Educating Tibetan Bon Children and Youth

Dear Friends,

Life at the Bon Children's Welfare Center in Dolanji continues to be busy even in the height of summer. The children are fully involved in all aspects of life and take on increasing responsibility as they get older.

Good health is essential for everyone and the children learn how to stay healthy and the importance of hygiene. As the center has few volunteers the older students take on the role of carers for the smaller children, supervising their morning washing and tooth brushing and bathing.  They also make sure the children clean up their rooms and beds and wash their clothes and uniforms. Each weekend all the bed linens are boiled and scrubbed and left to dry in the sun. Last year the center made iron bunk beds to replace many of the wooden beds for cleanliness and to discourage insects.

There is a health and sanitation committee that ensures protocol is followed and any sick child is immediately brought to the on site clinic. If necessary they are transported to the off site town hospital.  Health officials are invited to attend the center and give lessons in health and safety especially about the latest diseases such as TB or Avian Flu.

Here is one young man’s comments, “When I came to the center there weren’t facilities like there are now. I was sad and lonely and only five years old. But I settled in and got lots of love and support. Now I have a modern education as well as knowing about Bon culture and history and religion. I also learned how to behave and conduct myself and care for the smaller children and take care of my health. Thank you to the Bon Center and His Holiness.”

Thank you for your continued support.