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May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.       Projects Help fund projects to improve the quality of life for Tibetans   Community Health Women's Project In 2006 THP launched a successful pilot project providing hygiene supplies and information to a group of women in this region. The project was successfully expanded, and this year will see its further growth in a nearby village. In 2007 the program reached a population of 30,000. 2007 also saw an expansion of our work supporting the enrollment of girls in school. Clinic Health Projects In 2004, we started a small clinic. In the past year the clinic was expanded with the addition of a second floor. It now accommodates 100 patients a day who are seen by eight doctors practicing both Tibetan and Chinese medicine. In the coming year THP plans to fully furnish the new addition, stock the clinic with medical equipment, and to increase medical supplies. Longer term plans include the hiring of two highly qualified MDs, which will enable the clinic to expand the scope of conditions that are treatable on-site. These doctors will bring additional skills, including care for mothers and infants during the birth process. They will also provide training to the other clinic doctors in order to raise the quality and scope of care being provided at the clinic. In 2007, with your support, THP provided the clinic with a vehicle so that severely ill patients can be transported to the hospital, a two hour drive away, for treatment. Traditional Medicine The area is rich in the medicinal herbs used in preparation of traditional Tibetan medicines. THP supports ongoing education, both of the proper identification as well as use of these herbs. THP raises funds for equipment as well as supports the creation of a sustainable development herb business. About 250 villagers from different neighboring regions gathered in 2007 to begin anew the traditional harvest of the abundant Tibetan medicinal herbs that grow in the vicinity. There are more than 1,000 herbal flowers in the area. These herbs have been made into medicinal pills and are sold locally–the first successful cottage industry for this region. Hygiene Educational sessions have been conducted by our community liaison with chiefs of the surrounding villages regarding general health, hygiene and domestic relationships. These chiefs then share this information within their communities, educating people on topics that are taken for granted in the West, including the basics of how to use soap and how to keep clean. Community outreach workers are also going into schools and teaching children basic hygiene. Environment Tree Project In April 2006, our partner community launched its first successful pilot project transplanting conifers to this region in Kham. Children and adults from the community were all joyfully involved. The trees have survived their first year; a huge success in this ecologically depleted area. This reforestation will diminish the danger of erosion and flooding. Experts from China, Tibet and the West have assisted with soil analysis and the science of effective transplantation. Tens of thousands of trees from one to five feet tall have been planted - including birch, fir, oak, pine, cedar, rhododendrons and others. Our community liaison, Tashi, remarked that “Everyone, the elders and also the younger generations, were overwhelmed with joy beholding so many trees. The trees brought new inspiration to the people. People are so happy to have the trees. Many have a livelihood now because of the trees.” Householders in the vicinity of the reforestation project have become custodians of the trees. They put ribbons with the sponsors’ names on each of the various trees. For $25 to $70, 60 families now have fruit and nut trees. Apricot, apple and walnut trees will also be planted. Besides marveling at the trees, locals also took photos and generated the wish that in the future everything will be established as in the past, with beautiful meadows, flowers and an abundance of trees. As Tashi explains, “In the Buddha Dharma there is an intimate history related to trees especially to Buddha’s life. The Buddha’s teachings need to be like a solid tree, solidly rooted. The Buddha gained enlightenment under the cool shade of a tree. We feel such joy to be in a location with trees growing around. There was a lot of hardship to actualize the tree planting, but the aspiration, the wish was strong. Now we have a working group bringing the trees back to Tibet, educating the people to take care of trees and bring about more trees. It should be done in a sustainable way in accordance with the biodiversity of original Tibet.” Water Project 2006 also saw the launch of THP’s clean water and sanitation project. An international group of experts in water treatment and distribution, gray water processing, and sustainable systems have donated their time and expertise to help design a system to bring potable and irrigation water into the community from the pure springs in the area. THP built the first pilot project bathrooms in 2006, including eighteen toilets for women and twelve for men. The toilets have been very successful and well accepted, and are now operating at capacity. Plans for the coming year include piloting composting toilets, possibly with technology for generating methane. We are working with the community to treat the sewage from the existing toilets in an environmentally responsible way. Person to Person Assistance Elder and Disabled Care Many adults are disabled as a result of traumatic injuries or long-term physical problems. Others in this area suffer from “Kashin-Beck Syndrome”, often known as “Big Bone Disease”. Many elderly individuals are without family and are not able to support themselves. They must rely on “the village” for food, shelter, and housing. They are blind, have difficulty walking, or need special assistance in other ways. This culture honors its elders and is committed to their care; however, everyone is impoverished. THP enables village leaders to provide food and shelter for its elders and for those who care for them. Orphaned Children Though children are loved and valued in Tibetan society, many have lost their parents and families, and depend on the THP Collaborative for all needs. THP supports their schooling, health care and caretakers. Poverty Alleviation Poverty is rampant and few opportunities exist for residents in this region to create income. THP supports projects that revive traditional crafts as well as those that educate and create new prospects for income generating businesses. Education Traditionally, poverty obliges families to keep children home to work. However, in this village children go to primary school, and special emphasis is placed on education for girls. In the three years since the school project began, the literacy rate has risen to 10%.