Supporting the health and education of Himalayan children and youth
SPONSORSHIP
A monthly gift of $42 allows a child to stay in school. Your support pays for tuition, lodging, uniforms, school health, and the books and supplies they need to learn and succeed.
CTA NURSES TRAINING
In partnership with the Central Tibetan Administration and with the blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, TRAS is helping transform the lives of young Tibetans. Through nurses’ training and educational support, bright students gain the chance to learn, grow, and return home equipped to uplift their families and communities.
SCHOLARSHIPS
In the rural regions supported by TRAS, many bright young students have no opportunity to continue their education after high school. Scholarships change that. With this support, students can pursue post‑secondary studies, gain professional qualifications, and return home equipped to strengthen their communities.
EDUCATION
TRAS works with trusted local partners to expand access to education in the remote Himalayas, improving opportunities for children and strengthening the well‑being of their families. Our programs also empower girls and women by building awareness of the policies that protect their rights — including access to education, child labour laws, gender‑based discrimination and violence, and environmental protection. Through knowledge and advocacy, TRAS helps women and girls participate more fully in their communities and shape safer, healthier futures.
HEALTH
A striking reminder of the challenges Nepal continues to face came in 2019: despite meaningful progress in recent years, the country still had one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the Asia‑Pacific region. According to UN data, 279 women died for every 100,000 live births, underscoring the urgent need for trained maternal‑health workers in remote communities.
PROJECTS
Twice a year, TRAS carefully reviews new project applications. We focus on projects that improve education and health for children and youth, ensuring that each initiative is community‑driven, locally led, and capable of making a meaningful difference.
HOW WE WORK
TRAS raises funds for trusted Himalayan partner organizations that deliver health and education projects within their own communities. By drawing on local expertise, cultural knowledge, and locally available materials, our partners are uniquely equipped to address the social, economic, medical, and environmental needs of the region.
Letter from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2012
“I am happy to learn that the Trans-Himalayan Aid Society (TRAS) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Since the Society was founded in 1962, it has given significant support to Tibetan refugees… I would like to express my appreciation of the good work TRAS has done over the last 50 years with my prayers for their continued success in the future.”
HANDICRAFTS
TRAS sells a variety of beautiful, high-quality items made by artisans in community-based handicraft centres in northern India and Nepal.