1. Parents Coming to School for admission | 2. Our Principal outlined Thrangu Rinpoche’s aims | 3. Analyzing Physical and Medical reports | 4. Checking Needed Documents | 5. Writing background (bio-data) of the kids | 6. Placement Testing
We Admitted 59 New Students This Month
We did admissions on March 20 and 21. The new school year will on April 23. The children started to arrive a little early – note the red cheeks on the small children – this is often seen in high-altitude children from cold, windy mountain villages. Everyone was welcomed into the SMD family. Our Principal, Acharya Lama Karma Sangbo outlined Thrangu Rinpoche’s aims: to preserve the language, culture, and Buddhist way of life of the Himalayas, and to give tools to Himalayan children so they can help themselves and their own people in the future.
Before the children come to SMD, they first have physical exams. Nelha Sangmo, one of our medical officers reviews each report and examines each child’s dental development. We do not admit children under 5 years. We also review all the government documents and help illiterate parents correct beaurocrats’ mistakes.
The next step in the admissions process is placement testing. Many thanks to Heather Moore (erstwhile teacher at the Inter Community School Zurich) who helped us create the programme.
”Namaste and Thank You all”
Last, in the admission process, we interview each family to learn more about their village lives. We use the raw data to write a biography for each child, information that is helpful for sponsors to understand why these children need sponsors.
How To Help > Kids Needing Sponsors
Note To All Our Friends and Supporters
To all our friends around the globe, we really want to thank you all for all these years of your selfless generosity, your contributions, and dedication towards SMD. We have been achieving our aims and children realizing their dreams because of your unconditional kindness.
Our students taking their final exam
Students Gear Up for Final Exams with Determination and Diligence
The school’s final exam has already begun on 24th March, and the results will be announced on the 7th of April. Most of our students are enthusiastic and hardworking. They totally understand why our founder built this school, especially for the impoverished children of the high Himalayas. Our kids are also generous and kind as they have grown up to learn what the Buddha taught, and they try their best to live up to the teachings. At SMD, we welcome them into our ‘SMD family’ and surround them with loving care.
Photos of our teachers pilgrimage to Lumbini
SMD Teachers Pilgrimage to Lumbini, The Birthplace of Buddha
Our teachers went on a trip to Lumbini to explore and learn about Buddhism’s roots and the teachings of Lord Buddha. During the trip, the teachers visited the sacred grounds where Lord Buddha was born and spent his childhood. They explored the Mayadevi temple, the Ashoka pillar, and the Sacred Garden, where they learned about the stories and legends associated with the life of Lord Buddha. They also participated in meditation and prayer sessions. All our teachers were mesmerized to see the different monasteries, lakes, and structures in Lumbini. The teachers found the experience to be enlightening and enriching and they returned with a greater understanding and appreciation of Buddha’s teachings and their impact on the world.
Looking Ahead
We are planning to offer Grades 11 and 12 in the new session. Our Class 10s will get their results from their National Board Exams (which start March 31st & finish April 7) sometime in June. After SEE exams are finished our Class 10s go home to to their villages, where they reconnect with families and their mountain culture.
Kids waiting for their dental checkup by GDR
In Case You Missed It…
Dental Screening At SMD – Global Dental Relief just finilshed screening, doing fluoride treatment, and giving instruction about good oral health with the help of SMD Health Club members. After the pandemic shutdowns we are really happy to learn that 70% of our kids had perfect teeth.
Be a Yak: If you are coming to Kathmandu and want to help, here are some things you could bring:
- mosquito repellant – the mosquitoes are already here
- multivitamins with minerals, adult dose, non-chewable (we cut tablets to the correct dose)
- books Coming from Hong Kong? A kindly sponsor has ordered many books – you could carry 3 or 4 from Thrangu Vajrayana Buddhist Centre Tel: (852)2760 8381
School Cats: A new little cat has moved into the Girls’ side. The children have named her Chhimi. She needs oral surgery, costing about $80 USD. We are raising money for that as well as cat food for the other nine lives the children are saving.
Earthquakes: Nepal has had 17 earthquakes in less than a month. We a
re buying rescue gear in Nepal (helmets, mylar blankets, loud hailers, whistles, stretchers, etc.) Feel free to donate, and in doing so, know that you are also helping Nepal’s shattered economy. Read More: https://earthquakelist.org/nepal/
Watch Video: Our Teachers’ Pilgrimage to Lumbini – The Birthplace of Lord Buddha. Watch on YouTube
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