A Little «Help» Travels a Long Way

The association of the «poor lama» to the aid of those in need

Peace Times 16

Help in Action

Soon after his arrival in South India, Lama Gangchen earned himself the title of «poor lama»: not because he was a refugee from Tibet with nothing, but because he immediately dedicated himself to helping those less fortunate. The poorest of the Tibetan community found the tradition, of making offerings to the lamas who visited their homes to perform prayer ceremonies, reversed as Lama Gangchen would arrive by bicycle carrying for them gifts of rice, vegetables and other necessities.

Once in the West, the wish of Lama Gangchen to help these very people was concretized in the founding of Lama Gangchen Kiurok Tsochun «Help in Action», a voluntary non-profit association. Officially registered with the Italian Government in 1997, the Association has already been operating since 1992 and is a branch of the Lama Gangchen World Peace Foundation, a United Nations affiliated NGO.

One of the Association’s main activities is that of «adoptions at a distance»; through which it offers financial support to members of the Himalayan community living in India, Nepal and Tibet. There are presently 1300 adoptions in progress. «Help in Action» also works in order to raise funds and support educational, cultural, social and sanitary projects in Himalayan communities.

Projects in Central Tibet include: Adoptions at a Distance - The conditions at 4000 mts are extremely difficult: harsh winters, lack of water, food and adequate clothing, as well as sanitary and educational structures. In most villages parents are unable to afford schooling for their children. Sponsoring a child guarantees them an acceptable quality of life and education. It is also possible to sponsor old people and monks.

Gangchen Monastery: Although the monastery is now almost complete, funds are still needed to realise the monk’s houses and the retreat centre. The monks, who keep alive a profound and precious culture, will continuously need help and support for the provision of basic necessities, as well as to replace the texts needed for study.

Water 2000: The region of Gangchen desperately needs water for irrigation and to improve general hygienic standards. The provision of a water system for Gangchen and the surrounding villages will completely change the living conditions and quality of life for these people.

Schools in Tibet: Many villages are without schools, but even the schools situated 10 or 20 km away are inaccessible due to the lack of transport. The existing schools lack desks, heating, books, pens and other materials. Many children are completely illiterate. We are presently supporting 3 schools, those of Singma Gangchen, Dakshu and Nye where over 200 children live and study. In 1999, the construction of 5 other schools was initiated in the Sakya District - one of the poorest areas of Tibet.

Gangchen Clinic: Until recently there was no medical aid in this area, sick people had to make the long journey to Shigatse to receive help. The recently constructed clinic in Gangchen is already open and a Tibetan doctor is in residence. However, the clinic still needs funds to buy equipment, medicine and to pay the doctor.

Tashi Lumpo Clinic: Situated in Shigatse, this clinic located inside the monastery treats at low cost around 100 patients a day. Here the antique Tibetan medical tradition is preserved as the clinic prescribes and produces traditional herbal medicines, it also offers allopathic and Chinese medicine. Funds are needed to buy medicines, build new rooms and to renew equipment.

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