Warmest greetings to all of our kind friends of Siddhartha School Project,

First, I'd like to say "Thank you very much for your support!"

We could not have gotten this far without you! I want to share with you what makes me the most happy about the school's success: the scholarship that our students are producing.

In our first two graduating classes, two female students set and then broke the regional exam record scoring the highest marks ever on the state administered exam in Jammu and Kashmir. They became the best students in all of Ladakh! I am also so proud of the teachers who are taking care of the students and school when I am not there.

When I am asked, "How can people help support Siddhartha School Project?" I think there are many ways, but most importantly financially is the number one way to help. Donations are what the school runs on. It is really great when people sponsor specific projects. For example, you might help us to build an auditorium so the students can sit inside at assemblies, or expand the health clinic, or build a dormitory or youth hostel for students who are now coming from very far away to attend the school. We also want to provide the internet to help connect the students to the larger world, to share their culture of sustainability and peace with students around the globe. If someone wanted to help by sponsoring the Siddhartha High School Worldwide Internet Connection Project we would be very grateful. The possibility to do this with the infrastructure is coming, but the challenge is to find the funding to support paying for this 21st Century form of communication. Will we have money to pay for this or not? This is a challenge.

The main way for people to offer support is to contribute financially because this is really what gives the children their education by providing an institution that values their culture and promotes a high quality of learning. This will open many opportunities, both for their future as well as the future of Ladakh.

We appreciate everyone's help and support! It is not necessary to become Buddhist. Learn how to become a good human being by living with peace and love. Trust yourself, live in a way that you learn how to interact well with other people. We know that without others we cannot get along all alone, we are dependent on others for so many things. Value yourself and respect the role of others. On behalf of the students and their parents and all of the teachers and staff at the Siddhartha High School, the people of the village, the state of Jammu Kashmir and the country of India, thank you so much for giving the children in Ladakh a great opportunity. We are all benefitting from it!

Feel proud of yourself and the help you are providing Siddhartha School Project. And remember this: it is important to be happy yourself and to consider yourself lucky because these children are part of your family, the big human family!

With love, blessings and gratitude,
Khen Rinpoche Lobzang Tsetan