April 19, 2021
Himalayan Children’s Fund News Dear Friends I sit rewriting this newsletter having just learned that by order of the Cabinet, all schools in Nepal must close once again. We had planned to share photos and stories of the successful phased reopening of SMD, and while it was good for a month, the children are returning to their homes by the end of the week. More details below Safe travel arrangements recently allowed some monks to relocate as necessary for the beginning of the new school session. Monks from Namo Buddha have joined VVI and Pullahari while others have graduated and returned to Nepal Please enjoy and share the newsletter Thank you for your kind support ~ Debra Ann
In advance of entering 3 year retreat in May, 9 nuns and their retreat master receive advice and blessing from Thrangu Rinpoche.
PULLAHARI DRUBKHANG After completing a year of studies at Namo Buddha, 12 young monks have moved to the Pullahari monastery. Khenpo Gendun and Lama Bhaya have been looking after their needs, providing mosquito nets and other necessities, along with cartoons in Tibetan to help with language. A highlight of the trip was going on pilgrimage for the rst time to Bodhgaya
SMDB Final exams at SMDBS had the help of Tara Abbey Khenpos and Chöje Lama Wangchuk of ciated on Results Day
.
fi
.
.
.
fi
.
.
,
S
Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org
HCF Page 2
NAR SATEK Now that the harsh winter is fading into spring, the young monks from Nar are returning along with 7 recently admitted monks. Equipped with new backpacks and a blessing from Thrangu Rinpoche, they had a safe journey with their teacher, Lama Khamsung
VV The annual exam at VII was held as usual and concluded with a ceremony to honor 12 new shedra graduates. The monks returned safely to Nepal, received Rinpoche’s blessing, and have been appointed to various positions as managers, painters and teachers serving Tara Abbey, Pullahari, Namo Buddha, Nubri, Nar and Bhutan.
.
I
Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org
SM The phased reopening of SMD school was quite successful and you can see from the photos that the students and teachers were well engaged. They were very happy to be together and even the Tara Abbey school nuns were in attendance again. However, due to the unfortunate rise in COVID -19 and its variants in Nepal, the government has deemed it safer for the children to return home and all schools are required to close right away. SMD day students have already gone home and the boarding students will return to their villages by the end of this week Nepali of cials have not yet decided to cancel the Grade 10 and 8 government exams which are scheduled to begin May 27th. If the exams are held as scheduled, grade 8 and 10 students will be able to remain in the SMD ‘bubble’, continue to study, receive tutoring and prepare for the exams Principal Wangchuk Tenzin has assured SMD students of all grades that no matter what their test results happen to be they will all be promoted to the next level. He says, “We cannot fail the students due to circumstances of this school year. They will all be promoted and will have the opportunity to repeat the grade if they choose or have extra tutoring.” Hover for video
CURRENT SMD NEEDS Before the pandemic began, new boards and mattresses were ordered for SMD bunkbeds. When the lockdown eased up the order was nally delivered and new beds were prepared for the returning students, but they have determined that 50 more are needed. The price for one mattress is $50.00 USD. If you would like to sponsor a bed (or multiple beds!) through HCF, designate: SMD bed (Donations can be made by check or online with a credit card or PayPal.)
s
.
.
fi
Himalayan Children’s Fund P. O. Box 15644, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 USA 310.395.6616 himalayanchildrensfund.org D
fi
HCF Page 3