Project Description
Due to restrictions on grade school curriculums which deviate from those currently approved, QGF has been officially granted a permit to design and build a multi-disciplinary technical school on 18 acres of donated land.
Located in a pastoral setting of grassy hinterland, surrounded by mountain vistas, the site is conveniently located to maximize contacts with the large population of ethnic nomads. It forms a natural connection with the nomadic farmers.
Officially named “The Hungkar Dorje Technical School” in honor of its founder, its mission is to further the cultural heritage of indigenous ethnic groups and promote learning and mastery of the skills for modern technology.
Our aim is to promote healthy economic and cultural growth in Tibetan society and to build a private educational facility complete with up to date teaching equipment and capabilities, in accordance with the “Educational Law of the People’s Republic of China”.
Our goal is to Preserve and protect traditions and culture which would otherwise be lost.
Simply put, by providing young adults with practical skills, many based on Tibetan traditions, students will have a chance to earn a living and gain financial independence. The curriculum will initially include:
- Introductory computer training
- Thangka Painting
- Woodworking (carpentry, wood carving, Stupa construction)
- Masonry (scripture and statue carving)
- Fashion Design (contemporary and traditional costumes)
- Machinery Maintenance
- Tibetan Medicine
- Culture Study
2009 Progress Report:
Providing Skills, Increasing Self Reliance
While construction continues and is expected to be completed by next summer, the first 100 students comprised of young men and women coming from all over Tibet have begun classes in Tibetan, Chinese language and wood carving. With an awareness of gender equality our first students are comprised of a nomadic, poor, and often parentless group of 14 to 21 year olds who have had little or no opportunity for education prior to our schools opening. They are now enthusiastically enjoying their first opportunity to receive a practical education which will help prepare them, their families and communities for economic self reliance. Courses are limited during the building process, and there are only 5 teachers out of an eventual 30 instructors. Our aim is to be at the full capacity of 600 comprised of students who have completed the 9-year compulsory education, and any youths without formal education but who have an earnest desire to study, and to train them systematically. This is expected sometime after next summer’s construction comes to an end.
While vocational school costs are higher than that of primary education, the
Without our help most of these young adults would go without an education and would face a life of little or no opportunities to advance vocationally. For those that aspire to go on to a higher education – there would be little hope.
- A 10-classroom Vocational High School with 15 teachers
- Dorm rooms for 600 girls and boys ages 14 to 21
- Office, library, kitchen, cafeteria, medical services clinic, and space for physical activities
- Textbooks and computers for teaching
- Teacher Salaries
- Costs to house, feed, and care for students