Read and find more about them below.
Tsering Samdup
Founder, Chairman and Executive Director
Tsering Samdup, a former Buddhist monk, is a painter and writer from Chharka. After completing primary education at Cristal Mountain School in Dho-Tarap, Dolpo, Samdup became a monk at Tharig Monastery in Kathmandu, continuing modern education and studying Buddhist philosophy. Pursuing his childhood passion for art, he dedicated spare time to self-training and lessons from various artists.
In 2010, after leaving monastic life, Samdup taught at a public school in Bentsang, Dolpo, for 3 years. Inspired by the challenges faced by his village school, Chharka Bhot Basic School, he, along with dedicated youths from Chharka, formed Dolpo Tomorrow in 2013. Taking a transformative step, since 2014, they assumed the responsibility to assist the community in operating the school and enhancing its facilities. Beyond managing the school and leading Dolpo Tomorrow, Tsering Samdup continues his passion as a painter. His art has transcended mountains, showcased in exhibitions in Vienna, Austria, and Switzerland.
Francis Shea
Advisor
In the year 2000, Francis was on a trip in Nepal when he stumbled upon a hidden monastery. Inside its ancient walls, he met a group of child monks whose bright eyes and shy smiles left a lasting impression on him. These children had so little, and their futures seemed uncertain, bound by the limitations of their remote existence. Determined to help, Francis proposed setting up a school within the monastery. He believed that education could open new doors for these child monks, giving them opportunities they had never imagined. For the next three years, he devoted himself to this cause. Living among the monks, he became their teacher and mentor, sharing not only knowledge but also hope. The school quickly became a beacon of light, transforming the lives of these children and sparking dreams they didn’t know they could have.
In 2003, Francis had to return to Singapore, but the monastery and its child monks were never far from his thoughts. He missed the laughter, the eager questions, and the sense of purpose he found in educating the kids. By 2006, the pull of his memories was too strong to resist. He returned to Nepal, this time with a new mission: to take four promising child monks to India for further education.
Traveling with the boys, Francis faced numerous challenges. There were bureaucratic obstacles, long and exhausting journeys, and the constant worry of ensuring the boys’ safety and well-being. But his determination never wavered. He was driven by the belief that these children deserved the best possible chance at a brighter future.
Eventually, the boys were enrolled in schools in India. From being unable to read or write, they went on to graduate from university, their success stories a testament to the transformative power of education and Francis’s unwavering dedication.
Back at the monastery, the other children also thrived. Many chose to leave monastic life, using the education and skills they gained to pursue various dreams. Some started businesses, others joined the workforce, all of them carrying forward the lessons they had learned from Francis.
Today, Francis continues his work in Nepal, focusing on improving the lives of poor children. His involvement with Dolpo Tomorrow allows him as an advisor to share his experience, and guide the organization in making a real difference. He also works closely with local social workers to tackle pressing social issues, such as the trafficking of women into India for prostitution. This work is difficult and often heartbreaking, but Francis remains steadfast, driven by a deep commitment to making the world a better place.
Francis’s journey is a story of quiet dedication and profound impact. From a chance encounter in a monastery to transforming lives through education, his efforts show how one person’s compassion and perseverance can bring about remarkable change. His story is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can grow into life-changing opportunities for those in need.
No fuss, no fanfare – just a regular guy making a real difference.
Ngawang Tenzin Hise
Vice-Chairman
Ngawang Tenzin Hisse, born in Chharka as the son of Guru Choegyal and Tsering Choezom, is a dedicated Buddhist monk. He embraced monastic life at the age of 9 at Jamchen Lhakhang Monastery, located in Boudha, Kathmandu. After completing his basic education and ritual studies at the monastery, he pursued higher Buddhist studies at Sakya College in Dehradun, India, for five years. In 2010, he returned to the monastery.
In gratitude for what he received from the monastery, he initially served the monastic school as a primary school teacher for four years, followed by four years as a ritual master. Subsequently, he spent five years as the Principal, leading the school.
In 2015, he joined Dolpo Tomorrow, demonstrating his unwavering dedication and commitment to the betterment of his community. Over the years, he has consistently supported the projects of Dolpo Tomorrow through annual donations. Currently, he serves as the Vice-Chairman of the organization, contributing to its leadership and guiding its mission for positive community impact.
Thupten Gyalzen
Secretary and founder member
Thupten Gyalzen, born in Chharka, spent his childhood in a village without a school. As the eldest son, he shouldered the responsibility of being the family’s primary shepherd for years. He later moved to Kathmandu, where he became a monk in a Buddhist monastery, receiving basic education alongside Buddhist studies.
At the age of 23, Thupten traveled to South America, an experience that inspired him to return to Dolpo and contribute to transforming the quality of life in his community. Witnessing the struggles of the school in his village, plagued by issues of funds, corruption, and mismanagement, he realized the need for action to impact the lives of the Dolpo-pas. Thupten became one of the dedicated youths from Chharka who, in 2013, founded Dolpo Tomorrow, initiating efforts to strengthen the school by assisting in its operation and enhancing facilities.
Currently, in addition to his role in leading Dolpo Tomorrow, Thupten Gyalzen contributes to the school as a compensated volunteer teacher.
Tashi Choesang
Treasurer
Born in Chharka and ventured to India at a young age in pursuit of education, Tashi Choesang completed his school education at Bon Children’s Home, a boarding school in Dolanji, Himachal Pradesh. Despite his dreams of attending college and university, Tashi, being the eldest son in his family, returned home to support his parents.
In 2017, Tashi Choesang joined Dolpo Tomorrow’s project in Chharka, dedicating himself to Chharka Bhot Basic School as a compensated volunteer teacher. Over six years of service, he contributed as a Tibetan and music teacher, making a positive impact on the lives of the students.
Currently, alongside his family responsibilities, Tashi continues to be actively involved in Dolpo Tomorrow’s cause. He serves as a volunteer board member, taking on the role of Treasurer.
Jenny K.C
Accountant
With a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Jenny K.C boasts three years of experience in the accounts and finance department, bringing a wealth of knowledge to her role as an accountant for Dolpo Tomorrow. Born and raised in the heart of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, Jenny’s journey from her early days to her school years has been shaped by the bustling energy and diversity of the city. A true travel enthusiast, Jenny finds joy in exploring new places and immersing herself in diverse cultures. Serenity and simplicity are her havens, where moments of tranquility recharge her spirit.
Jenny’s unique journey took an unexpected turn when she joined Dolpo Tomorrow as a teacher in the summer of 2022. Venturing to Chharka Bhot with a team of dedicated educators, she spent six months teaching the children of Chharka Bhot Basic School. Immersing herself in the Himalayan weather, traditions, and the way of life in Chharka, Jenny developed a strong bond with the children. This reciprocal connection left a lasting impact on her. Her wish to stay closely connected with those cute, innocent souls who taught her invaluable lessons about life and humanity came to reality in 2023 when she became the accountant of Dolpo Tomorrow.
As an accountant, Jenny handles the organization’s transactions meticulously. Always ready to lend a helping hand when the organization needs it, Jenny’s journey is a testament to her commitment to both numbers and the profound impact of education in the Himalayan regions.
Susen Kayastha
Academic Director
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies and 5 years of experience in the education field, Susen Kayastha plays a pivotal role as an Academic Supervisor and teacher at Dolpo Tomorrow. Originally from Banepa, an urbanized town close to Kathmandu, Susen’s journey with Dolpo Tomorrow and CBS began in 2018 when he volunteered through the Snow Yak Foundation as a teacher for CBS, marking the initiation of his deep involvement with Dolpo Tomorrow. Fascinated by the stillness of Chharka and the authenticity of its people, Susen has consistently been engaged with the school since 2021. His commitment is evident, as he even spent the winter in Chharka in 2022.
Currently serving as an Academic Supervisor, Susen is on a mission to create a joyful learning environment that addresses the diverse needs of the children in Chharka. His dedication ensures that Dolpo Tomorrow continues its journey towards making education accessible, meaningful, and joyful for the young minds in these remote communities.
Tse-Wangmo
Founding Member, Board Member and Teacher at CBS Project
Tse-Wangmo, a founding member of Dolpo Tomorrow, currently serves as a teacher at Chharka Bhot School (CBS). When she was a child, there was no school in Chharka. However, thanks to her father’s commitment to providing educational opportunities for all his children, regardless of age or gender, Tse-Wangmo had the golden opportunity to study in Kathmandu. As the eldest sibling in her family, she returned to her village to support her parents after completing grade 12.
Recognizing the significance of education, particularly for children and girls in her village, Tse-Wangmo became one of the dedicated youths involved in establishing Dolpo Tomorrow and reviving the school in
Chharka. Currently, she works as a full-time teacher at CBS, showcasing her commitment to nurturing the future of the children in her home village.
Tenzing Norbu
Administrative Assistant
Tenzin Norbu serves as an Administrative Assistant at Dolpo Tomorrow. He is one of the first batch students from Chharka Bhot School (CBS), having completed his primary education at CBS and secondary education at Crystal Mountain School (CMS). Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Education at Pushpalal Memorial College in Kathmandu, Tenzin aspires to become an educator in Dolpo. His education at CMS and at the college in Kathmandu is fully supported by our school’s primary sponsor, the International Community Development Foundation.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Tenzin actively contributes to Dolpo Tomorrow’s initiatives. He takes on the role of coordinator for the Kathmandu winter school program, showcasing his commitment to bridging educational opportunities for the Dolpo community.
Tsering Wangmo
Founding Member, Former Treasurer, and Board Member
Tsering Wangmo, a founding member and active board member of Dolpo Tomorrow, spent her early childhood in Chharka, shouldering the responsibility of herding animals and collecting firewood for her family, as most children did in Chharka during her time due to the absence of a functioning school.
Thanks to her parents’ decision to seek education for her, she was enrolled in Buddha Academy Boarding School in Kathmandu where she received cost-free education and living support until grade 10. After leaving the children’s home, she faced challenges, striving with utmost strength to support herself, afford fees for her further education, and cover living expenses in Kathmandu. However, due to the financial constraints of her parents, she couldn’t sustain education beyond grade 12 and returned to Chharka.
Committed to taking action to strengthen the Chharka Bhot School (CBS), which suffered from a lack of funds, mismanagement, corruption, and politicization, Wangmo became one of the youths who formed Dolpo Tomorrow to revive CBS. Wangmo, the former treasurer of Dolpo Tomorrow, not only served the NGO with great leadership during its initial phases but also worked at CBS as a compensated volunteer, showcasing her dedication to the betterment of education in her home village.
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