The largest program yet for children at Surmang in Tibet, with 250 participants, culminated in a celebration just before Losar (Tibetan New Year) in February. Family members joined the children in the shedra courtyard to witness singing, dancing, presentation of gifts (school backpacks and books), and celebratory khatas for the

Total donations received in 2017 were approximately $54,000. Due to the anticipated consecration of the Surmang shedra in 2018, a major push was made in 2017, and will continue in 2018, for final completion of that building complex. Some funds were still available from donations over the prior two years,