I was telling a client about my children I was sponsoring and she mentioned her mother sponsored a Tibetan monk, so off I troopse to the computer and start a search on the monks. I found an Australian organisation that sponsors not only Tibetan Monks but also the Nuns, Lay Tibetan children in Indian and a Tibetan school.
These were only $10/ month sponsorship and 100% of the money goes to them. I took on two girls at the school in Tibet, Jampa and Padma as well as a girl in India, Phurbu.
Because of the remoteness of the school I was told not to expect any correspondence from the children but I would get a report from the headmaster yearly. The money for the children at the school goes to the headmaster to assist with the running of the school, school fees and supplies and also to help give them a hot meal. You can also add a little extra for the family if you wish.
I was also advised not to send parcels as they often get stollen on the way, so I sent all 3 girls a padded envelope with a letter and stickers, postcards, colouring book, pencils etc.
I was very surprised to recently receive a letter back from Phurbu thanking me for the gifts and telling me a little about herself and also enclosed was a photo of her and her two sisters. I was extremelly thrilled, not only to hear from here but to also know that the items had actually reached her.
I am pleased to say I have also received a letter from Janpa in Tibet, so it looks like not only do my large envelopes get through but I am also going to get mail in return. I really didn't expect to get any letters from these girls so I am thrilled to have received the 2 letters in the short time I have been sponsoring them.
One little hint, I pop a self addressed envelope in with the letter I send, this not only makes it easier for them but also saves a little on them having to purchase an envelope.
Happy now to say I have received a letter from Padma also, so all my parcels have got through and I am hearing back from all girls.
These girls are real sweeties.
I love this organisation and have since sponsored 2 more girls. Chime who is in Tibet and Lobsang who is in India.
I have had letters from both of them and Lobsang told me as her family are all still back in Tibet and she is alone she will look on me as another mother.
I now sponsor 6 children with TSS, 3 girls in Tibet, Padma, Chime and Jampa and 2 girls in India Phurbu and Lobsang and now Lobsangs young brother Karma.
Mailing to Tibet is haphazard, some makes it some gets returned but makes it the following time I send it.
Mail to India is fine and I am in great contact with my children there.
In February 2007 I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the children in India and must say they are wonderful. The monks looked after all our needs and we spend a lot of time with the children.
We are planning on returning in Feb 2009 to spend more time with them.