The Help Tibet Trust, a British charity founded by Morna White in 1988, celebrated its Annual General Meeting in Barnes, London. The founder’s sister Isabelle White is the current Chairman and she presented the past year’s report to a full house of members and supporters.
Appropriately, it was held on 10th December when Tibetans living in exile celebrate the 14th anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to their leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Government-in-Exile observes this special day as its National Holiday.
The Trust has generated an income of over £50,000 through enthusiastic fundraising and generous donations.
Its major projects continue successfully in Nepal, along with a newly adopted project – Dhonden Old People’s Home in Dhobi Settlement near Manali in northern India. Isabel White expressed the Trust’s commitment to help the Tibetans especially the vulnerably elderly in the years to come. The Trust is aware of the Exile Tibetan Community needs, where the social security system we take granted in the west does not exist.
Although the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) through its Department of Home Affairs in Dharamsala channels funds for the welfare of its citizens living in settlements in India and Nepal, considerable hardship still exist. Many vulnerable people rely on foreign assistance for their healthcare and providing education for their children.
The Help Tibet Trust has just completed 15 years of humanitarian assistance to the Tibetan community. It maintains a good working relationship with the local Tibetan authorities in Nepal especially in Pokhara valley. It currently runs two Old People’s Homes (Dhondeling Old People’s Home in Tashi Palkhel Settlement and Lodrik Old People’s Home in Jampaling Settlement) in Nepal. It helps numerous practical schemes including re-roofing houses, clean drinking water, agricultural and small scale income generation projects. The Trust is run by dedicated British volunteers in London. It is very fortunate and proud to have a regional Representative, Dhondup Tsering, who is described as very energetic and committed.
Isabelle gave a brief talk with a slide show from her recent field trips, which followed the formal presentation. The attendees also enjoyed Tibetan food prepared by Damdul, who was brought over to London from India through a scholarship offered by the Trust.
The Trust has initiated the Western Medical Scholarship Programme for the four Tibetan settlements in Pokhara valley. The newly trained doctor will serve the people living in the region for five years after graduation. Gyurme Dorjee from Jampaling Tibetan Settlement secured the first scholarship of this programme and is due to start his course in Kathmandu in January 2004.
James Moorhouse, a former British MEP (Member of the European Parliament), updated the members with the latest political development on Tibet. He said, “The current US Administration is very positive about Tibet. America and Americans are the best allies of Tibetans”. However, he acknowledged the lack of British political support for the Tibetan cause and said that, “Western European countries are very timid about the situation”. He is currently the President of The Help Tibet Trust and he reiterated their shared determination to help the Tibetan refugees living in India and Nepal through practical schemes.
To find out more about the work of The Help Tibet Trust, one may contact Isabelle White at mail@helptibet.fsnet.co.uk.
