Building Project and Future Plans

Our plan is to build a new Munsel Boarding School for 50 children and to house the Intensive Program for Young Adults on the land we own just a five minute walk from primary and secondary public schools in Jyekundo, Tibet. Cost for the Building Project: $96,400

Curriculum Created Using What Is Offered In Public School and Developing Our Own Enrichment Program.

Language - These children must be able to speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese to be able to go on to higher education or compete in the marketplace. They need to study Tibetan grammar with writing and reading to continue their indigenous language and the language of their religion. Additionally, English will be offered, if at all possible, to prepare them for manyother job possibilities or to study in other countries.

Mathematics - simple math and also vocational mathematics

Nutrition and Health Care - Studies have shown half of all children in the Tibetan region of China suffer from stunted growth, medical problems, and potentially impaired intellectual development as a result of malnutrition... Conclusions: In Tibetan children, severe stunting due to malnutrition occurs early in life, and morbidity is high.(New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 1, 2001)

Vocational Education - We will partner with local and other non-profit organizations working in the area to offer a range of vocational skills and education including midwifery, greenhouse construction and maintance, herbology and motorcycle repair.

Computers and Modern Communication including keyboarding

Physical Education including Tai Chi and Qi Gong or Yoga

Group sports and recreational activities - western and traditionalMindfulness and Compassion: As an optional course of studies offered after school hours and on weekends. We are preparing a course of Mahayana Buddhism including Meditation/Tonglen/Lojong. The heritage of these children is rich. Many great meditation masters and scholors came from their region. Using the knowledge gained by teaching Buddhism in the West to householders, Khenpo Gawang is creating this course of study for laypeople.

Greenhouse Project: These villages are above the tree line and have a very short growing season. It is too cold to grow most vegetables. Greenhouses allow kids to eat more nutritiously. Vegetables are expensive so a greenhouse producing vegetables for the children would supply needed vitamins and minerals and reduce costs. Two others schools in the area have greenhouses and from their knowledge a greenhouse allows one child to have vegetables for a year for under $5.00 US. Greenhouses would also allow a vocational skill to be taught to interested students.