Late last year I went on a field trip to visit projects we support in Nepal and India. For the first two weeks, I was joined by Terri, our Sponsorship Coordinator. It was her first visit to India and Nepal; so a lot to take in! This trip also included visits to new and upcoming projects which were key to help us further develop our work. It’s always inspiring and motivating to meet the amazing people we work with. I came back greatly moved and raring to make even more progress in 2020.
Philippa Carrick, CEO
Nepal
Tashi Palkhiel settlement near Pokhara, Nepal… What a view to have from your school’s playground!
In Parljorling it was incredibly motivating to meet Tenzin Tsepal who received skills training via Tibet Relief Fund. Although still in school, Tenzin has completed a course in mobile phone repair. He checked out my phone and pronounced it healthy!
We caught up with representatives from Bakhang village, where your donations have rebuilt the school and 14 family homes. Next up is a health clinic that will serve Bakhang and two other villages – a total population of 2,000! Here we are standing in front of lots of Lego-like earthquake-resistant bricks!
Whilst visiting Dekyiling settlement we met some of the elders who receive stipends from Tibet Relief Fund. It was very moving to hear how your generosity helps Mrs Namgyal Dolma and her husband Mr Chhophel access the vital medicines he needs.
On our drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, we visited Jampaling settlement where I had the privilege of meeting former Tibetan freedom fighter, Lobsang Monlam, again. You might remember him from a past appeal. He is now in his 90s and despite his health issues and losing his wife, he is still so positive and welcoming!
India
Our visit to Tibetan Homes Foundation Mussoorie and the wonderful celebrations they organised to mark out our 60th year will always live with me. The day started with an amazing display by the school’s brass band, including bagpipes and a traditional welcome ceremony that had me taking a pinch of tsampa and throwing it over my shoulder! Later we were treated to an afternoon of music and dance performances.
I have often visited Clementown with its amazing stupa, but had never been to Chushi Gangdrug old people’s home. The elders who live there feel very lucky as not only are there three monasteries in the settlement representing three different Tibetan Buddhist traditions, but they can make a daily circumambulation of the stupa at 5:30 in the morning! Here our Project Liaison Officer, Tenzin Nyima, is listening to Bushu’s story.
Our stay in Dharamsala overlapped with the Dharansala International Film Festival where the staff of Empowering the Vision (our youth project) were running workshops. It was great to feel the buzz, soak up the atmosphere and catch up with everyone from EVP!
