Dharamshala: The Tibetaanse Vlaamse Vriendenkring, a Tibet support group in Belgium, has announced their 2012 projects for Tibetan refugees. In the Tibetan settlement in Mainpat, in the Indian state of Chattisgarh, they will install water filters in all of the homes there. They will also construct a mortuary for Dhonden Old People's Home in Chauntra.
This past April, the organization gave new shoes to 426 Tibetan refugees in McLeod Ganj. This year they have decided to start more than one project. "In this way we can suggest several initiatives and people can choose for which specific project they want to give a donation," said the press release by Dennis Barbion & Marijke Reynaert. "We can help more Tibetans in India, at different locations and in several ways."
The first project, for clean water, will take place in Mainpat, in Chattisgarh state. Mainpat, the first Tibetan settlement established by the government of India in 1967, is one of the poorest Tibetan settlements in India.
The organization, therefore, plans to setup a 15-liter water filter in every house in the settlement as well as the Old People's Home there. In Mainpat, 2,500 people live in seven different camps. "Water is so important, water means life," the press release said.
Installation of the water filters will take place in the spring of 2012.
The second project involves building a mortuary for the Dhonden Old People's Home in Chauntra, near Bir.
Currently, after someone passes away, their body is left in their room for several days after death. The length of time someone is left there depends on both astrology and the availability of wood. The mortuary will provide a place for the bodies to be kept prior to cremation.
If enough funds are present, the construction is also expected to start in the spring of 2012.
Sufficient funds will be needed for both of these projects; each water filter costs 50 euro, and in the building of the mortuary, donations are needed for the structure, excavation, slab work, roofing, and electricity.
If you are interested in donating to these projects, please contact Dennis at
