Charitable Project: Druk White Lotus School

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 H.H. the Dalai Lama, the Charity Patron, with Michael Kern (CTET founder) and members of the project organising committee.

Education in Ladakh:

The people of the remote Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh want to educate their children to adapt to change and to earn a sustainable living, but without losing their cultural heritage. Many Ladakhis realise that education is the key to creating a viable future.

The Druk White Lotus School is a local initiative that is being built in phases. When finished, it will provide an education for 800 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, the Junior School opened in 2004 and the Middle School in 2007. Currently, over 900 children attend the school.

Druk White Lotus 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:

Go to www.dwls.org

Druk Padma Karpo School
Project Office
Flat 1, 16A Oaklands Road
Bromley
Kent BR1 3SL
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20-8468 1339