The Cremation of our beloved founder, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
Thousands came to pay homage to our beloved founder at Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, the big monastery at Namo Buddha. In the multitude, we could see the profound impact Thrangu Rinpoche had on so many people around the world. It was especially moving to witness numerous SMDers, living or studying overseas, make the long and expensive trip from North America to pay their respects.
We chose not to bring our small children due to the fear of a crowd surge. However, our students from Grades 9, 10, and 11, and our seniors joined us. They played a crucial role in the monastery kitchen, as is customary, as the monastery generously provided meals for everyone who attended. (The first paramita – generosity). Read more in detail…
The Cremation of Ninth Yongdzin Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche : Watch on Youtube
Our School Principal, Acharya Lama Karma Sangbo
Our Principal, Acharya Lama Karma Sangbo Awarded An Honorary PhD
Our Principal, Acharya Lama Karma Sangbo, was awarded an honorary PhD during his visit to Shokutoku University in Chiba. He presented a paper on Buddhist social work at the university, which is the home of the Asian Research Institute for International Social Work. AKS la traveled specifically for this purpose.
Karaoke at SMD
While we don’t celebrate Tihar, given the diverse backgrounds of our staff, including many Hindus, we aim to balance our closures between Buddhist and Hindu celebrations. During school closures, numerous children stay with relatives, but we typically have over 100 children in residence, as the Seniors choose to stay. To enrich the experience for younger SMDers, Seniors organize various non-academic activities such as yoga, art, computer (animation), Himalayan Makers Guild (robotics), coding, football and basketball coaching, karaoke, library sessions (including reading to the small kids), and Tibetan dance. Watch short Video of Karoke at SMD
Karaoke has become highly popular, serving as an excellent way for the children to enhance their Tibetan and English language skills. If you have access to Nepali songs suitable for our karaoke sessions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at himalayanchildren@gmail.com.
L-R: Tenzin Lamu Sherpa B23.14, Sonam Lhundup Lama B23.30 and Kaya Tsering Ghale B22.2
Children Sponsored by the SMD Alumni Association in the US
Some years ago, our graduates overseas founded the SMD Alumni Association in the US. Since then, all of them have been helping SMD School with collective effort and contributions. They have undertaken numerous initiatives to assist us. Among these efforts, the Association has funded sports coaches and equipment, sponsored two more boarders through school, and helped fund uniforms for our Grade 11s. Most recently, they raised funds for our school clinic.
Tsering Namgyal, the serving president, writes, ‘We’ve extended our support to two more children at SMD.’ Tsering Namgyal sponsors Kaya Tsering Ghale (B22.2), who is currently studying in Kindergarten.
Keeping all their unwavering and continuous support in our hearts, we express our heartfelt gratitude to our graduates who, with a shared sense of commitment and kindness, joined the SMD Alumni Association. All of your collective efforts and unwavering support have truly made a remarkable impact on the school and on our present kids who have dreams of graduating from the school. You all are our heroes and role models for the kids here!
Youden Lhamo Lama D926, a recent HA graduate is running the health post at Serang Monastery, Gorkha District
Funding for Another Girl to Study General Medicine:
We are immensely grateful and absolutely thrilled to share that Lisbeth Moneton, the founder of A Wish for Humanity, has successfully raised enough funds to support two more of our girls in accessing training for work as Health Assistants at mountain health posts. The funds are generated through art donated by various artists, and you can learn more about their initiatives at www.awishforhumanity.org.
The AWFH Team in France, consisting of Lisbeth, Anne-France, and Ivonne, worked tirelessly to achieve this feat. With some additional fundraising efforts and a bit of luck, we may be able to stretch the funds to assist two more girls.
Another Earthquake in Nepal
On November 3, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Jajarkot, Nepal, causing 157 deaths and 197 injuries. Over 600 aftershocks have been reported since. A magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred in the early hours, waking us up, although the epicenter was not in the Valley. If you’re in Kathmandu and wish to contribute to our Survival Kit, here’s what we need:
- Mylar blankets
- Headlamps
- 1/2” nylon (not poly) rope in 50-meter lengths
- Hard hats
- Work gloves
- Solar flashlights (torches)
- Duct tape
- Loud hailers
- Whistles
- Rescue tools
- Other survival gear
Did you know that Thrangu Rinpoche has several non-profit Foundations?
If there is a foundation in your part of the world, it is best to send funds through that specific foundation. All these foundations are registered with the tax authorities in their respective countries.
- Many countries offer a tax advantage when you donate through registered charities, reducing your income tax.
- Dealing with the Nepal tax and banking system is more straightforward for us.
- This ensures that funds can be correctly disbursed.
In the US – Himalayan Children’s Fund
In Canada – Namo Buddha Foundation
In Europe – Pende e.V.
In HK – Thrangu Vajrayana Buddhist Centre
In the UK – Thrangu Trust
Choegyal Lama, a senior in Grade 11, is providing service in the Director’s Office in the afternoons. Click to see other kids who need sponsorship.
Boys Need Sponsors Too : We almost always have more girls in school than boys. It is easier to find help for small children and the girls. Click Here to see some of our kids who needs sponsors.
In case You Missed It…
Countries where international mail services have been resumed: The Nepal Post office can only handle mail to the following countries, and even then, it is hit and miss. Photos and get-to-know-your-student questionnaires were sent to US sponsors, but only an empty envelope reached its destination!
1. Austria 2. Belgium 3. Denmark 4. France 5. Finland 6. Germany 7. Italy 8. Norway 9. Netherlands 10. Switzerland 11. Qatar 12. India 13. Spain 14. Sweden 15. United Kingdom 16. United States 17. Japan 18. South Korea 19. Thailand 20. Vietnam 21. Phillippines 22. Newzealand 23. Australia 24. Maldives 25. Singapore 26. Indonesia 27. Uae 28. Malaysia
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