WHERE WE WORK

INDIA

In the last two years, we have built a relationship with the wonderful organization Phen-Dey. For years their mission has focused on the support of Tibetan communities in various parts of India. For decades the Tibetan refugee community has slowly integrated into the local villages and cities across India. Since a number of these communities are located in rural areas it can be difficult to access funds for basic infrastructure and supplies. Phen-Dey has supported these efforts in a variety of ways – including through water and education.

We have found an excellent partner with Phen-Dey because they are passionate not only about the Tibetan community but also the Indian community. They feel strongly that projects should always benefit the surrounding villages as well as the monasteries and refugee centers.

Also essential to the partnership is a demonstration for completing projects. It is hard to find people willing and capable of following through on agreed investments assuring that they reach fruition. Since we do not station staff members in-country it is vital for us to have reliable and excellent partners. Phen-Dey has strong local contacts who diligently confirm the completion of work and innovate further ideas for programming. Our hope is for many collaborations in the future.

“U” VILLAGE – DHONDENLING TIBETAN SETTLEMENT

“U” Village is located in Southern India in Kollegal Taluk, Karnataka State. It is one of 22 villages at Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement in Kollegal Taluk, Karnataka State in southern India. The village consists of 32 households with a total of 158 occupants.

Although the village is facing a number of issues, access to drinking water continues to prove to be one of its most serious. The Indian Governmental Authority pipes water to the village once a week. But it is inconsistent and often arrives at different days and times. Families often do not have enough water for cooking.

The borewell will support the community and provide for a more stable source of water. Phen Dey is assisting with the project on the ground to make sure it is completed in a timely manner.

TIBETAN HANDICRAFT CO-OP SOCIETY

The Co-op is located in Northern India in McLeod Ganj, Dharmasala, Kongra, Himachal Pradesh.

As part of our work with the Phen Dey Foundation, we continue to collaborate with them on projects they feel we can make a positive impact with. For 2022 we have agreed to help support the borewell project for the 125 Tibetan Refugee families that live in the Tibetan Handicraft Co-op Society. 

This community is adjacent to McLeod Ganj, which is a popular tourist and spiritual center in the northern city of Dharmasala. Over the last few years, the region has grown by leaps and bounds, which has placed stress on the water infrastructure of the area. As a result, the families who work and live in the village consistently have challenges accessing water. The pandemic has added even more challenges, and the community has asked for help to gain better access to basic services. The community has also pledged to support the Indian neighbors that live near the settlement as well. 

The community is 87% women and they produce Hand-knotted Tibetan rugs, as well as Buddhist ritual items and traditional Tibetan dresses. All the workers are stakeholders in the society, and have access to job training, child care and health services. 

INDIA

In the last two years we have started a relationship with the wonderful organization Phen-Dey. For years their mission is to support Tibetan communiites in various parts of India. Over the years the Tibetan refugee community has slowly integrated into the local villages and cities across India. Since a number of these communities are located in rural areas it can be difficult to access funds for basic infrastructure and supplies. Phen-Dey has supported these efforts in a variety of ways – including through water and education. 

We have found an excellent partner with Phen-Dey because they are passionate not only about the Tibetan community but also the Indian community. They feel strongly that projects should always benefit the surrounding villages as well as the monestaries and refugee centers. 

Also essential to the partnership is a demonstration for completing projects. It is hard to find people willing and capable of following through on agreed investments assuring that they reach fruition. Since we do not station staff members in country it is vital for us to have reliable and excellent partners. Phen-Dey has strong local contacts who diligently confirm completion of work and innovate further ideas for programming. Our hope is for many collaborations in the future.