Income Generation

Though education and healthcare remains its core focus, TVP also cultivates socially responsible, income generating micro-enterprises. These projects are designed to reduce donation dependency and promote self-sufficiency.

TVP Artisan Store

Tibetan Artisan Store: In the spring of 2005, the Tibetan Village Project trained a few Tibetans in knitting, weaving, and sewing in Lhasa. Upon completion of their training, they opened a small store in Lhasa that serves as a cooperative space where the artisans can work and showcase their crafts. Artisans make several handcrafts including shoulder bags, cushion covers, door curtains, wall hangings, and some Tibetan clothes such as sweaters. The goal of the store is to preserve Tibetan weaving culture while continuing to provide skills training to new artisans, assisting with quality control of village-made products and creating market access since there are no markets in villages..

Melok Trade School in action

Melok Trade School is located just northeast of Lhasa. A Tibetan tour guide started it in the end of 2004 with financial support from a Dutch non-governmental organization. The school currently has 19 students, 2 teachers and 1 cook. The student term of study is three years: the first year teaches woodworking and sewing skills, the second year provides on-the-job training and the third year develops business skills. Products students make during their training such as desks, chairs, clothes, and other crafts are sold or donated to local schools and clinics.

In the last few years, TVP has provided tools, equipment, clothes, and technical support. In 2007, TVP plans to provide seed money to start small income generating micro-enterprises after students graduate.

Future Plan: In 2007, TVP will start a pilot business loan program with $10,000. With this experience and further feasibility assessment, TVP plans to expand its income generation program that includes an entrepreneurship training and a small business loan that is appropriate and socially responsible for Tibetans. In the rapidly changing economic landscape, it is essential for Tibetans to understand and integrate themselves into a cash-based economy since the traditional bartering system is no longer viable. Thus, TVP envisions an income generation model program that would be replicated on a systematic, regional level to tackle the roots of growing economic marginalization as well as issues of cultural survival. If you know any funding opportunities either through private or foundations, please let us know.