Tibet has brought about many changes to the people of Tibet. In a
less overt way Ladakh is also suffering from the pressures of change. Since the 1970’s when Ladakh became open to international tourism and trade, there has been a great influx of western influence over a short period of time.
Changes that would have taken centuries to evolve within a society are hitting Ladakh with sudden impact. Young people are beginning to turn away from their families, communities and spiritual values. Traditional skills of farming, building and crafts are being
lost and the fragile desert landscape of Ladakh is beginning to suffer from unsustainable use and pollution. There is a growing concern amongst the Ladakhi people about the developments taking place in their society.
The 12th Gyalwang Drukpa is head of many of the Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. In response to the concerns of his people, he had the vision of constructing a new and innovative school and asked the Drukpa Kargyud Trust to help turn his vision into a reality.
The
aims of the school are to provide a balance of modern academic education with the practical needs of the local community. Emphasis will also be placed on the value of the indigenous culture and traditional Buddhist philosophy and practice.
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areas are welcome and residential facilities will be provided for orphans and children from remote areas. In total the school will provide facilities for over 750 children aged 4 to 18 years.
The Dalai Lama is a patron of the Drukpa Kargyud Trust and in a recent letter of support for the school had this to say: "The idea of having a modern school which lays equal emphasis on the importance of preserving the valuable aspects of traditional culture is very encouraging. I feel that
Ladakh provides an ideal location to develop this idea. I have always believed in giving equal importance to both modern, scientific knowledge and traditional Buddhist culture. A proper synthesis of the two, with good motivation, can give rise to positive results".
The school will be built in the village of Shey, 15 km from the capital town of Leh, and will be completed in four phases over 10 years. Building work began in 1998 with the construction of the first phase - the Nursery
and Infant School facilities. It is expected to finish work on these buildings later this year and to open the school to the first children in March 2001.
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