Educating Tibetan Refugee Children and Youth

Summary

Help 50 Tibetan Bon children and youths access primary through post-secondary education.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The Bon is a minority Tibetan ethnic group that fled to India when the Chinese invaded Tibet in 1959. In 1968, the Bon established a community in Dolanji, India. Today, the 80-family community has two children's hostels, a school (to the 10th class), a health center and a community farm. The students in the Bon community come from Tibet, Mongolia, India, Nepal and Bhutan. The students are either refugees from Tibet or do not have the opportunity for higher education in their home country.

How will this project solve this problem?

Creating Hope International is working with the Bon to make primary through post-secondary education possible for the community's children and youths. This project will help 50 children and youth live at a dormitory and attend school for 1 year.

Potential Long Term Impact

Education will improve the opportunities of these young people and the standard of living for the entire community. Some Tibetan students who have benefited from past scholarship programs have returned to Dolanji as leaders and health workers.

Project Message

One Tibetan refugee girl completed primary school, went to college, and studied nursing at a Mission Hospital in India. In 2004, she returned to Dolanji to work in the Bon health clinic.
- Geshe Lhasay Tenzin, accountant, Yungdrung Bon Monastic Centre