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