Current status: August 2024
At the end of November 2023, Lama Jigme Rinpoche visited the school project in Soreng to see for himself. Khenpo Tenzin Wangpo, the person responsible for the project, gave detailed explanations.
The actual building is almost finished and now it is a matter of further interior work and furnishing.
From the outset, the aim of the project was to support girls and women in the neighbourhood with education and training. Good integration into the local social landscape and its needs is crucial for this. Tenzin Wangpo has done a fantastic job of fieldwork to get to know the local population, talk about the project and gather information. His efforts show that the scope of the original girls-only school project should be expanded. There are several mixed schools in the area, but there is a lack of specialised training courses for girls in this remote area on the one hand and a temple as a place of practice and exchange for the elders (mainly older women) on the other.
In this region, access to general education is possible, but specific skills such as foreign languages, computers, management, crafts, etc. are not taught. Without such skills, the students are unable to find vocational training to achieve financial independence. Such training would also be valuable for slightly older women so that they can secure their livelihood. The building that has been constructed is very suitable for offering training courses and thus meeting the needs of the local population.
As for the desire for a temple: in the Himalayas, Buddhist practice is a natural part of life, especially for the elderly, who like to meet in the temple, practise together and exchange ideas. Such a place is missing in the Soreng area. A temple can be set up in part of the building to fulfil the needs of the elderly in particular. And indeed, some women are already starting to study Buddhist texts here.
By addressing these two identified needs, we are not only tuning into the local social landscape, but also helping to create a school that is an intergenerational place for growth, sharing and learning, for younger and older women alike.
You have generously supported the project from the beginning and we would like to give you transparent feedback on how things are going. We very much hope that you will continue your support, as this is absolutely necessary for this next phase. Thank you very much in advance.
More news will follow soon!
