For many Tibetans learning to read and write is an impossible dream, with literacy levels at less than 25% in Sershul County.
The existing schools provide a dismal standard of education which lacks any real dedication from the teachers or commitment from local government.
Children who do attend these schools find any enthusiasm for learning steadily drained away. Virtually none of the children who endure this process go on to high school. They are left illiterate and untrained.
Literacy for Livelihood Project
The Literacy for Livelihood project aims to address the literacy, numeracy and cultural needs of children unable to attend Chinese primary school. This will enable them to progress into the VISTA training program or to gain entrance to Chinese Middle School.
The project, which has the approval of the Chinese Government, has been operating in a small building at Ju Mohor monastery. In 2011, we completed the initial phase of our new Learning Centre, which has allowed us to teach more children.
Currently there are over 100 children enrolled, with 150 more children on a waiting list. They have been making excellent progress.
As their parents are nomads, the children stay on site at the school. The next phase of the project is to build dormitories for the children to sleep in comfort. It will cost €10,000 for one room, and we require 15 rooms to host everyone.
