Education for Tibetan Refugees and Orphans

Summary

Providing children of Tibetan refugees and other Himalayan minorities in India with schooling in their traditional culture, and a place to live when their parents migrate for work.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The culture of Tibetan refugees and other Himalayan communities in India is threatened due to their minority ethnic and cultural status. The needs of these communities are met by helping to preserve traditions for the younger generation who are subject to the pressures of mainstream Indian culture. These are up to 200 children, ages 5 to 16, including orphaned children and children whose parents migrate seasonally to find work. The school also provides a residence for 70 children.

How will this project solve this problem?

To run a school for poor Tibetan children that includes local curriculum and culturally relevant activities, such as Tibetan language, music and dance. The project also provides shelter to poor and orphaned children.

Potential Long Term Impact

The conservation of Tibetan and Himalayan cultural heritage, which serves as an important role in these communities, and which contributes to continuation and cohesion.

Project Message

Our traditional songs and writings are very precious; there is wisdom in them which comes from our forefathers & which is carried from generation to generation. If we lose that it will be gone forever
- Thamed Lodve, Tibetan Lama

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources