Russil Wvong

Dekyiling Tibetan Handicraft Centre Crèche

Project #284 – 2009-2016

While their parents work, babies, toddlers and young children are well cared for in the Dekyiling Tibetan Handicraft Centre Crèche, fully funded by TRAS.

History of the Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement

The Dekyiling Tibetan Settlement was created in 1980 for the Tibetan refugees from Bhutan. The Government of India and the Central Tibetan Relief Committee (CTRC) of the Dalai Lama’s Government-in-Exile together set up a small settlement outside Dehra Dun, in the foothills of the Himalayas. The CTRC purchased 33 acres of land, and within days, the typical tent city of a refugee camp started changing into a permanent little town. One of the objectives from the start was to preserve the traditional Tibetan art of weaving their vibrant carpets and sturdy fabrics.
Dekyiling 1980s

Handicraft Centre

A workshop was built, paid for by TRAS, where skilled artisans could work and train newly arrived refugees. Today TRAS sells beautiful handicrafts made at Dekyiling. These can be purchased at our office or at one of our events. 

Weavers at the handicraft centre

Crèche

At the same time, a crèche (or day care centre) was built for the babies and toddlers of the young women in training. Today, their weaving and tailoring continue to be the main source of income in the community. The crèche allows the women to work full-time, while two ayas (care-givers) provide the toddlers with an early education, loving care, and good nutrition. Kindergarten children come to the crèche after school.  Boiled milk, fruit and vitamin supplements give these children the extras needed for good health.
Crèche children with their two ayas

At present there are 30 children in the crèche: babies, toddlers and kindergarten-aged children. Although the weavers are paid for what they produce, their incomes are not sufficient to pay for costs of the crèche. Very few of these young parents from Bhutan and Tibet have older family members to care for their children, so TRAS has stepped in to help.

Supporting the crèche gives a good start to the children, training and self-respect to their mothers, and an income for their families.

Watch the Three TRAS Projects video that includes the story of Dekyiling Handicraft Centre and Crèche. 

Yushu Earthquake Relief

TRAS is deeply saddened by the earthquake in Yushu in Qinghai Province of China, and the tragic deaths, injury and damage that have ensued. Funds are urgently needed for relief and reconstruction efforts. Canadian donors can donate to the following two reputable organizations and receive a tax receipt. Each has long experience in the region and will make sure funds are used wisely and well. Machik also issues tax receipts to donors from the US.

Machik Canada: www.machik.org

Machik Canada is a branch of Machik, based in Washington DC. Go to www.machik.org, and follow the instructions for Canadian donors. Under Fund Designation, select: “Jyekundo Earthquake Relief”.

Rokpa Canada: www.rokpa.ca

Rokpa Canada is a branch of Rokpa International. Rokpa provides medical and education and other support in Yushu.

TIBETANS IN EXILE book launch, Sunday October 18

YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED BY THE TRANS-HIMALAYAN AID SOCIETY (TRAS) AND CANADA INDIA VILLAGE AID (CIVA)

TO A BOOK LAUNCH OF

TIBETANS IN EXILE: THE DALAI LAMA AND THE WOODCOCKS

A NEW BOOK ABOUT THE WOODCOCKS AND THE HISTORY OF TRAS AND CIVA

Please join TRAS and CIVA at a reception to honour author Alan Twigg and publisher Ron Hatch

 

DATE: Sunday October 18, 2009
TIME: 7:30 – 9:30pm
LOCATION: VANCOUVER RACQUETS CLUB LOUNGE,
4867 Ontario St., Vancouver (Ontario and 33rd – for parking directions, see below)

PLEASE RSVP TO TRAS: 604-224-5133 or tras@portal.ca by Tuesday October 13

Includes a special screening of George Woodcock: The Anarchist of Cherry Street, a short film by Alan Twigg

The Trans-Himalayan Aid Society (TRAS) and Canada India Village Aid (CIVA) are excited to announce the publication of a new book about George and Ingeborg Woodcock, who founded the Tibetan Refugee Aid Society (now Trans-Himalayan Aid Society) in 1962. In TIBETANS IN EXILE: THE DALAI LAMA AND THE WOODCOCKS, Vancouver author Alan Twigg has recovered the amazing story of how George and Inge, while travelling in northern India in 1961, encountered many of the Tibetan refugees who had recently fled over the mountain passes. Appalled by the condition of the children–huddled together with inadequate bedding and clothing, surviving on a diet of thin soup and steamed dumplings–the Woodcocks vowed to help. Hearing of this, one of the Tibetans said, “You absolutely must come and see uncle.” This was Khando Yapshi, the Dalai Lama’s niece. Among the first Westerners to meet with the Dalai Lama, the Woodcocks offered to campaign to provide humanitarian assistance. This was the genesis for TRAS, one of the two remarkable non-profit charities spearheaded by the Woodcocks–the other being Canada India Village Aid (CIVA)–that have touched the lives of millions.

TIBETANS IN EXILE is a fitting tribute to the Woodcocks. It puts a human face on grassroots international aid, while telling the story of this rather eccentric, extremely compassionate and generous couple. It is an inspiring example of the fact that, yes, one person can make a difference.

TIBETANS IN EXILE is now in print, available in person at the TRAS office (Mon-Thurs, 10:00am-4:00pm; phone first 604-224-5133), in bookstores, or online at www.ronsdalepress.com. 272 pp, 60 b&w photos.

Directions and Parking: The Vancouver Racquets Club is situated on the northwest corner of 33rd and Ontario. Plenty of street parking is available (the car park is for members only). Map: www.vrc.bc.ca/faqs.html

Light refreshments, cash bar available

We look forward to seeing you!

Trans-Himalayan Aid Society (TRAS) www.tras.ca
Canada India Village Aid (CIVA) www.civaid.ca