Since our retirement in 2019, my wife Deborah and I have had more quality time to dedicate to the Children of Tibet Trust Foundation (CTTF). As CTTF celebrates 25 years of service, we continue to put 98% of the grant money towards our projects. We have no paid staff and very little overhead expenses. CTTF is apolitical and not affiliated to any religious group. We respect and obey all the laws of all the countries that we work in.
All services to run CTTF as a Not-for-Profit Organization are provided by professionals on a pro bono basis. A special “Thank You“ to Natalie Manzanares, our Content and Outreach Coordinator for her incredible work. We also want to thank the following folks for creating good karma and we joyfully celebrate their love and support. Our CPA Robert Radan, Web Designers Tom and Aga Mendalka of Artmedia Digital, Steve Powers of Hidden Treasure Tours, our CTTF Young Ambassador Pema, Cherie Mulder, Phurbu Dolker, Tsering Yangzom and Sonam Choezom.
CTTF will participate in the 3rd annual Asian Festival on Main for the first time. This festival is a one day, outdoor, family event on Main Street located in Historic Old Town Fairfax City, VA, highlighting the diverse Asian heritage through food, arts, craft, education, and music. Young Ambassador Pema who will be present along with other volunteers to answer any question about CTTF. CTTF will have jewelry and Buddhist ritual items for sale as well as a raffle to raise money.
I will be leading a small group of High Adventurers and Pilgrims to Ladakh this coming June 24th for 2 weeks. A few openings are available if you wish to participate in this life-changing journey.
In 2022, we planted 8000 Sarchang Willow trees and Sea buckthorn shrubs in Chilam, Changthang, Ladakh. We are happy to report that the trees are thriving due to our skilled caretakers. We will be planting 5000 more trees this summer.
Our Yak husbandry project in Zurmang, Nangchen continues to benefit over 30 nomadic and rural families. We will continue to replicate this project in other parts of Eastern Tibet.
Our local field Director in Zurmang has requested funding for a Four-Year Thangka Painting Training Program. We have kicked off the first year with 25 students. We are very selective with each student and they receive training from professional Thangka Master Painters. Each student receives training 6 months of the year at the school, and food and lodging are provided. This project is well received by rural villages as they provide a good source of income after their training is completed. The training also includes business coaching.
Our month-long Tibetan language training was a success despite the Covid restrictions in China. The past five years has shown that this intensive training for students to be a great boost when they return to school in the Spring. Personal attention is given to each student during the Winter Training. A growing number of them have been able to take advantage of scholarships awarded by the TAR, PRC Governments. With a college degree, young Tibetans in Tibet have better chance of getting a job.
Your financial support continues to fund programs such as student scholarships, medical care, nomad sustainability, vocational training, and tree planting projects on the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan regions. The survival of the Tibetan race and culture is facing extinction due to the political and socio-economic conditions in Tibet. Keeping pace with the rapid modernization of China and India is a major challenge for Tibetans. Buddhist philosophy alone cannot save Tibet. We desperately need more Tibetan doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers to save the Tibetan race and identity. This is the core mission of CTTF.
We welcome you to sponsor a child. We will be happy to make the connection so that you can communicate with the child directly.
Thank you for your love and financial support. Please contact me at +1 (703) 297-2222 if you have any questions.
Blessings and gratitude,
Achi Tsepal