Dekyiling, India

Dekyiling Tibetan Handicraft Centre

This settlement in Dehra Dun, north India, was created in 1980, with the help of the government of India and the Central Tibetan Relief Committee of H.H. the Dalai Lama, to resettle the Tibetan refugees arriving from Bhutan. Although a neat little village has grown up to replace the tents and shacks, life is not easy. The only source of income is the handicraft centre, which was set up with the objective of preserving the traditional Tibetan art of weaving and Tibetan culture. A large workshop block and creche were built, and young mothers were encouraged to train and work in the handicraft centre. The quality of workmanship is excellent. TRAS sells wool and cloth handwoven bags from Dekyiling, as well as their traditional Tibetan incense, which is completely organic.

TRAS has supported the operation of the creche for the past 4 years. At present, 22 babies and toddlers are cared for, freeing their mothers to earn a little income for their families. The TRAS support also allows the creche to provide healthy nutrition and vitamins to the children.

TRAS members sponsor several school age children in the settlement, whose parents are poorer than most.