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,

Total donations received in 2016 were approximately $42,000. Continuing support was provided in 2016 for the children’s educational program at Surmang and also educational programs at Wenchen and Kyere, representing about one-third of total expenditures. Support was provided for ongoing construction at the Surmang shedra (school) and for the rebuilding

Thanks to the remaining portions of a major challenge grant from the Pema Chödrön Foundation, as well as support from many people who provided a range of small, medium and large donations, total donations received in 2015 were approximately $170,000. The major use for these funds is toward the completion

2014 served as a momentous transitional year for the Surmang shedra or monastic college. Key steps were undertaken by the Konchok Foundation and the Surmang Dutsi Til monastery that will allow the shedra to begin teaching programs for adult monastics in 2015. A central element of the vision for the

Education for the approximately fifty apprentice monks at the shedra continues throughout most of the year. Most of these young men live in the shedra complex. A khenpo is in charge of their classes. School recently resumed for the local lay children with about 150 girls and boys attending at

Surmang shedra. The busiest time of year for the shedra educational program for children takes place from November to February. More than 250 children attended during that period last year and a similar number are expected this year. There are three categories of children. Most numerous are the lay children,

The main focus of Konchok Foundation’s work in 2011 was support of the educational program for children at the Surmang shedra. At present there are nearly three hundred children, both lay children and apprentice monks, studying at four sites in the Surmang valley, including at the shedra itself. All of

Shedra children’s program. There are now about forty young monks studying at the shedra, most of whom are also living there. Additionally, there are about 150 local lay children, girls and boys, who are currently participating in the children’s educational program operated by the shedra at two off-site locations. The

The Year of the Tiger has been true to its name in the Surmang Valley and the whole region that surrounds it. The area was hit by a devastating earthquake almost as soon as the year began. That evoked a tremendous outpouring of concern, practice and financial aid for this

A key goal: finish the shedra classrooms by fall 2010. The first use of the classrooms at the Surmang shedra will occur this fall—if we can provide sufficient financial support for their completion. The Surmang Khenpo, who is directing the shedra rebuilding, is now in Tibet, purchasing materials and making