Educating Tibetan Bon Children and Youth

The children at the Yungdrung Bon Monastic Centre (YBMC) are now busily studying for their exams in March.  As the student numbers grow (there are now 64 girls attending school), YBMC has been improving the facilities for the students.  The boys now have a second floor above the dormitories with rooms for special studies (e.g. art, English, Tibetan) and a large hall for conferences. Construction of a larger shower room on the ground floor is also underway. The water issues for both the boys and girls have also been improved. There is now a fixed water filter and water cooler in the boys’ dorms to provide pure and cool water during the summer and the delivery of water in the girls’ facilities has been fixed. 

We are very grateful for your continued support for the Bon children in Dolanji.  Your support has not only helped with food and clothing for the children but also has contributed to the improvement of the facilities. 

Thank you!!

During the summer months, when the school is closed, there is still much to do for the Bon children in Dolanji, India.  Many of the children living at the monastery in India come from rural areas in Nepal where there are no schools. This year those children in the 10^th class went to visit their families.  Some had not seen them for 10 years, and it was a very happy reunion.  Many children had difficulty recognizing their family members but their families knew them and were very happy that they had grown up and were receiving a good education.

During the summer there were also activities for those children remaining in the dormitories.  There was a debate in July and a seminar on Bon history, religion and culture  was organized in the library which included students attending the Tibetan University in Varanasi.  There was a handwriting competition with prizes for the winners.  Teachers Day was celebrated on September 5^th, the birthday of Dr. Radha Krishanan, the second president of India.

School has again started for the Bon children in Dolanji.  This year a 12^th class was added and everybody is very happy about that. Two children from the school achieved first positions in the science and culture exhibitions held for the Tibetan schools in the Northern Zone.  The students then traveled to Delhi to participate in the Central Zone exhibition. 

Don’t forget!  The holidays are a great time to share your passion for the Tibetan Bon children and continue supporting their education! GlobalGiving offers gift certificates which can be used to donate to this project. Also, beginning December 1^st, the initial donation made by recurring donors will be matched 100% by GlobalGiving. There is only $25,000 available in matching funds, so help us take advantage of this opportunity early!