Brief Reports

Lha offers classes, training and services to the community, including:

• Language Classes – English (5 levels), Tibetan, Chinese (3 levels), Spanish (2 levels) and a daily English conversation class

• Computer training - two levels
• Cultural exchange
• Vocational training -  including photography, and massage courses and treatment
• Yoga class
• Health and environmental training, services and programs
• Medicine and clothing distribution.

The number of new students and the variety of classes on offer is increasing each year.  Between 2002 and 2007 12 classes were offered each day; in 2008 15 classes and last year in 2009 17 classes were offered each day.

Classes and projects regarding environmental and health issues are also offered at Lha.  One health project in September 2009 included a free eye check up for 145 people, and free glasses for 112 people in need.

At Lha courses and services on offer to tourists include:

• Meditation and yoga
• Tibetan language class
• Tibetan cooking class
• traditional art class
• cultural exchange;  and
• massage treatments/courses.

At Lha there are many volunteer opportunities for the people from abroad. We have about 15 to 20 volunteers a month and over the years have worked with 2,010 volunteers from 37 different countries.

Language Classes:

We have approximately 2500 students enroll in our language classes on offer each year.   In 2009, we had 2921 new students. On a daily basis, we have between 250-300 students attending our classes.

Most students are adults who have been deprived of educational opportunities both inside and outside Tibet. Many were not admitted to schools in Dharamsala due to their age, as only those Tibetan refugees aged 18 and under can attend the special school system set up in India for Tibetans.

In the past, approximately 60 percent of English language students participated for six to seven months, and the remaining 40 percent of students continued on to study for two to three years. The French language students studied on average of six months to a year. As a result, the English and French language skills of many Lha students have improved dramatically.

Spanish language classes have been introduced only recently – and so have comparatively less students than any other language class.

Lha also offers Tibetan school children free advanced level Tibetan language courses during their winter vacation.

Recently we developed a new system for our English language classes.  Each level is of 3 months duration, and students must complete these three months of classes before moving on to the next level.  We have also purchased a specific text book for the five levels from Cambridge.  These will be in use as of April 2010.

Computer Training

We have three computer training classes every month with two different levels.  We have 15 to 20 students each month; with about 240 students enroling each year. Three times a year we also provide special computer training including web design and data base operation.

Cultural Exchange:

This program involves a group of students visiting from different universities abroad to take part in cultural exchange.  Currently we have cultural exchange program partnerships with universities such as Tulane University (US), Loyola College (US), Rustic Pathway (US), Chung Yuan Christian University CYCU (Taiwan) and many more.

We have 7 groups of 15 to 20 student who visit each year to learn about the people and culture of the Tibetan refugee community.

Vocational Training:

Lha also provides vocational training including courses in photography and massage training.

Our photography course is run one to two times a year with 15 to 20 students.

Massage training is offered 4 times a year with 7 to 10 students in each class.

Library Facility:

Lha operates two community libraries.  They are located in McLeod Ganj and the Tibetan settlement of Tso Pema. 30 to 40 students have access to our library facility a month.

Contact Magazine:

At Lha we also have a partnership with Dharamsala’s monthly community newspaper, “Contact”.  ‘Contact’ provides information about Tibetan issues including news on the current situation in Tibet, H. H. The Dalai Lama’s teaching dates and events, and also services and volunteer opportunities available in the Dharamsala region. The Contact newspaper is published monthly with 500 to 600 copies and is distributed for free.

All programs offered at Lha directly benefit the community.