Rinchen Tsephel
I was born in Phayang Skiltang, Ladhak 23 years ago. My father is a farmer growing wheat and potatoes. Farming in Ladak is difficult because of the poor soil quality and the cold and uncertain climate. My mother is a primary school teacher. She also cares for my grandparents. My two brothers are students, one in Ladhak and one in Simla.
I have been very fortunate in my life. Thanks to the Tibetan Children’s Home and my Chenrezig Fund sponsor, I have been able to get a good education. When I was 12 years old, my uncle brought me to the Tibetan Children’s Home. Since my parents were unable to pay for my schooling, sponsors helped support almost my entire schooling.
I completed Grade XII in 2008 and returned to Clement Town to study computer engineering and help with the Tibetan Children’s Home. I felt a responsibility to the Home since it had helped me for over ten years.
Yeshi Dolkar
My name is Yeshi Dolkar. I was born in Bhutan in 1990. In 1998, my aunt and her husband invited my sister and me to join the Tibetan Children’s Home near Dehra Dun, India.
My sponsor was Miss Peggy Ahlgren from Wisconsin, USA. I shall never forget her kindness that made my education at TCH possible.
My nine years at TCH was wonderful. I graduated in 2007 from the Tibetan Nehru Memorial Foundation School with the highest grades in the entire school. I later began a nursing diploma program and planned to continue my education so I could serve the rural community in Bhutan and tend to the needs of the poor.
Kalsang Choden
My name is Kalsang Choden. For three years I was an air hostess with Kingfisher Airlines. When I was young I would never have thought I could have such a wonderful job.
In 1993, when I was only 8 years old, Gompo Tsering, former Director of TCH, found out about my situation and invited me to enroll in TCH. Kind sponsors paid for all my fees.
The TCH staff helped me with my school work and taught me about Tibetan culture and values. Their positive attitude boosted my confidence and provided valuable guidance in all areas of my life. I believe that we all have the ability to make our dreams come true with good education, support, guidance and hard work.
Dolma Tsering
When the rest of the world was just sympathizing with me and my family’s misfortune, the Tibetan Children’s Home came forward. It provided me with a helping hand and lifted me from the pit of woes.
In November 1992, I was ten years old and needed a place to stay as my father had to work out of town to support me and my sibling. We heard about the TCH scheme for helping poor children in need. I was taken into TCH and received proper education, accommodation and care from the staff.
Later, TCH responded to my need for further study through the Piya Dolma Scholarship. I hope to be of some assistance to TCH after my college education as a tribute.
