In Tibetan, Shenpen means “of benefit to others”. Shenpen’s goal and mission is to work collaboratively with local communities in Tibetan areas (especially the rural and semi-nomadic areas) to find sustainable ways to meet their needs. The fund prioritizes local needs and initiates projects to generate community based strategies for development. Particular areas of focus are listed in their mission statement:

1. To identify, develop, and monitor projects that address their needs and concerns.
2. To work in the sectors of education, cultural engagement, economic development, environmental protection and capacity building, and special emphasis on the empowerment of girls and women, which is a serious issue in many parts of Asia. Shenpen is funded in part by the Give Girls a Chance organization.
3. To work collaboratively with other international non-profit NGOs, local government and other partners to assist Tibetans in giving voice to and achieving their goals.

Shenpen’s projects include a child sponsorship fund, performing arts projects, water projects, and solar energy projects. The project of major focus (and what I will be directing my funds to) is The Chungba Primary School. Located in a remote mountain community, the school educates and houses roughly 250 students. Tibetan and Chinese languages are taught and English will soon be added. The school faces the usual needs for teachers and books – the fund provides bonuses to draw the best teachers to this isolated community. Other more specific needs include more space to alleviate overcrowding, electricity generators, and methods of obtaining clean water. The school provides benefit to the whole community as locals are employed in construction, as cooks, caretakers, and cleaners. The school has created something for the community to build and gives optimism to the locals.

I have been fortunate to meet Amchok Rinpoche (Rinpoche translates as “precious one”, a title given to heads of Buddhist temples), and discuss the history of the Tibetan people and their struggle to build a life after facing recent political and religious persecution. Over the years we have become friends through his visits and relationship with family and friends, and though he is not directly involved with this organization (he is currently building a monastery in India and travels the world teaching), he pointed me in the direction of the Shenpen Fund as an organization that is making an impact on local Tibetans’ lives.

After doing research into the Shenpen organization I feel that its missions and projects are establishing the correct path for long term Tibetan development and therefore I am pledging this year’s Lazarus donation to the Shenpen Fund.

Eugene Chan & Marcia Elder