Tibetan Villages Project
Tibetan Village Project (TVP) is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Tibet. The organization was founded in 2001 by Tamdin and Tseyang with support from friends and family.
Website: http://www.tibetanvillageproject.org/index.html
====== 2009 Report ======
Tashi Delek (greetings),
I would like to thank you for making 2009 a successful year for Tibetan Village Project (TVP). I am happy to inform you that we raised approximately $125,000 in 2009 and were able to achieve the following project goals:
1. Education: TVP reopened a village school with 18 children that was closed and distributed school supplies to 500 students in Kham and Central Tibet. In addition, we built three greenhouses for school children including one orphanage that has 48 children. Fresh vegetables combat malnutrition and are a great source of food for children.
2. Healthcare: TVP started supporting a new clinic in Kham by providing medical supplies and organizing a monthly health education program for women and children. In addition TVP has built waste bins and composting toilets to improve the sanitation of two villages. Although most of our four clinics that serve about 3500 patients annually have become self-sustaining, TVP still remains their ‘lifeblood’ and continues to provide medical supplies, volunteers and additional resources.
3. Micro-enterprise: TVP built a duplex for Nyanang village and provided training and loans to start a grinding mill and oil press business that benefit about 500 villagers. In addition, TVP provided a loan to start one tractor repair shop that now employs five Tibetans and supports their families and community.
4. Eco-tourism: TVP organized two eco-tourism trainings for Tibetans: one with 32 trainees and one with 28 trainees. Most of the trainees are tour guides who either wanted to start their own tour guide business or work for someone in an eco-friendly way.
5. Conscious Journeys: Tibet unrest and travel restrictions caused fewer trip sign-ups in 2009. However, we did organize two successful trips (each had about 6-8 people) to Tibet. All program participants covered their own expenses, raised money toward projects and distributed medical and school supplies! TVP expects better participation in 2010 so please visit www.ConsciousJourneys.org to learn more about this excellent volun-tourism program.
Thank you for those that you have already contributed toward our 2010 project goals.
2010 Project Priorities
In September 2009, Don Cullen, Tamdin Wangdu and project coordinators spent several weeks traveling Tibet to assess project needs and progress. TVP was once again humbled by how grassroots efforts and individual contributions can affect substantial change in the lives of Tibetans living in Tibet. Thank you to everyone who has been apart of this journey. Even with such selfless efforts, there is much work to be done. Currently, two schools (Yeshitso & Tokyishi) and a nunnery are without teachers, and two of our ongoing medical clinics are in deperate need of crucial supplies and maintenance. To learn more about these projects and how you can help, please visit: http://www.tibetanvillageproject.org/current_project.htm
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Self-Help Projects: While continuing to support ongoing medical and educational programs, TVP is taking the initiative to reduce donation dependency and promote self-sufficiency by supporting income-generating micro-enterprises. Our project wish list includes: (1) developing training manuals for village-based enterprises, (2) organizing business management training, (3) supporting handcraft apprenticeship and (4) providing small business loans. If you or someone else you know, (private or foundation) would be interested supporting one of these projects, TVP will be happy to provide detailed project information. Contact us at: info@tibetanvillageproject.org.
Whether you personally know me or came to know Tibetan Village Project through its supporters, our common bond is to make a difference in someone else’s life. So please consider making your tax-deductible contribution by returning the enclosed pledge envelope. If you would like to travel to Tibet with me, please visit www.ConsciousJourneys.org or www.TibetanVillageProject.org to learn more about our projects and trips. I can also be reached on my cell phone at 720-404-1711. Thank you.
With appreciation,
Tamdin Wangdu
Founder and Executive Director
Board of Directors
Don Cullen, Melbourne, Australia
Karen Wilding, Boulder, Colorado
Jeffrey Cohn, Boulder, Colorado
Joe Braidish, Boulder, Colorado
Sunny Klaber, Boulder, Colorado
