Tong-Len was delighted to welcome Chris and Alex, two skilled circus performers. They have given two months of their time to work with the children in the hostels and the camp teaching them skills that are good for mind and body. In addition to providing entertainment, circus is now widely recognised as having a place in education, promoting strength, concentration, stamina, flexibility, confidence, dexterity, balance and team work. For more information on the project visit http://tonglencircus.blogspot.com/ .
His Holiness the Dalai Lama receives all the Tong-Len hostel children and staff in private audience - 14th May 2009
Since its conception, Tong-Len has been eager to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and receive his blessings for the children and the projects. On May 14th 2009 Tong-Len’s wishes were granted. All the hostel children and the Tong-Len staff were invited to His Holiness’s monastery for a private audience. The meeting took place in the garden area of His Holiness’s residence. He spoke to the children, asked about their background and families, and encouraged them to work hard at their studies. He also expressed a desire to do something to help the children still living in the Charan settlement.
Tong-Len was invited to submit a proposal to His Holiness’s private office for consideration for funding. The proposal submitted extends the tent school programme to include morning activities, particularly for the under fives, and also the provision of a nutritional midday meal prior to the start of the more formal afternoon educational programme. We have now heard that the proposal is approved in principle.
Running for Tong-Len - April 2009
Tom Hastings, previously a volunteer with Tong-Len in Dharamsala, went all out to bring in funds for the new hostel by running in the Paris Marathon on April 5th, raising almost £2000. This was a magnificent effort, and we are very grateful to Tom and all who sponsored him. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Chris Wallace and his sponsors for the money raised through running in The Great North Run this year and in 2008, and to everyone else who has given generously of their time, energy and effort in sponsored events, large and small, to support Tong-Len’s work.
29 Hostel Children win Top Awards - April 2009
29 of the 40 hostel children have won top awards from their school because of their recent end of year examination performance. This wonderful achievement is due both to the children's hard work and the dedication of the staff of the hostel who help them with their studies.
Mobile Health Clinic Update - March 2009
The staff of the mobile health clinic have completed a survey of other slum communities in the Kangra valley. They have visited homes and held health clinics in these communities. Common problems are lack of access to clean water, no sanitation facilities and no means to dispose of waste, all of which are contributing to the poor health of the families living there. Most of the children have not been vaccinated and also suffer from anaemia. Tong-Len has now started a programme of vaccinations amongst children in these neighbouring communities working alongside the local government. Clinics both for adults and special under-5 clinics have been held in Nagrota and Palampur. This work is being carried out in collaboration with the local government medical officers. General health clinics have also taken place in Jawalamuckhi and Chintpurni with the help of volunteer doctors. Tong-Len is continuing its regular health clinics in the slum settlement of Charan Khad in Dharamsala. Special attention is also being given to the needs of pregnant women through advice and vaccinations. The mobile health clinic is supported by Rotary International and in particular by the Rotary Clubs of Dharamsala and Greenville Noon, USA.
Tong-Len children get top places in Art competition - 15th February 2009
Children from the Tong-Len hostels took the first three places in a competition organised by a local company, Amway. Vijay took the first prize and Naresh and Vishal came in second and third places respectively.
Rinku and Nisha receive an award from The Director of the Board of Education in Himachal Pradesh - 8th January 2009
The Director of the Himachal Pradesh Board of Education presented an award to Rinku and Nisha at a ceremony in Dharamsala on the 8th January for their exceptional examination results. They have also been promoted to Class 7 because of their term 2 results.
Tong-Len celebrates the start of the building project - 26th December 2008
Tong-Len celebrates the start of the building project with a special ceremony attended by all the hostel children and the Tong-Len staff, and to which seven monks were invited. Prayers were offered, fires were lit, prayer flags were hung and songs were sung. The monks made a Mandala to keep away problems during the construction of the building as is their custom. It was a wonderful and happy day for all involved. The first phase of building on the land purchased early last year will be the construction of hostel accommodation for 60 children. Click on the image to see the video.
Heriot-Watt University Choir sings carols in support of Tong-Len - 16th December 2008
Tong-Len thanks all those who have contributed to the work during 2008 through child sponsorship and through other donations. Additional money has been raised through the Christmas Campaign which has included collections at the carol singing by members of the Heriot-Watt University choir at the Gyle Shopping Centre, Edinburgh on 16th December. Click on the image to see the video.
Mobile Health Clinic gets under way - October 2008
Dharamsala Rotary Club in partnership with the Greenville Noon Rotary Club in North Carolina, USA has funded a mobile health clinic for a pilot period of one year. This will enable Tong-Len to reach out to other displaced communities in the Kangra Valley. A vehicle and essential medical equipment and supplies have been purchased and two staff members appointed. Sonam Dorje (health project officer), and Radha (Indian registered nurse) are busily engaged in both the current health work in Charan Khad and in carrying out an initial assessment of the health needs of other nearby communities. Health promotion and immunisation are expected to be the initial priorities.
