Thank you for helping SMD continue
What a year it has been in Nepal. Tourism stopped, borders closed, people lost their jobs, supply lines were cut and prices spiralled. Most Nepali kids had no access to the internet, so their schooling came to an abrupt halt.
Our loyal supporters made it a different story for SMD children and staff. All our students were able to attend online classes and we managed to support their learning, in whatever way we could, including delivering rations and toiletries and providing gadgets for classes. Happily, we have been able to pay salaries throughout this challenging time. All this is possible because of so many loyal and generous friends around the world.
The V.V. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
Thrangu Rinpoche turned 90 this month
For the past 34 years, he has been meeting the needs of Himalayan children, offering full care and a double (spiritual and secular) education, so the children (nuns, monks and lay children) are able to keep their language, their culture and their Buddhist way of life. Rinpoche came to Nepal as a refugee and has transformed many thousands of lives, as you can see in the video portion of this film, a song of homage to our beloved lama. Watch Video
A Short Biography of Thrangu Rinpoche: Read here
Tsering Lhamo (L) and Tsundu (R). Tsundu practice yoga during the lockdowns.
Class 10s are back
Heartfelt comments from Tsundu Lama and Tsering Lhamo – “It feels good to be back here at SMD. We got to see our school and mates after a long period of time. Well, this is our last year at school and we have only four months, so we are studying our best. Right now we are in quarantine and taking classes online. We will use all the precautions that we need when we continue the physical classes and do our best, so that we can make all the teachers and SMD family proud.”
Tsewang Gyurme (L) and Thinley Gyamtso (R).
Our newest university graduates
Tsewang Gyurme Lama and Thinley Gyamtso Lama were awarded BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degrees at Kathmandu University this month. Both worked on cultural preservation for the final projects; Tsewang Gyurme concentrated on Nubri handicrafts and Thinley Gyamtso published a book about Tsum culture, VALLEY OF HAPPINESS: A Visual Guide To The Way Of Tsumpa. Stay tuned!
Feral cat project
There are five cats in our school namely Sherab, Tsering, Nora, Sonic and Groot. It’s been few years that they’ve been living with the SMD family. Nora lives on the boys’ side and the other four live on the girls’ side. Tsering has two kittens, Sonic and Groot. These cats are very cute and loyal and they are easy going. Children love to play with them because they are friendly. They look so healthy and fat. They all have a really good relationship with each other. They all play within the school’s compound.
Thank you so much for giving food for cats. We really appreciate your continuous support and kindness. Stay safe and healthy! Reported by Sushmita Rai (cat mum).
Mukhiya Gharti Magar
Change a child’s life
Mukhiya Gharti Magar is one of our new children. It looks like he’s sponsored (we are waiting to hear), but there are many others who need help.
Like to help us? Write – himalayanchildren@gmail.com
The SMD family joins in wishing all of you Happy Holidays and all the best in the New Year!
May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness. May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
In Case You Missed It…
Video: Thrangu Rinpoche song II – Watch on Youtube
Video: SMD November Programme – Watch on Youtube
No outgoing mail: The Nepal Postal System cannot handle outgoing mail. Incoming mail is ok. Please remember to use children’s admission numbers in all correspondence — it really helps us.