Dear Sponsors and TFG supporters,
Our newsletter is our way of keeping in touch with you all and to thank you for your ongoing support of TFG. We will soon be able to send the newsletter out directly from our website, so unless you direct us otherwise, we will subscribe you so that you will receive updates and newsletters. If you do not wish to subscribe please let the TFG secretary know by the last day of August 31.08.2019: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.We plan to have regular updates on the TFG website and we are currently adding information about our various settlements in India.Thank you for your patience whilst we upgrade the website:www.tfg.org.au
TFG was established in 1968-1969 which means that this year 2019, is TFG’s 50th anniversary! We must acknowledge the hard work put in by TFG volunteers over the years, people such as Val Grogan and Ann Trenoweth and many other TFG Committee members who worked so tirelessly in the early years of TFG andespecially our TFG patron Joan Wilson OAM who has devoted much of her life to the Tibetan cause.
We also acknowledge our other beloved patron, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and wish him very good health in his 84th year and a very long life.
The many children, nuns, monks, seniors whom you support are extremely grateful for the help you provide. It can make a huge difference to their lives. From time to time we receive news from the settlements along with letters from the children and sometimes small presents at Christmas time. If you have any queries concerning your sponsorship please contact your Settlement Secretary. You should have their contact details but if not please contact the TFG Secretary, Pam Kamula: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Here at TFG we have a small band of committed volunteers to keep TFG operating, but always need more. Our President, Tashi Dorjee has had a busy year with a new baby son to keep him busy! Please contact us if you or anyone you know would like to help this very worthwhile cause.
TFG NEWS
ONE-OFF DONATIONS
As you know TFG supports many settlements in India via sponsorships. We also receive one-off donations andthis year, due to a very generous donation we are able to send funds to help the following organisations with particular and very importantprojects:
TIBETAN REFUGEE SELF-HELP CENTRE (TRSCH), DARJEELING- $1,000. Funding of a Greenhouse
Since the establishment of TRSCH in 1959, the Centre has relied on the production of handicrafts a source of income. However, as many of the Centre’s older people who have been involved in making the handicrafts are now very frail, the production of handicrafts is getting less and less. The TFG donation is being used to assist with the building of a greenhouse where vegetables and flowers will be grown to generate income for the Centre. The income will be used to ensure the health, welfare and educational activities and services provided by the Centre can continue.
PURUWALA SETTLEMENT - $1000. Purchase of basicequipment and supplies for a newly built Health Care Centre.
Prior to this centre being built residents, (i.e. monks, families and hostel children) of the settlement had to travel 20 km, often on foot, to the nearest town of Paonta Sahinor travel for more advanced care 60 km to Dehra Dun in the foothills of the Himalayas. The centre has recently been fortunate enough to secure the services of a doctor who will work with the health care worker appointed earlier this year. Once the Centre is fully equipped it will be also possible for it to provide treatment to needy Indian people regardless of their caste or creed. Puruwala is immensely grateful for this very generous donation which will have an enormous benefit to its residents.
Below is a photo of the new Health Care Centre
LHA CHARITABLE TRUST - $1000. Funding towards a Clean Water Project.
Lha’s Clean Water Project aims to increase water security by installing point-of-service water filtration systems in the most vulnerable areas of Dharamshala, such as schools and monasteries. The project targets impoverished members of Tibetan, Indian and Himalayan Communities.
TIPA (TIBETAN INSTITUTE OF PERFORMING ARTS) - $1000.Funding of uniforms for the children of performers.
The funding will provide 21 children with school uniforms. These children aged from 10-16 years have families who aremembers of “Ache Lhamo Opera”, a classical style of opera which comes from the classical theatre of Tibet, performed since the 14th century. Stories on which performances are based are drawn from ancient Buddhist folk tales. The provision of these uniforms will ease the financial pressure on the artistes at TIPA who are very grateful to our generous sponsor.
Below is a photo of some younger students in their school uniforms.
CELEBRATIONS FOR HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA
In July this year TFG had a stand at the celebrations for the Dalai Lama’s 84th birthday celebrations on the Northern Beachesof N.S.W. There are now over 1,500 Tibetans in the area, many of whom attended the celebrations. It was a spectacular and colourful day with most Tibetans in Tibetan dress and the entertainment, particularly the dancing and singing by the children, was truly heart-warming. TFG received $350 in donations on the day.
NEW TFG BROCHURE
TFG has a new brochure which was printed earlier this year and a new letterhead designed by the president, TashiDorjee.
NEW SPONSORS
TFG has welcomed 3 new sponsors this year but we hope to secure more as the year goes on. Some long-term sponsors have sadly passed away or are not in a position to continue. So, if you know anyone who has a particular interest in sponsoring a child, an elderly Tibetan, a nun or a monk please get in touch
NEWS FROM THE SETTLEMENTS
TILOKPUR NUNNERIES
Last year a 5-story building was completed and this year 2 more buildings are under construction, including a residential building for the nuns, which is badly needed.
TIBETAN REFUGEE SELF-HELP CENTRE DARJEELING
Choekyi, our Treasurer visited India at Christmas time and visited this settlement. The main income for the Centre is the sale of handicrafts. They produce wonderful Tibetan carpets along with other goods.
TORTURE AND TRAUMA SURVIVORS PROGRAM (TTSP)
The major activities of this project aim towards rehabilitation of torture survivors in exile and include the provision of medical treatment, room rent and a one-time resettlement grant depending on the need of the torture victims. The medical treatment involves treatment through traditional Tibetan medicine, modern allopathic medicine, psychotherapy and physiotherapy. They also have Buddhist counselling therapy and traditional help-seeking methods. TTSP coordinates mental health awareness activities and there is a social stipend for the torture survivors. TTSP also provides life-skill training to torture victims and their family, to sustain themselves in the community.
PURUWALA
Puruwala celebrated their Golden Jubilee at the end of February over a two- day period. This was an important and joyous occasion attended by many dignitaries including the President of the Central Tibetan Administration,Mr. Lobsang Sangay and also Mr.Pema Jungney, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile.
Here are some lovely photos of the celebrations. The first photo includes Tenzin Kunga, General Secretary who is the main TFG contact at Puruwala.
TIPA (TIBETAN INSTITUTE OF PERFORMING ARTS)
In early July a troupe of very excited opera artistes from TIPA made its first ever trip to Canada where it received a very enthusiastic welcome. In late July the troupe also performed in New York City for the first time with wide applause from the audience who joined in with a Tibetan nomadic circle dance.
Below is a photo of the artistes in Canada.
Through TFG and other organisations we have a wonderful opportunity to help Tibetanrefugees in India. The time and effort involved by TFG volunteers is amply rewarded by the thanks we receive. We would not exist, however if it wasn’t for the generous support of you, our sponsors and friends. We wish you well and hope that you will continue to support TFG and through us the many Tibetans who benefit from your kind support.
TFG Committee
