TFG MID- YEAR NEWSLETTER JULY 2020
Dear Sponsors and Friends of Tibetan Friendship Group Tashi Delek!!
We have been living in strange times these last few months due to Covid-19 and here at TFG we are now conducting meetings via Zoom! This is not a bad idea for the TFG Committee as several of us do not live in Sydney.
Nuns in India having their temperature checked
We have heard from several of the Settlements which we support in India and many of them have been struggling in the current climate. In this Newsletter I will focus on four educational organisations which TFG supports:
SAMBHOTA TIBETAN SCHOOLS SOCIETY (STTS)
TIBETAN CHILDREN’S VILLAGE (TCV)
TIBETAN HOMES FOUNDATION (THF)
YONGLING CRECHE
I must not forget to mention that we have had some correspondence from one of our TFG supporters of the Puruwala Settlement, who is a doctor. She kindly gave some medical advice and patterns for masks, which were forwarded by our TFG Settlement Secretary, Lesley, to the staff at the new Health Centre at Puruwala. TFG is most grateful for this help and support.
Also, I would like to introduce a new segment of the TFG Newsletter. So that you can get to know our small volunteer committee we will feature one of our members in the next few newsletters. Our first volunteer is Lesley Stronach.
LESLEY STRONACH
Lesley Stronach is currently Settlement Secretary for Puruwala and TIPA (Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts). She became involved with TFG just over ten years ago. Her first role was as the group’s Secretary supporting the President and also Settlement Secretary for TIPA.
A year or so later she took on the role as Settlement Secretary for one of the larger Settlements, Puruwala, at the request of the then President Joan Wilson who retired from TFG.
Lesley retired almost seven years ago and five years ago moved from Sydney’s Northern beaches to warmer weather on the far North coast of NSW to be closer to her family including her three young grandchildren. Outside of family she spends her time travelling, keeping fit and looking after her rescue poodle. She is also involved with several animal rescue groups as a volunteer.
A highlight of her time with TFG has been meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his visit to Uluru and travelling to India with Joan Wilson where she visited most of the TFG Settlements.
HISTORY OF TIBETAN CHILDREN’S EDUCATION IN INDIA
One of the most urgent tasks for the Tibetan Government in Exile following the 1959 Chinese occupation of Tibet was to care for and provide education for the children of those refugees who fled Tibet. Many children lost their parents during this time as they were killed in Tibet or died during the flight through the Himalayas. HH the Dalai Lama asked Prime Minister Nehru for help. He responded by establishing the Tibetan Refugee Schools Society. This was later re-named the Central Tibetan Schools Administration and several Central Schools were founded.
SAMBHOTA TIBETAN SCHOOLS SOCIETY (STSS)
Apart from the Central Schools there are numerous Tibetan Settlements scattered through India. Initially the Settlements organised their own schools but eventually the schools were handed over to the Department of Education (DoE) and numbers increased to 19. In 1999 however, it was decided to form a new organisation under the auspices of the DoE and STSS came into being. A rationalisation process resulted in the consolidation of the schools and currently there are 12 schools managed by STTS.
STSS VISION STATEMENT
To develop the minds of children in a manner that they regain their originality and unfold their basic human potential in goodness through awakening of intelligence. To attain supreme freedom through dispelling ignorance and awakening wisdom combined with compassion for a blissful and holistic life.
A MESSAGE FROM TENZIN NORPHEL, SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR STSS -These past few months were quite frightening and unreal, owing to this unprecedented pandemic creating havoc all around the globe. Additionally owing to this grim situation, all schools here in India were closed indefinitely. Hence, this also affects the smooth correspondence of sponsorship-related works. Hence, please kindly find STSS REPORT on the current situation in India/STSS schools and why now the need for sponsorship is important more than ever.
Finally, STSS would like to extend our deep admiration to our kind sponsors and your generous team for your unparalleled support. Thank you so much.
STTS Schoolchildren
TIBETAN CHILDREN’S VILLAGE (TCV)
TCV was founded originally as a nursery, NURSERY FOR TIBETAN REFUGEE CHILDREN, to care for orphaned and destitute children. HH the Dalai Lama’s sister, Jetsun Pema fondly known as “Ama La”, was the director for an astounding 42 years. Over time it was converted to a school and became TCV. Now 17 schools and 2 vocational training centres are operated by TCV.
A MESSAGE FROM JETSUN PEMA, FORMER PRESIDENT OF TCV - All our achievements would not have been possible without the constant blessing and inspiration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as well as the unwavering support and understanding from the people and the Government of India. And of course, we would not have been able to do so much for our children without the continued financial help of so many good friends around the world and not least, we must pay gratitude and remembrance to the many, many mothers, co-workers and teachers, both past and present, who have given so much of their life and hard work simply for the joy of seeing the children secure a meaningful life. We know our road is not at the end and that there is still much to be done, for as His Holiness has stated, “The children are the seeds of future Tibet.” I appeal to everyone – to our sponsors, donor agencies and my fellow colleagues- to continue to be at our side during this difficult period in our history and assist us in educating and caring for the Tibetan children in exile. TASHI DELEK
A MESSAGE FROM THUPTEN DORJEE, PRESIDENT OF TCV - Dear sponsors and friends of TCV, at this time of unprecedented Wuhan COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, it is disturbing to see so many lives being lost and many more are suffering. I write here with our prayers that our dear sponsors and friends around the world are well, safe and sound. We will continue to say our prayers for this terrible virus to pass out at the earliest, so that we can return back to our normal lives again. I am sure many of you are deeply concerned about TCV and the children that you sponsor and are dear to you, I am happy to write here and to say TCV is safe and sound and not to worry.
Cots in the nursery at TCV
Childrens clothes drying at TCV
TIBETAN HOMES FOUNDATION, MUSSOORIE (THF)
THF is a charitable Institute founded in 1963 in Mussoorie, dedicated to working for the care of orphans, semi-orphans and destitute Tibetan refugee children. It was one of the many Institutions founded by HH the Dalai Lama to provide home-like care and education and encourages the learning of the Tibetan language and cultural values. THF has over 2000 children living in 58 homes and three hostels. They receive education in the main residential school at Mussoorie and at 2 other branches, one at Rajpur and one near Rishikesh. Apart from this THF also runs two homes for destitute elderly Tibetans who have no family to support them, a residential facility for retired THF staff and a Vocational Training Centre.
MUSSOORIE
Located 35 kms from Dehradun, Mussoorie is a wonderful hill station in Uttarakhand situated at a height of 2005m above sea level. It is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and is known as the Queen of the Hills. Mussoorie offers spectacular views of the snow ranges to the north-east, glittering view of the Doon Valley and the Shivalik ranges to the south.
REPORT FROM THF
At present the situation in Mussoorie is very bad with 76 cases of Covid-19 in the district and 317 in the state of Uttarkhand. Certain measures have been implemented to combat the effects of the Corona Virus. The school organised a health team to carry out visits and also regular sanitizing of all functioning areas and school vehicles is carried out every weekend. Teachers commenced on-line learning for students and to keep the non-teaching staff occupied and positive, a program of “Socially Productive Works” was introduced as follows:
- Sewing of face-masks (3000 made!)
- Knitting garments (mufflers, neck wraps, head wraps, socks woollen caps)
- Making butter lamp wicks
- Making opera costumes for Tibetan dances and opera
- Mending Team – mending blankets, curtains, bedsheets etc.
- Thangka Making – under the guidance of a vocational Training teacher
- Making traditional door- curtains
- Making Tibetan Prayer Flags
- Making Keychains
All these measures mean that the school has incurred a lot of extra expense and along with the reduction in interest rates and the instability of the current climate, the school is facing economic hardship. More than ever the school relies on our support to sponsor the children. One-off donations are also very welcome.
A MESSAGE FROM MRS DEKYI WANGMO OF THF - Tashi Delek from all of us here at Tibetan Homes Foundation. We hope this letter of us will find you in the best of your health. Here, at the school, we are doing fine with a handful of staff joining the office on Thursday April, 23rd to offer our gratitude on the 57th Foundation day. Our sincere thanks to each and everyone for making our journey an accomplished one with all the encouragements and supports. We remain in solidarity at this Global Pandemic anxiety! Sending our prayers! This too shall pass......
Face masks made at THF
Opera costume made at THF
YONGLING CRECHE
Based in Dharamsala, Yongling Creche was founded in 1984 by a young Tibetan man, Dawa Tsering with the cooperation of local parents. At that time, many Tibetans worked as labourers in construction, road building and carpet weaving. Parents faced difficulties finding childcare and education for their young children.
Fortunately, Yongling Creche was established to care and educate the children and today has approximately 260 children, including many babies below the age of 3. The school also runs a hostel for those children whose parents have to move frequently in order to find work or live in an area without a Tibetan school.
During the lockdown the school staff has been busy cleaning the premises, painting school buildings, renovating the teaching equipment and other school furniture. Also, more extensive work has been carried out to reinforce the roof of the school building.
A MESSAGE FROM DAWA TSERING, DIRECTOR YONGLING CRECHE - Once again, we would like to thank you all for your kind help to our kindergarten and children of Tibet. With your help, we are able to serve our community and educate more than 4500 students in the last 35 years. All these cannot happen without your help and support. We shall remain always grateful for your time help and support. Thanking you in dharma.
Morning tea at Yongling Creche
As you can see from these reports many Tibetan schools are struggling at this difficult time. Not only the schools but also many of the other organisations TFG supports. At TFG we know that some of our sponsors also face financial hardship due to Covid-19 and may have to withdraw their support. However, if you are financially stable and you or your family and friends can find it in your heart to sponsor a child or a nun or make a one-off donation, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that somewhere in India a Tibetan will directly benefit from your support. Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters who have continued to support TFG over the years, Tibetans in India and those scattered around the world work hard to keep their language and culture alive and we at TFG are proud to help them in any way we can.
TFG CONTACT DETAILS
MAIL: TIBETAN FRIENDSHIP GROUP AUSTRALIA (INC) PO BOX 39, GORDON NSW 2072
EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WEBSITE: www.tfg.org.au
PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR SPONSORSHIP AND DONATIONS
CHEQUE: PAYABLE TO TIBETAN FRIENDSHIP GROUP AUSTRALIA (INC)
DIRECT DEPOSIT: CBA BSB: 062173 ACCOUNT NO: 28020635
WEBSITE: PAYPAL
