Humanitarian Work
With the completion of Fate of the Lhapa, Sarah is directing Indigenous Lenses’ fundraising efforts towards humanitarian work in Nepal, fulfilling her promise to the three old Tibetan Lhapas. During their initial interactions, Sarah promised each man that as long as they were alive and she was able, she would continue to return to their refugee camp and help. So she has continued to do just that. In a country where the average annual income is below $300, basic necessities in our world become luxuries in their world.
Pictures of some of our Recipients
Our Humanitarian efforts are focused on four areas
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Education
The cost of education for one year in Nepal is $100. This includes tuition, uniforms, text books and test fees. In a country that values boys over girls and where the annual average income is $300, the education of girls is not a high priority. Indigenous Lenses is currently paying for the education of 9 girls. Our commitment to each girl is that, once accepted into our program, we will support her financially for as far as she wants to go in the educational system. Your donation can continue the education of the girls currently being supported and add more girls to the program.
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Providing food and shelter for indigent Tibetan elders
In 1959, when China invaded Tibet, thousands of Tibetans fled over the high Himalayan Mountains and settled into refugee camps in Nepal. Despite the help of the international community, many Tibetan elders struggle to survive. Indigenous Lenses is committed to providing food and shelter for indigent Tibetan elders through a monthly stipend program. Focus will be placed on those elders living in the refugee camp who have no family members or visible means of support. We are currently supporting two households.
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Cultural support of the shamans
Indigenous Lenses was created to fund the documentary, Fate of the Lhapa. At that time, the three Tibetan shamans, who are the subject of the documentary, requested that Sarah continue to return after the documentary was completed and help support both their healing tradition and their refugee camp. Indigenous Lenses provides each shaman with an annual gift of $500. It is an honor for Indigenous Lenses to support this ancient healing tradition that is in danger of extinction. Read about these men by clicking on current project link on the left.
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Providing eye and or Medical care for people in need
In Nepal, to make an appointment, have an eye exam and get a new pair of glasses costs $25. If someone becomes ill and needs to see a doctor, the total cost of the exam, diagnostic tests and medicine averages $50. To pay for a year’s supply of medicine for a seizure disorder is $75. Frequently, when Sarah is ’on the ground’ in Nepal, she is approached in the Tibetan refugee camp with requests for eye or medical help.
