March 21, 2022
Himalayan Children’s Fund News Dear Friends, As Thrangu Rinpoche continues to give reading transmission through the magic of zoom, he is also beginning a few in-person activities including bestowing empowerments for the ordained sangha and three days a week he is also available for individual, (masked and socially distant) audiences. We are approaching the end of the school year in Nepal and due to accommodations made for COVID-19 this year, the Nepali government has extended the school year. Schools can have until May 14th to complete this school year and begin the next. SMD has chosen April 8th the last day of classes so exams can begin on the 10th for K thru 7 and Class 9. The government exam for Class 8 will begin April 12th and the SEE exam for class10 students will be April 22-30. Let’s wish them all well. Thank you for your kind support. Please enjoy and share the news. ~ Debra Ann
Lumbini Monastery is relieved to have a voltage stabilizer thanks to HCF donors.
SMD GRADUATION The reopening of SMD permitted the students from the Class of 2020-21 to return to campus for their graduation ceremony. This group of 38 students is the 24th class to graduate from SMD, and they did it all during pandemic lockdowns! Teachers and other staff members attended along with students from Class 9. In addition to the ceremonial acknowledgment and speeches, younger students entertained with a cultural program of song and dance. The day concluded with a lovely meal at a local restaurant. Congratulations and bright future wishes to all! Tsewang Dorje (another SMD grad) has made a video to share the special day. Hover and click for video.
LET’S RAISE $3,500.00 FOR SMD TEACHERS SMD teachers have worked incredibly hard to keep students on track with online classes throughout the pandemic lockdowns. Though they had a dif cult task, they persevered through many challenges with unwavering dedication and devotion. Out of over 500 students only 13 were out of range of online classes during the past 2 years. (Happily, the 13 are back at SMD again.) In recognition of the indefatigable effort of the teachers, SMD administration would like to provide some extra support and that is where we (HCF) can help. If we can quickly raise $3,500.00 we could supply two air conditioners for the teachers staff room just in time to give some relief from the summer heat. The funds would also provide a teacher training seminar which the teachers have requested and fund a teacher’s picnic holiday. We don’t have a sponsor for another match campaign but HCF donors have proved that it isn’t always needed! You can help honor the SMD teachers with a check to HCF or an online donation of any amount. Designate: SMD Teachers
fi
Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org