Peace Times 13

by Enrica Mazzi

Following the 1997 experiment, when «Help in Action» first brought help to a small number of children in Tibet, this year saw the true christening of this adoptions at a distance project set up on the roof of the world. There are now over one hundred children receiving help.

This summer a truck left from Shigatse to the nearby villages of Gangchen and Dakshuk, filled with school materials, clothing and foodstuff for all. All the villagers came out to meet with the voluntary workers of «Help in Action» who were accompanied by government officials, present to verify the genuine humanitarian purpose of the Association’s activities in Tibet.

One by one parents and children received the gifts, letters and money from sponsors. It is very difficult for these people, so used to surviving in such harsh conditions without any kind of social help or assistance, to believe that someone from a far away country could be so kind and show interest in them. It became an occasion for great festivities in the villages, even though tinged with some sadness for those children still waiting to receive help.

This year’s journey to the land of snow has made it even more evident, just how great the necessity is for those families and their children to have basic structures, schools and clinics, without which village life remains bereft of any human dignity and isolated help, although of course always useful, is very limiting.

The construction of the elementary school in Dakshuk (195 inhabitants) has now been completed and discreetly furnished. Financial help destined to the small Gangchen clinic were used to buy a one year supply of Tibetan medicine prepared by the clinic of Tashi Lumpo Monastery, itself a recipient of financial assistance.

«Help in Action» has extended help to over ten governmental schools and thirteen governmental dispensaries in other villages in the Sakya district, known as one of the poorest areas of Tibet. Great joy too both in Poti Kansar and Riwo Choeling monasteries, where a few monks have already been adopted at a distance and where help is however still much needed for their basic survival, that is to buy food, medicines, fuel for the winter months, shoes and other items of clothing.

«Help in Action» would like to express their deepest gratitude and thanks to all those who have so generously contributed to making Lama Gangchen’s dream of helping those in his homeland, a reality.