To help keep villagers abreast of news in the outside world, the abbot also set up a community library stocked with donated books. Apart from helping the hilltribe people to be literate, the monk also aims to involve them in environmental conservation. Wat Doi Mae Lai Duang Chan, another temple in Hod district, which has since been turned into a non-formal school giving some 100 underprivileged hilltribe boys the chance to get an education. According to the monk, the parents of most rural children can afford only compulsory primary education. But Phra Poonchai believes this is not enough and that temples can help fill the gap.
Temples have ample facilities.
Monks have the time to teach. Apart from supporting the underprivileged children's schooling, the monk also provides financial support to six schools in Hod district and one in Mae Sa Rieng district, including basic equipment such as desks, tables, chalk and blackboards. The students also get free uniforms and educational supplies every year. In addition, they get scholarships to see them through high school and, in some cases, university. So far, the monk has provided financial support to about 200 graduates.