Sagarmatha School children on an educational tour to Maratika Cave, May 2025.

In the remote valleys and small local communities of India and Nepal, education is more than a classroom experience – it is a lifeline to opportunity, cultural preservation, and spiritual growth. FPMT’s Social Services Fund (SSF) continues to play an important role in this journey, offering consistent support to schools that serve children and young monks from Tibetan, Nepali, Sherpa, and Indian backgrounds. By the end of 2025, the SSF will have disbursed a total of US$226,563 across eight schools, reaching over 1,400 students. These grants helped cover essential needs such as nutritious meals, teacher salaries, classroom materials, and cultural activities. Through this support, the SSF not only strengthens access to quality education but also nurtures the values of compassion, wisdom, gratitude, and resilience in the next generation. Please learn below about the schools we are currently supporting, and how the grants were utilized this year.

Sagarmatha Secondary School | Sambhota Tibetan School CVP | Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics | Maitreya School | Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School | Shree Sangka Dechholing Gonpa School | Gaden Jangtse Monastic College |
Tashol Tengyur School | How to Help

Sagarmatha Secondary School, situated in Chailsa, Solukhumbu, Nepal, remains a shining example of holistic education for children from remote Himalayan communities. The school provides free education, uniforms, books, hostel accommodations, and nutritious meals to all students. The Social Services Fund has been supporting the school since 2015. In 2025, a grant was offered to sustain its educational and welfare programs. Currently, the school serves 275 students and is supported by 16 teachers and 2 staff members.

Sagarmatha School children receive blessings from Khenrinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi,
the Abbot of Kopan Monastery.

On April 23, 2024, the school hosted guests from Kopan Monastery and Singapore, including Khenrinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi, who offered blessings and shared profound insights on the importance of ethical education. Uniforms and books were distributed to students, continuing the tradition of removing financial barriers to learning.

Among other highlights was an educational tour to Maratika Cave (the place where Guru Padmasambhava achieved immortality through meditation and blessings from Amitayus). This pilgrimage offered students a chance to deepen their spiritual understanding and personal growth. A short prayer session was held during the visit, where students expressed heartfelt wishes for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

On July 6, 2025, the school joyfully celebrated the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The day began with a traditional Sang-Sol incense offering puja (purification puja), followed by a formal ceremony in the prayer hall. The event brought together geshes, students, teachers, and members of the Chailsa Tibetan settlement. Students showcased their cultural heritage through vibrant performances, reinforcing the school’s commitment to preserving Tibetan identity and values.

Children at Sambhota School studying together.

The Sambhota Tibetan School CVP Bylakuppe, located in the Tibetan Dickey Larsoe Settlement in Karnataka. Established in 1971, the school currently educates 132 students from classes 1 to 10. Tibetan is the medium of instruction at the primary level, transitioning to English from class six onward. The school is supported by a committed team of 25 teaching and non-teaching staff.

Since 2015, the Social Services Fund has been supporting the school’s vegetarian midday meal program. This initiative has significantly contributed to students’ health, concentration, and academic engagement. In 2025, the SSF again offered a grant to continue this essential program, ensuring that students receive the nourishment they need to thrive academically and personally.

In a letter dated January 2025, Settlement Officer Chime Dorjee expressed deep gratitude for the continued support of the midday meal program, emphasizing its role in enhancing student well-being and learning outcomes.

Ngari Institute’s children enjoying a meal.

The Ngari Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, located in Saboo-Do Village, Ladakh, was founded in 2010 under the leadership of Geshe Tsewang Dorje, a Lharampa Geshe graduate from Sera Je Monastery. The institute was established with the vision of preserving the Tibetan Buddhist Nalanda tradition, Tibetan culture, and the unique way of life of the Himalayan people – especially at a time when such traditions face immense challenges inside Tibet.

The institute offers a unique blend of modern education and traditional monastic training, including debate classes, which are rare in Ladakh. Students receive regular schooling during the day and attend additional tuition and monastic classes in the mornings and evenings. This dual approach ensures both academic and spiritual development.

As of 2025, the institute supports 73 students and 22 dedicated staff members, with a long-term goal to serve 200 children. The institute has seen remarkable progress. Students have consistently performed well in government board exams, and alumni have gone on to pursue higher education at institutions like the Dalai Lama Institute for Higher Education. Infrastructure projects are underway, including a Buddha Relics Temple, Girls Hostel Extension, retreat rooms, and an ambitious tree plantation project to green the dry Ladakhi landscape.

Since 2013, the Social Services Fund has been a steadfast supporter of the institute, particularly in funding the daily meal program. This program has been vital in ensuring the health and well-being of both students and staff. For the year 2025, a grant was given to cover the full cost of meals for all students and teachers.

Maitreya School children visiting the Root Institute for Wisdom Culture.

The Maitreya School in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, continues to serve as an educational sanctuary for children from some of the most underserved communities in the region. Rooted in the compassionate vision of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the school’s mission transcends conventional academics. It aims to nurture children who are not only intellectually capable but also spiritually grounded and socially responsible.

In 2024–25, the school organized a wide range of enriching activities, including:

• Creative writing, quiz, and speech competitions in Hindi and English, with over 300 participants.
• A pilgrimage to Rajgir, Nalanda, and Pawapuri, where students recited the Heart Sutra alongside international pilgrims.
• A visit to Root Institute for Wisdom Culture, where Class 5 students had an opportunity to explore Buddhist teachings and practice meditation.

The school has also begun meditation classes, introduced group discussions based on the 16 Guidelines for Life (practical methods to incorporate wisdom and compassion into every facet of our daily lives), and is actively transforming its infrastructure. Six new rooms are being renovated for music, dance, drama, yoga, and arts, and plans are underway to develop the rooftop and garden into creative and permaculture-based learning spaces. The library, revitalized by dedicated volunteers, has become a hub of literacy and imagination, where students are learning to read, write, and care for books.

Despite its many successes, the school faced significant challenges. Bihar remains one of India’s most economically disadvantaged states, where poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to quality education are widespread. Many students arrived at school hungry, which severely impacts their ability to learn and thrive. To address this, the school urgently sought support to provide nutritious, protein-rich morning snacks for all students. Additionally, the school plans to offer afternoon tuition support for struggling students. This initiative will be led by three to four additional teachers or alumni, providing both academic help and a small income for former students.

In 2025, the school received a grant from the Social Services Fund that will support its ongoing efforts to provide free, value-based education to 277 children from Lower Kindergarten through Class 8.

Rolwaling School: Trail repair work in progress.

The Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School, nestled in the Himalayan valley of Rolwaling, Nepal, continues to provide holistic education to 36 students, rooted in Buddhist values, cultural preservation, and compassionate service.

By 2025, the school successfully completed the construction of two winter hostel buildings and a temporary kitchen-dining facility in Lamabagar, enabling year-round education despite the harsh climate. The academic year began in February with the arrival of students and staff, including the enrollment of eight new children from nearby villages. In April, the school community returned to Beding village, where classes will continue through November. Two senior students completed their primary education and traveled to Namdroling Monastery in South India for further studies. The school also organized vocational training in hospitality, bakery, and barista skills for fifteen local women, empowering them with practical livelihood skills. Throughout the year, students actively participated in traditional ceremonies, preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Rolwaling valley.

Among their many impactful initiatives, two stand out:

Protection of Yaks in Rolwaling

In alignment with the vision of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the school continues to support the protection and care of over 108 rescued yaks. These animals were originally saved from slaughter in Solukhumbu and brought to Rolwaling by crossing the Yalung La Pass. Today, they roam freely in the valley, where the local Sherpa community strictly forbids the killing or selling of animals. The school founder, Ngawang Labsum Rinpoche, along with students, regularly visits the grazing areas and ensure their well-being. A dedicated herder has been employed to protect the yaks from mountain wolves, reinforcing the school’s commitment to animal liberation and environmental stewardship.

Trail Maintenance and Emergency Relief

On July 5, 2024, a devastating flash flood struck the Rolwaling valley, destroying over 10 kilometers (6 miles) of trail, sweeping away four bridges. In response, the school and monastery mobilized immediate relief efforts. They led the reopening of trails, provided emergency support to affected families, and constructed temporary shelters for travelers.

In 2025, the school received a grant from the Social Services Fund for the school operations and for classroom furniture and beds for the winter school in Lamabagar.

Shree Sangka Dechholing Gonpa School children receive blessings from Khenrinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi, the Abbot of Kopan Monastery.

The Shree Sangka Dechholing Gonpa School, situated in Taplejung, Nepal, is making significant progress in offering comprehensive education to children in the area. Established in 2007 and affiliated with the National Examination Board (NEB), the school currently serves 171 students with the support of 16 dedicated teachers.

The school’s core vision is to integrate modern academic instruction with moral and spiritual education under the guidance of Kopan Monastery. This approach aims to nurture students into not only academically capable individuals but also responsible and compassionate people.

In 2024, the school achieved praiseworthy academic results, with students excelling in Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Beyond academics, the school has placed strong emphasis on extracurricular development such as the inter-school football competition and cultural dance, quiz competitions, reflecting children’s diverse talents and enthusiasm.

Infrastructure-wise, the school comprises four buildings with 18 classrooms, a stupa, a prayer wheel, six washrooms, a dining and kitchen facility, and a large playground that supports inter-school sports events. These facilities create a well-rounded environment for both academic and personal growth. Additionally, the school’s commitment to its staff is evident in its structured salary system, which includes a 13-month pay scale and government-aligned compensation. This ensures stability and motivation among the teaching and administrative team.

In 2025, the grant given supported its ongoing educational mission.

Gaden Jangtse Monastery (source: Gaden Jangtse Monastery Facebook page).

The Gaden Jangtse Monastic College, re-established in 1969 in Mundgod, South India, is a renowned institution within the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, dedicated to the preservation and transmission of Buddhist philosophy, scripture, debate, and meditation. As part of its broader educational mission, the Gaden Jangtse School serves as a vital platform for educating young monks, ensuring they receive both traditional monastic training and formal academic education.

The school currently supports approximately 500 monk students and employs 13 salaried teachers, with additional support from senior monks who volunteer as tutors. These teachers play a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and spiritual development of the next generation of Buddhist scholars and practitioners.

In 2025, the grant provided supported the annual salaries of the school’s teachers. This funding is essential to maintain the quality and continuity of education at the school, especially as it aligns with the guidance of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who has encouraged the integration of monastic education with the Indian secondary school system. This allows monk students to receive recognized academic qualifications alongside their spiritual training.

Tashol Tengyur School children with Tenzin Gyurmey Rinpoche.

The Thubten Shedrubling Foundation, a Gelug Buddhist Center founded in 2014 by Tenzin Gyurmey Rinpoche in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Tibetan Buddhism and culture through education. The Foundation’s vision aligns with the aspirations of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe to spread the Dharma and expand Universal Education Programs.

Over the years, the Foundation has offered free courses in English, computer literacy, Tibetan language, and Buddhism to both adults and children, benefiting over 600 individuals. It has also hosted workshops on secular ethics and teachings by Tibetan lamas, building a vibrant community of around 100 active members.

In 2023, the Foundation launched the Tashol Tengyur School, a Buddhist primary school that admitted 30 first-grade students and provided a well-rounded curriculum including Tibetan and English languages, mathematics, physical education, and morning prayers. Despite its success and positive feedback from parents, the school had to close due to challenges in retaining qualified teachers in the remote and climatically harsh region of Tawang.

In 2025, a grant from the SSF was given for the first time, The Foundation plans to resume its educational programs with renewed focus. The funding will support salaries and operational costs for a two-year initiative that includes:

• For children: Out-of-school and weekend classes in Tibetan language, Buddhism, and Social Emotional Ethical Learning (SEEL), each offered three times a week.
• For adults: Introductory and intermediate Buddhism classes held six times a week, Tibetan language classes three times a week, and regular pujas on holy days.

Thank You and How to Help

The Social Services Fund remains a source of hope and opportunity for children and monastic students in some of the most isolated and under-served areas of India and Nepal. Thank you so much to all our kind donors, as well as Yeshe Norbu Association and Unione Buddhista Italiana (U.B.I.), who make these grants possible and provide these young learners with not just an academic education but also spiritual guidance and emotional support based on Buddhist principles. This support has a profound impact, empowering future generations to become compassionate, capable, and culturally aware individuals.

All are welcome to offer toward the Social Services Fund, to support the education of those who are truly vulnerable and in need in India and Nepal.

The Social Services Fund, established to support Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Vast Visions for the FPMT organization, focuses efforts primarily in India, Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Funds help children, the elderly, sick, and very poor.