May 24, 2025
Himalayan Children’s Fund News
Dear Friends,
The 2025/2026 school year has just begun for SMD, and SMDBS as well as both shedras. Out of the 507 students now enrolled in SMD, 88 are brand new ~ 52 boarding students, 19 day scholars, 11 nuns and 6 monks. When the SEE results are posted by the government in a month or two, the number of students will increase with the addition of Class 11 students.
The branch school for monks (SMDBS) has 92 students, 16 of which are new, and Tara Abbey has welcomed 12 new nuns. We would love some help to find sponsors for all the new children!
The consecration of Thrangu Rinpoche’s reliquary stupa will take place on Saga Dawa, June 11, at Namo Buddha. Donations can still be made for the stupa and monastery by check or online on our website. Designate: Namo Buddha Stupa.
Another way to help is to give us a wonderful review on: Great NonProfits!
Thank you for your kind support.
SMD
~ Debra Ann
Scenes from admissions day, first day of school and hostel night, welcoming new boarding students. Hover for videos.
SMDBS monks walking single file to school at the start of the new school year. Hover for video
TEACHER TRAINING AT SMD
The annual teacher training workshop was well attended and enjoyed by all.
*We will always accept any amount toward sponsorships and find additional sponsors to complete the full fee amount. For more information, or to arrange a sponsorship please contact HCF. himalayanchildrensfund@gmail.com
DRUBKHANG ~ A day in life of first year monks. Last fall I had the wonderful privilege of spending time with the young monks living at Pullahari Drubkhang Monastery in Bihar, India. Located near the site of the ancient Nalanda University, the monastery is a small and peaceful place for new monks to begin their training. Instructed by senior monks in conduct and monastic education, a typical day includes, morning assembly, reading and recitation, writing, puja and meditation practice, drawing, and chores. Once a certain level of proficiency is achieved in reading and writing, the monks return to Nepal and join either SMD or SMDBS to continue their education. A special moment was shared around a small bonfire: the monks sang the VVI song, we sang the lineage prayer together, and then they shared their drawing books. Each boy also gave me a gift ~ one of their drawings. It was a serene and loving atmosphere.
Hover for videos.
