Charitable Project
The Trust actively supports the 'Druk White Lotus School' in Ladakh, Indian Himalayas. This landmark project, under the patronage of H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, offers a modern education combined with a deep respect for the Himalayan environment and traditional culture. It will help thousands of children to achieve a better life. Each year the Trust donates a percentage of any profits to this worthy cause.
The photo above is of the Charity Patron, H.H. the Dalai Lama, with Michael Kern (CTET Course Director), Candice Marro (CTET Clinic Director) and members of the project organising committee.
Education is the key:
Ladakhi people want to educate their children to adapt to change without losing their cultural heritage and to earn a sustainable living. Many Ladakhis realise that education is the key to creating a viable future. However, the majority of schools in the area operate under the Indian state school system and suffer from low funding. Many teachers receive little or no training and much of what is taught has little relevance for local children. At present, around two-thirds of state-educated children in Ladakh fail to matriculate, leaving school without any qualifications.
The Druk White Lotus School is a local initiative that is being built in phases over a 10-year period, with a target completion date of 2011. When finished, it will provide an education for 780 children, and offer residential facilities for orphans and children from remote areas who currently receive little or no education. The Nursery and Infant School opened its doors to the first girls and boys in September 2001, and the Junior School opened in 2004. Currently, over 400 children attend the school.
Druk White School offers:
- All-round academic and vocational opportunities
- A child-centred approach to education
- A teacher training programme, with ongoing support
- Cottage gardens in the residential areas to encourage the practice of sustainability
- Health education and onsite healthcare facilities
- An emphasis on the value of the indigenous culture and traditional Buddhist philosophy, practice and fellowship
- A sponsorship scheme for children from low-income families
- Residential facilities allowing attendance of orphans and children from remote areas
- Award-winning and appropriately designed energy-efficient buildings, using local materials and building skills
Architectural awards:
- The Nursery and Infant School won three World Architecture Awards in 2002:
- Best Building in Asia
- Best Educational Building in the World
- Best Green Building in the World (joint-winner).
For further details please contact:
Druk White Lotus School Project Office
Park Hill House
1 Park Hill
Bickley, Bromley
Kent BR1 2JH
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20-8468 1339
Or, go to www.dwls.org
