What is TVP's current project priorities?

1. Continue to fund and improve the effectiveness of our current medical program which benefits over 3200 patients, and our school program which benefits over 1200 students, through staff training and self-supporting initiatives.

2. Continue to support a skills training program that benefits 25 youngsters who will complete their training in 2008. TVP is currently expanding and improving its skills training program to incorporate entrepreneurship training in: handicrafts, woodworking, construction, mechanics, operating greenhouses and ecotourism.

3. In 2008, the TVP will implement a revolving business loan pilot program (our microfinance program) which will distribute $10,000 in small loans. TVP plans to expand this program with the eventual goal of reaching a $150,000 lending capacity to further boost the economic viability of Tibetan social entrepreneurs.

4. The TVP will complete the building of 10 planned greenhouses by the end of 2008. Vegetables from the greenhouses will feed and improve the health of 1,200 school children and community members. This project is a critical corrective in a region where malnutrition among Tibetan children is rampant and has resulted in startling rates of stunted growth.

5. TVP will continue to raise awareness of Tibetan culture and all aspects of project development through Tibetan photo exhibits, presentations, and cultural events via our Cultural and Outreach Program.

Is TVP Staying on Path?

Past: 2001 - 2005: Since its inception, TVP has made a difference in the lives of over 8000 Tibetan villagers through (1) building / renovating four bridges, (2) building one school and distributing school supplies to 10 schools with over 1,200 students, and (3) providing medical care for over 3,200 patients through three clinics and one mobile clinic. In the process, TVP has developed a project model from its bottom-up approach and proven its dedication to continue its work in the long run despite the sensitive political circumstances in which it operates. Click here to learn more about our past accomplishments.

Present: 2006 - 2010: While continuing to support ongoing medical and educational programs, TVP is taking the initiative to address the sustainability of projects by building its organizational capacity with leadership roles from committed board members and training Tibetan project coordinators. TVP is starting to generate earned income through volun-tourism trips to Tibet. It is further developing and supporting several income generating pilot projects (artisan store, motorbike repairs, trade school, and greenhouse, etc.).

Long Term Goal - 2010 and Beyond: Instead of growing in every project sector (such as education and healthcare programs), TVP will continue to fund and improve existing projects through training, resource management, and self-supporting initiatives. To reduce donation dependency and promote self-sufficiency, TVP will expand its projects in the area of income generating micro-enterprises. TVP feels that it is essential, in today's globalized economy, for Tibetans to integrate into a cash-based economy since the traditional bartering system is no longer viable. To that end, TVP will implement an income generation model program that will be replicated on a systematic, regional level to tackle the issue of Tibet's growing economic marginalization as well as the viability of its cultural survival.