We support the Drikung Kagyu Monastic School in Tsopema (North India) in its “restart”
During my visit, I learned that the school received hardly any support after the passing of Lho Ongtrul Rinpoche and therefore had great difficulty continuing to exist," reports Raffael Sterkl.
The boarding school offers a home to children from India (with Tibetan roots), from Nepal, and from the Chakma minority, who are persecuted as Buddhists in their homeland. The school provides them not only with education, but also with protection, security, and the opportunity to preserve their culture and Tibetan Buddhism.
Upon our arrival, we found the school in a very dilapidated state—literally lacking everything. So we decided to actively support the institution.
Project description
Project Name: Modernization and Expansion of the Facilities of the Drikung Kagyu Monastic School
Implementing Organization: Drikung Kagyu Monastic School
Location: Tsopema, Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh, Indien
Total Project Cost: 7.25.580 INR (≈ 7.148 €)
The Drikung Kagyu Monastic School plans to expand its capacity due to the steadily growing demand for school places. Additional classrooms are to be built to enable 50 more children to access education. We want to support this project and contribute to the necessary acquisitions.
Background
The Drikung Kagyu Monastic School is a state-recognized educational institution, that imparts both traditional Buddhist teachings as well as traditional Buddhist teachings and modern school subjects. Currently, 49 students - up to university entry – are taught in four classrooms.
Many parents, including refugee families, are seeking a school place for their children. However, due to a lack of space and equipment, the school cannot currently admit additional children. An expansion of the facilities is therefore urgently needed.
Our Contribution Goals
- Improved teaching quality through furniture, boards, and modern teaching materials
- Digital education through computers and printers
- Sports & health through a basketball court and first aid equipment
- Better living conditions through wardrobes in the hostel
Necessary purchases for the Drikung Kagyu Monastic School
- Teacher’s chair (2 pcs) – € 63,-
New chairs for the teachers' classrooms. - 1. Teacher’s desk (2 pcs) – € 69,-
Work surfaces for lesson preparation and teaching. - Blackboard (20 pcs) – € 177,-
For daily teaching and blackboard work. - Student set (desk + chair, 10 pcs) – € 542,-
New workspaces for the students. - Printer – € 767,-
For office work and teaching materials. - Computer (2 Sets) – € 512,-
To support teaching and digital learning content. - Notebooks (354 pcs) – € 523,-
Notebooks for daily learning. - Small basketball field (hoop, board, ball, fencing) – € 2.463,-
For play, exercise and leisure activities. - First aid kit (1 pc) – € 61,-
For safety and emergencies in the school. - Wardrobes for hostel (50 pcs) – € 1.971,-
For safety and emergencies at school.
Total: approx. € 7,148
Schedule
The project will be implemented promptly upon receipt of the donation amount and will be fully completed. After completion, donors will receive all invoices and a final report.
Goals of the School Expansion
- Capacity expansion: from 49 to about 100 students
- Promotion of Tibetan culture: preservation of Tibetan traditions, culture, and Buddhism
- Inclusion: refugee children and disadvantaged families gain access to education
- Holistic development: combination of culture, religion, and modern school subjects
- Digital competence: introduction to computer skills
- Sustainability: creation of long-term structures with relatively modest means
Conclusion
With funding of € 7.148 we can make a valuable contribution to the expansion and modernization of the Drikung Kagyu Monastic School. It is an investment with enormous impact: a school that can admit more children and provide them with education, security, and a better future.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your donation!
Tibet Aid Lower Austria donation account:
Raiffeisenbank Region St. Pölten
Tibethilfe Lower Austria
Schubertstraße 10, 3040 Neulengbach
IBAN: AT743258500000040931
BIC: RLNWATWWOBG