PolskiChildren of the Himalayas
Support for the Tise Himalayan International School in Siliguri (India)
The Drenpa Namkhi Foundation is launching a new project called ‘Children of the Himalayas’, which aims to support students at Tise Himalayan International School (THIS) – a boarding school located in Siliguri, in the Indian state of West Bengal.
The school was established to give children from remote mountain regions of the Himalayas, who often do not have access to regular education, a chance to learn. Many of them come from poor families, and the journey to school in their home village would involve many hours of walking, which is why THIS offers them not only education, but also accommodation and full care.
The name of the school, ‘Tise’, comes from the Tibetan language and means Mount Kailash – a sacred mountain considered to be the spiritual heart of the Himalayas, a symbol of wisdom, peace and balance, which the school strives to convey to its students.
📍Siliguri, India – It is here, at Tise Himalayan International School, that young students from Nepal, India and Bhutan can discover the world through education for the first time in their lives, without losing touch with their heritage.
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Who are the ‘Children of the Himalayas’?
- Where do they come from? The students come from remote regions of Nepal (Dolpo, Mustang, Humla, Baglung), India (Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh) and neighbouring Bhutan.
- What difficulties do they face? Many of these places lack secondary schools, and primary education is very limited. Children often live in difficult material conditions and without outside support would have no chance of continuing their education.
- What does learning look like? Tise school offers the opportunity to live in a boarding school for up to 8–12 years, ensuring continuity of knowledge, safety, and stable living conditions. Teaching is conducted in English and local languages (e.g. Tibetan), and the programme combines modern education with the preservation of Himalayan cultural heritage.
About Tise School
- Status and recognition – the school is officially recognised by the Indian authorities up to Year 10 (lower secondary), which allows children to obtain certificates enabling them to continue their education.
- Infrastructure and development – initially, the school accepted approximately 70–80 children, and ultimately plans to educate up to 400 children. Currently, 195 children are enrolled there.
- Teaching methods – classes are tailored to the students’ level. For example, a child can study Tibetan at level 3 and English at level 1 at the same time, so that they can effectively catch up.
- Round-the-clock care – in addition to education, children are provided with accommodation, full board, healthcare and support from educators.
Why support is important
- Education as a light in the mountains – in the Himalayas, boarding schools are often the only real opportunity to obtain an education.
- Safety and care – pupils are provided with a stable place to live, away from poverty and difficult conditions in their home villages.
- Identity and culture – the school strives to preserve the language and traditions of the Himalayas, combining them with modern education.
- The future of children – knowledge and education open the way to further studies and independent living, which helps break the cycle of poverty.
‘Children of the Himalayas’ is a project that gives children from mountain villages a chance for development, knowledge and a future. Every gesture of solidarity helps them grow up in a safe and hopeful environment.
Children awaiting support
1. Sirjan Mahatara, age-13, 5th grade (boy)
2. Anisha Gaa Magar, age-15, 6th grade (girl)
3. Bipana Pun, age-15, 6th grade (girl)
4. Kunsang Bhuti Lama, age-13, 6th grade (girl)
5. Laxman Budha, age-14, 6th grade (boy)
6. Sushil Rokaya, age-13, 5th grade (boy)
7. Sujan K. C, age-11, 5th grade (boy)
8. Karma Choezom Budha, age-14, 6th grade (girl)
9. Pemba Chhiring Gurung, age-14, 6th grade (boy)
10. Kanchi Rokaya, age-16, 6th grade (girl)
11. Dolkar Lhamu Lama, age-13, 6th grade (girl)
12. Rajan Gurung, age-18, 5th grade (boy)
13. Dharmita Budha, age-15, 5th grade (girl)
14. Rosmin Chakma, age-12, 5th grade (girl)
15. Kaviraj Thapa, age-13, 6th grade (boy)
16. Lakpa Chhiring Thapa, age-13, 5th grade (boy)
17. Nyima Dolma Budha, age-13, 6th grade (girl)
18. Bivek Gurung, age-14, 6th grade (boy)
19. Pinka Chakma, age-14, 5th grade (girl)
20. Ngawang Rangdo Gurung, age-14, 6th grade (boy)
21. Passang Zhamu Sherpa, age-11, 4th grade (girl)
22. Sapana Rokaya, age-12, 5th grade (girl)
23. Prabin K. C, age-12, 6th grade (boy)
24. Prashant Rokaya, age-14, 6th grade (boy)
25. Teshika Tamang, age-13, 6th grade (girl)
26. Amrit Gurung, age-14, 6th grade (boy)
27. Basu Chamka, 12 lat, V klasa (chłopiec) age-12, 5th grade (boy)
28. Saresh Rokaya, age-14, 6th grade (boy)
29. Anmol Raj Budha, age-12, 5th grade (boy)
How to become a sponsor?
It’s very simple. Just write to us at:
📧 tiseschool@drenpa-namkha.org
In response:
- we will assign you a child who needs support,
- we will send you the details for the transfer,
- and then you will receive a newsletter from Tise School – news about the children’s lives, school events, holidays and everyday life in the heart of the Himalayas.
„Every child deserves the opportunity to rise above the limitations of their background.”
By supporting the ‘Children of the Himalayas’ project, you are creating a space where education becomes a path to freedom and dignity.
PDF file for download
