of FDCW providing a financial bedrock for our work.

I would like to thank our Patron, the Dalai Lama, our Board of Trustees, our team and our global faculty of dedicated facilitators and trainers.

As we light beacons of hope around the world, we ask you to join us. Now, more than ever, this work is needed. 

I hope these stories below lighten your heart and keep the flame of hope and gratitude alive.

Big love,

Victoria
Executive Director, FDCW

Contents

1. Growth of the FDCW Faculty
2. Global Impact: The Reach of the 16 Guidelines
3. 16 Guidelines in Schools
4. 16 Guidelines for Marginalised Communities
5. New Website Launched
6. Become a Friend of FDCW
7. 16 Guidelines Meditations Course Pilot
8. Looking Ahead to 2025

1. Growth of the FDCW Faculty

One of the most significant developments of the year has been the expansion of the FDCW faculty. In 2024, we successfully trained 16 new facilitators across four different countries, strengthening our international presence. This brings our faculty to over 100 trained facilitators operating in 22 countries, each delivering programs that inspire personal and social transformation.

Additionally, three new facilitators completed their accreditation as FDCW trainers, and for the first time, we delivered a facilitator training session in French on the island of La Réunion, marking an important step in our commitment to making the 16 Guidelines accessible to a wider audience. Our annual online training program also saw enthusiastic participation from trainees in Israel, Turkey, and Mongolia, indicating a growing interest in universal education around the world.

2. Global Impact: The Reach of the 16 Guidelines

FDCW’s presence continues to expand, with active programs in over 22 countries. This year has been particularly impactful in several regions, demonstrating the adaptability and effectiveness of the 16 Guidelines in diverse cultural settings.

Mongolia

In Mongolia, FDCW has maintained a strong partnership with FPMT Mongolia, working together to provide a national educational program that benefits adults, youth, and children. Between 80 and 100 children participate in these classes each year, which focus on the 16 Guidelines and social-emotional development activities designed to support children facing challenging circumstances. In the Ger district, where resources are limited, these classes offer vital skills to help children navigate their environment with greater resilience and positivity. To further support this work, Ready, Set, Happy—one of FDCW’s key programs for children—was translated into Mongolian, and 500 printed copies were distributed to local classrooms.

Russia

In Russia, thanks to Ceci Buzón and the Russian team, the 16 Guidelines program has been running successfully for three years, providing teachers and students with tools for personal development and ethical decision-making. As a result of this program, a growing number of students have expressed interest in completing the FDCW facilitator training program in order to share the 16 Guidelines approach in their own communities. Recognising the need for accessible materials, work also began this year on the translation of the 16 Guidelines book into Russian, which will be a crucial resource for future training and outreach.

France

At Nalanda Monastery in France, Ven Jamyang, a registered FDCW facilitator, has been delivering regular courses to volunteers, helping them integrate the principles of the 16 Guidelines into their daily lives. One participant reflected on their experience, saying:

“You don’t need to be a Buddhist to understand the shared values that unite us as a human family.” 

This testimony highlights the universal applicability of the 16 Guidelines and their potential to create a sense of shared purpose and ethical understanding.

Spain

In Spain, Bruno Rizzi, a registered FDCW facilitator with professional experience in hospice care, has been adapting 16 Guidelines materials to support those facing the end of life. The success of these courses has led to increased demand, with plans in place to offer more in-depth training in both Barcelona and Granada in 2025. The ability of the 16 Guidelines to provide comfort and insight in moments of transition has been widely recognised, reinforcing the program’s value in healthcare and caregiving settings.

Israel

In Israel, FDCW continues its fruitful partnership with Dreamers Home, where 43 facilitators have been trained to deliver the 16 Guidelines program. Regular training sessions have been provided, and course materials have been translated into Hebrew to support further expansion. Dreamers Home offers 16 Guidelines training in a variety of settings, including a hospital near Gaza, several schools in Netanya, and within local communities. Their work promotes dialogue and connection in a region marked by conflict, with Dreamers Home founder Niv Agam stating, “I keep going because it’s the best antidote for these challenging circumstances.”

3. 16 Guidelines in Schools

Schools remain a key focus of FDCW’s outreach efforts. In India, FDCW’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Oi Loon Lee, visited Akshay School near Bodhgaya to witness first-hand the impact of 16 Guidelines training on both teachers and children. The effectiveness of this program was also highlighted in Italy, where 16 Guidelines courses have been running in schools and universities for several years.

Read the article here.

To further support this work, a new children’s book, Pronti per essere felici, was published in Italian, drawing inspiration from the Ready, Set, Happy program. More than 120 educators attended the book launch, where they shared their experiences of integrating 16 Guidelines training into their classrooms.

Many 16 Guidelines trainings took place throughout the year led by facilitators in Australia, Europe and Asia. Some feedback was:

One particular young woman had been a primary school teacher in a hostile place and had become dejected about her ability to help young people, but upon finding the 16 Guidelines and FDCW her enthusiasm and inspiration were restored. She has found a way to engage in a meaningful way to help youth find peace and heal.

4. 16 Guidelines for Marginalised Communities

In Spain, a group of yoga and Qigong teachers have been using the 16 Guidelines to support individuals reintegrating into society after long periods of imprisonment. Initially focused on emotional and physical well-being, their work expanded to include vocational training and social reintegration efforts.

After attending a Level 1 course at Nagarjuna Madrid Buddhist Centre, the teachers incorporated the 16 Guidelines into their program, guiding students through discussions, meditation, and self-reflection. Participants reported a greater sense of resilience, awareness, and inner stability, demonstrating how these teachings can help overcome social exclusion.

Read the full article here.

5. New Website Launched

In an effort to modernise our branding and improve access to our resources, FDCW undertook a comprehensive website redesign in 2024. The new site offers a more user-friendly interface, streamlined navigation, and a fresh visual identity that aligns with our message of compassion and wisdom. Since its launch, website traffic has increased by 277%, with visitors from over 200 countries exploring our content. In addition, over 1,000 FDCW resources have been downloaded, demonstrating the growing demand for our programs and materials.

6. Become a Friend of FDCW

The Become a Friend scheme was launched at the end of the year to support the ongoing work of FDCW in spreading universal education. This initiative allows individuals and organisations to contribute regularly, ensuring the development of new resources, facilitator training, and the expansion of digital platforms.

Through this scheme, funding is directed towards:

• Developing new resources and courses for schools and communities.
• Training and empowering facilitators worldwide.
• Expanding the digital platform to make tools for wisdom and compassion more accessible.

Friends of FDCW receive exclusive updates, early access to new teachings, and invitations to special events. Regular contributions provide essential support to sustain and grow the impact of FDCW’s work.

Learn more about the Become a Friend scheme.

7. 16 Guidelines Meditations Course Pilot

Participants shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, describing the series as a powerful tool for self-reflection and group discussion. A participant in Australia remarked, “It beautifully unpacked each of the guidelines and how they are relevant to daily life.” In Malaysia, another participant noted, “The meditation guide is thoughtfully designed, weaving profound concepts into practical exercises.” Facilitators also found the series engaging, with one from the USA sharing, “The course manual is top-notch—relevant, well-written, practical, and usable in everyday life.”

Following the success of the pilot, the full program is set to launch in Spring 2025, offering individuals and communities a meaningful way to integrate the 16 Guidelines into their lives.

8. Looking Ahead to 2025

As we step into 2025, FDCW remains dedicated to expanding our reach and deepening our impact. We look forward to launching the full version of the 16 Guidelines Meditations Course, continuing our work with marginalised communities, and strengthening our global network of facilitators.

Additionally, our new themed series exploring the shadow side of the 16 Guidelines began in January 2025. This series provides a deeper understanding of how qualities such as humility, patience, and generosity can be misunderstood or misapplied, leading to unintended consequences. By examining these aspects, we aim to offer a balanced perspective that helps individuals integrate the Guidelines more fully into their lives with greater awareness and insight.

We are thrilled that the impact on engagement last year was significant, with over 1,000 resource downloads further demonstrating the growing interest in FDCW’s teachings and programs.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to our success this year, and we remain committed to our vision of a more compassionate world.