| projects & activities Support for Shree Mangal Dvip School, Kathmandu The eminent Tibetan lama Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche founded Shree Mangal Dvip School in 1987 with the aim of preserving Tibetan religion, culture and language. All the children attending SMD School are of Tibetan origin, and come from isolated communities along Nepal’s mountainous border with Tibet. In 2002 Thrangu Rinpoche opened the Shree Mangal Dvip Branch School for young monks at the famous Namo Buddha Monastery, located in a spectacular location northeast of Kathmandu. Both schools offer high-quality education, accommodation, medical and dental care to hundreds of Himalayan children. Teaching methods are progressive, with a focus on the needs of the individual child. Born in Tibet, Thrangu Rinpoche is renowned the world over as a scholar and meditation master. In 2002 His Holiness the Dalai Lama appointed Thrangu Rinpoche as the personal tutor to the 17th Karmapa. Thrangu Rinpoche has dedicated much of his life to educating and caring for thousands of children and youth of Tibetan origin. Since 2003 Peter Dalglish has taught a leadership class at Shree Mangal Dvip School for older students on social justice and global issues. The class encourages creativity and independent thinking, with a special emphasis on speaking skills. To date 25 of Peter’s leadership class members have been selected for studies at United World Colleges in Norway and Italy, Mulgrave School in Vancouver (directed by the founding Rektor of Nordic Red Cross United World College), the Atlanta International School, Bishop Strachan School in Toronto, Appleby College in Oakville Ontario, West Island College in Alberta, the Atlanta International School, the Intercommunity School of Zurich, Institute Le Rosey in Switzerland, and at St. Julian's School in Lisbon. The SMD School overseas scholars have all made unique contributions to their respective schools, have being trained in meditation and arriving in Europe and North America unburdened by physical possessions. One SMS School overseas scholar was described by his principal in Canada as “perhaps the most compelling student whom I have come across in more than 20 years of international education.” All Shree Mangal Dvip School students who earn the right to study overseas make a pledge to Thrangu Rinpoche to serve their communities without remuneration for at least two years upon the completion of their formal education. The shared goal is that they will use their education to help their community, their family, and their nation. The South Asia Children’s Fund has provided support for a new computer lab at Shree Mangal Dvip School, in addition to support for several Shree Mangal Dvip School overseas scholars. The South Asia Children’s Fund works closely with Shirley Blair, the Director of SMD School, to identify and place talented young people as volunteers at the school. Most volunteers are between the ages of 17 and 25, make a commitment of at least three months, and contribute to the life at the school according to their own passions and skills. They often describe their time at SMD School as “a life changing experience.” One volunteer from the United World College of the Adriatic, Chamilla Stern, founded the SMD girls’ football team, and another established a unicycle club at the school. SMD student volunteers in 2009 have included Brandon Ayers from Vancouver Canada, who coordinated earthquake training for older students and organized swimming classes. |
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| © 2009 South Asia Children's Fund |  |