Sagarmatha Secondary School students, May 2024.

Since 2012, the FPMT’s Social Services Fund has been a cornerstone of support for schools in India and Nepal, catering to students from Tibetan, Nepali, Sherpa, and Indian backgrounds. This initiative ensures that these schools can provide quality education at no cost by covering essentials such as food, uniforms, school supplies, and teacher salaries. In 2024 alone, the fund allocated US$213,052 to seven schools, positively impacting nearly 1,500 children. This remarkable effort not only delivers essential modern education but also preserves cultural heritage and Buddhadharma teachings.

Sagarmatha Secondary School | Sambhota Tibetan School CVP Bylakuppe | Ngari Institute | Shree Sangka Dhechholing Gonpa School | Maitreya School | Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School | Gaden Jangtse Monastic College | How to Help

Sagarmatha Secondary School, located in Chailsa, Solukhumbu, Nepal, is dedicated to providing holistic education to its students. The school emphasizes academic excellence, cultural heritage, and personal development through a variety of enriching programs and activities.

In 2023 Sagarmatha School admitted 25 new students, bringing the total to 235. A dental campaign improved students’ oral health, and an English debate competition saw Grade 9 and 10 students tie for first place. The school bid farewell to Director Ven. Thupten Khedup and welcomed new Director Ven. Lhundup Tsundue.

In May and June 2023, the school organized a Nepali elocution competition, with Grade 10 students securing top positions. Republic Day was marked with calligraphy and essay writing competitions. A prayer session was held on the 49th day of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s passing. An English poem recitation competition and a student club election were also conducted.

October and November 2023 saw an inter-house English drama competition. A new martial arts class in karate was introduced. Students participated in the “Thank You Solukhumbu” program and received warm clothes for winter. Students also attended the Guru Bhumtsok offering.

In February and March 2024, Losar was celebrated, and Saraswati Puja was performed for wisdom. They held an open art and craft exhibition as well that showcased students’ creativity.

These activities not only fostered a sense of community and learning but also provided students with opportunities to develop various skills and celebrate their cultural heritage. The school’s commitment to holistic education is evident through these diverse and enriching programs. The Social Services Fund, which has been supporting the school since 2015, and in 2024 we have allocated US$48,000, further aiding the school’s development and initiatives. With thanks also for the kind help of grants from Yeshe Norbu Association and Unione Buddhista Italiana (U.B.I.), enabling us to offer this support.

Sambhota Tibetan School students enjoying their lunch.

Following the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, thousands of Tibetan refugees fled to India, Nepal, and Bhutan. To address the urgent need for education among refugee children, the Tibetan government in exile, with support from Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, established the Central Tibetan Schools Administration. In 1999, the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS) was formed to manage schools previously overseen by the Department of Education, now overseeing 56 schools with a mission to foster wisdom, compassion, and innovation.

Sambhota Tibetan School CVP Bylakuppe, located in the Tibetan Dickey Larsoe Settlement in Karnataka, was taken over by STSS on May 5, 2018. Established in 1971, currently, it runs classes from one to ten, with Tibetan as the medium of instruction at the primary level and English from class six onwards.

The Social Services Fund has been a consistent supporter of the school in Bylakuppe. In 2024, it extended its assistance to US$6,081 to cover the vegetarian lunch program for 125 students, comprising 69 boys and 56 girls, ensuring their nutritional needs are met.

Nestled in the remote, desert-like region of Ladakh, the Ngari Institute plays a crucial role in preserving Tibetan culture, religion, and way of life. Ladakh, known for its stunning high-altitude landscapes, is home to a significant Tibetan community. Over the decades, many Tibetans have sought refuge in Ladakh, especially after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959. This has led to a rich blend of Tibetan and Ladakhi cultures.

Ngari Institute students.

Founded in 2010 and inaugurated by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 2016, the Ngari Institute currently supports 62 students and is staffed by a dedicated team of 21 regular and 9 temporary members. The institute aims to eventually educate 200 children, focusing on orphans, children of single parents, those from impoverished backgrounds, and young monks.

Primary school students attend government public schools, while intermediate and secondary students are enrolled in private schools, with all fees covered by the institute. After school, hired teachers help students with their homework, and resident monks teach Tibetan language and meditation practices. The institute provides essential provisions such as room, board, tuition fees, books, clothing allowances, and medical care.

In addition to its educational efforts, the Ngari Institute is constructing a Buddha Relics Temple and retreat rooms. They are also working on extending the Girls’ Hostel and planning to plant 1,000 trees. Their mission is to preserve Tibetan Buddhism of the Nalanda Tradition and Tibetan culture.

The Social Services Fund has been supporting the institute since 2013, sponsoring their annual food budget with a contribution of US$30,556 in 2024.

Shree Sangka Decholing Gonpa School’s students, March 2024.

Shree Sangka Dhechholing Gonpa School is located in Taplejung, Nepal, an area renowned for its proximity to Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, adding to the natural beauty that surrounds the school. Registered in 2007, Shree Sangka School faced challenges in its early years and was not able to function properly until 2014. It was during this time that Ven. Thubten Jikdol, a senior Kopan Monastery monk, took the initiative to run the school, gradually expanding the grounds in 2016. Over the span of seven years, the school faced various obstacles that are common for schools in the Himalayan regions. These challenges included developing new curriculums, establishing monastic schools for monks and nuns, as well as creating schools for the lay communities. The aim was to incorporate Buddhist teachings, focusing on love, compassion, joy, and equanimity, with the goal of nurturing a caring society and fostering the development of good human beings.

Since 2019, the school has been receiving support from the Social Services Fund. Moreover, the responsibility for the school has now been taken over by Kopan Monastery, further solidifying its commitment to the school’s growth and development. Currently, eleven teachers educate 171 students, including 86 girls and 85 boys, who start at age three. The curriculum, taught in English and Nepali, focuses on modern subjects as well as Buddhist teachings and culture, ensuring a well-rounded education for the students. Classes are offered up to Grade ten.

In 2024, the Social Services Fund offered US$36,042, which covers the entire budget of the school for the year, demonstrating our continued support and dedication to the school’s mission and development.

Students of Maitreya School wearing their new uniforms.

Maitreya School, a project of the Root Institute in Bodhgaya, India, is dedicated to providing quality education while fostering the overall growth and well-being of its 263 students. The school integrates academic excellence with cultural awareness and personal development through a variety of enriching programs and activities.

The Maitreya School Report for 2023 highlights numerous activities and events that underscore the school’s commitment to holistic education and student development. One significant initiative was the Girls Hygiene Awareness program, where eighth-grade girls, along with their teachers and volunteers from Days for Girls, educated local girls about menstrual hygiene and distributed sustainable menstruation kits to over 200 girls. The school celebrated Republic Day and Saraswati Puja on January 26, 2023, with traditional rituals and festivities.

A farewell party for the eighth-grade students was held on March 4, 2023, featuring performances, games, and heartfelt speeches. The school also conducted a successful Parents-Teacher Meeting, fostering communication between parents and teachers. Students participated in a procession to the Mahabodhi Temple for Buddha Jayanti on May 5, 2023, engaging in meditation and chanting.

Other notable activities included a Hindi essay competition, a cyber security workshop, a French song performance, and Children’s Day celebrations. An educational tour to Patna provided practical learning experiences, including a visit to the Patna Zoo.

The Social Services Fund has supported the school since 2013 and was delighted to offer US$29,400 in 2024, and on behalf of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who used to annually visit the school and at that time offer new school uniforms, bags and shows, Ven.Roger Kunsang offed an additional US$4800 for this year’s purchase of new uniforms for all students. This ongoing support has been crucial in enhancing the educational experience and overall development of the students at Maitreya School.

Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School’s students, teachers and Kopan monks.

The Rolwaling Sangag Choling Monastery School, located in the Rolwaling Valley of Nepal, is a community-run free school providing both secular and Buddhist education. The school is serving 26 students and supporting senior students in their Ngondro preliminary practice.

Key activities in 2023 included the purchase and transportation of food supplies, collection of timber for firewood, and potato plantation, ensuring the school’s self-sufficiency in essential resources. Students participated in significant religious and cultural activities, such as the Dumji festival and Manyen prayer ceremony, preserving local traditions. Senior monk-students completed their ngondro practices under the guidance of Ngawang Lapsum Rinpoche and undertook a pilgrimage and educational tour to sacred Buddhist sites in India and Nepal, enhancing their spiritual and educational experience.

The academic year, running from March to December, included three main examinations. The school benefited from the contributions of volunteer English teachers, which improved students’ language skills and confidence.

The Social Services Fund has supported the school since 2014 and in 2024, it offered US$20,200 to cover their annual expenses covering salaries, food supplies, uniforms, books, transportation, internet, electricity, emergency medical rescue, and firewood collection wages. The school continues to play a vital role in the community, providing education and preserving cultural heritage.

Gaden Jangtse Monastic College’s students with their new textbooks.

Gaden Jangtse Monastic College, located in South India, is a prominent institution within the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The college focuses on educating and training monks in Buddhist philosophy, scripture, debate, and meditation, aiming to preserve and promote Tibetan Buddhist teachings and values. The Gaden Jangtse School, part of the college, currently has 570 students and 15 salaried teachers, with an additional 15 volunteer teachers who are senior monks.

The school has had an eventful past months. They announced the annual examination results and distributed new textbooks and notebooks to all students. A significant highlight was the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday in July, which brought together teachers, staff, and students for a joyous occasion. Recognizing the importance of health and hygiene, the school completed a new toilet and bathroom project in July, ensuring better facilities for the students.

Additionally, the school maintained its commitment to staff welfare by ensuring timely payment of teachers’ salaries. The Social Services Fund has been a crucial supporter, offering US$37,973 to cover teachers’ salaries in 2024. With thanks also for the kind help of a grant from Unione Buddhista Italiana (U.B.I.) that enabled us to offer this support.

How to Help

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.