Architecture for Tibet
Architecture For Tibet
Architecture for Tibet is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Tibetans living in exile in impoverished regions of Arunachal Pradesh, NE India. We design, fund and construct buildings that respect and enhance the natural and cultural qualities of these regions, and create places of well-being and self-improvement, from which Tibetan values of compassion, patience and generosity can strengthen and spread.
We are focused on the well-being and education of Tibetan children. Towards that end, we create sound environments for these children to learn in, so they can go out into the world with real hope of Tibet's cultural continuation.
The proposed two-story building will contain not only classrooms, but a library, a multi-purpose space, a computer and language lab, and a large Nursery Environment, for the youngest children to learn, play and be cared for in. Within this place, the children can cultivate a true sense of friendship while gaining the knowledge they need to overcome their difficult circumstances.
The building is "green": Temperature is regulated through a combination of geothermal and solar-based technologies, creating a warm environment during the harsh winters and a dry, airy place in summer, when the region receives heavy rains. This will enable the children to be comfortable, healthy, and active within their learning environment throughout all the seasons.
Our Project
Architecture for Tibet's current project is an Academic Center for the Manjushree Orphanage in Tawang, Arucnachal Pradesh, in the high Himalaya of Northeast India. The new, light-filled Academic Center will replace the present schoolhouse, which is falling apart and not large enough to accommodate the number of children.The proposed two-story building will contain not only classrooms, but a library, a multi-purpose space, a computer and language lab, and a large Nursery Environment, for the youngest children to learn, play and be cared for in. Within this place, the children can cultivate a true sense of friendship while gaining the knowledge they need to overcome their difficult circumstances.
The building is "green": Temperature is regulated through a combination of geothermal and solar-based technologies, creating a warm environment during the harsh winters and a dry, airy place in summer, when the region receives heavy rains. This will enable the children to be comfortable, healthy, and active within their learning environment throughout all the seasons.
History of Manjushree Orphanage
In 1998, Lama Thupten Phunsok founded Manjushree Vidyapith Orphanage and Free School to assist orphaned, destitute and disabled children living in Tawang, the land of the Monpa, tribal people of Buddhist faith.
Today Manjushree serves 150 children in residence (11 are disabled), and 37 day students from nearby villages. Manjushree offers a modern education in accordance with Indian Government standards from nursery to class 5, and also teaches the children to read and write in the Tibetan language. Resident children above class 5 walk to nearby Government schools. The devoted faculty of 10 educators and 7 support staff not only teach and impart values of love and compassion for all, they also live on-campus and care for the children around the clock.
Today Manjushree serves 150 children in residence (11 are disabled), and 37 day students from nearby villages. Manjushree offers a modern education in accordance with Indian Government standards from nursery to class 5, and also teaches the children to read and write in the Tibetan language. Resident children above class 5 walk to nearby Government schools. The devoted faculty of 10 educators and 7 support staff not only teach and impart values of love and compassion for all, they also live on-campus and care for the children around the clock.