Jamyang Foundation

The Jamyang Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering underprivileged women and girls, primarily in Buddhist communities, by providing innovative educational programs. Established to address disparities in educational opportunities, the Foundation works in some of the most remote and needy regions worldwide.

Mission and Objectives

The Jamyang Foundation's mission revolves around creating self-sustaining communities by empowering women through education. It supports projects that combine modern education with traditional Buddhist wisdom, aiming to preserve cultural heritage while fostering social and economic development in these communities.

Programs and Initiatives

Himalayan Region

In the Indian Himalayas, particularly in the regions of Kinnaur, Spiti, and Zangskar, Jamyang Foundation supports multiple study programs. These include monasteries such as Jampa Choling Institute, Yangchen Choling Monastery, Dechen Choling Monastery, and several others in Spiti and Zangskar. The programs offer a range of subjects, including languages, mathematics, health education, and Buddhist philosophy.

Bangladesh

In the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, the Foundation has established primary schools for indigenous Marma girls. This initiative focuses on providing quality education in areas where local government schools often fail to meet the needs of indigenous communities.

Other Locations

Jamyang Foundation also supports outreach projects in countries such as Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, and Vietnam, often in collaboration with local institutions to enhance educational opportunities for women and girls.

Sanghamitra Institute

One of the notable initiatives is the Sanghamitra Institute in Bodhgaya, Bihar, which opened its doors in 2011. The Institute is dedicated to improving the lives of economically, educationally, and socially disadvantaged women and children. It serves as an educational hub for Buddhist nuns from the Himalayan regions during winter months.

Impact and Challenges

Jamyang Foundation's programs aim to transform lives by providing educational opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. Students often face harsh conditions, including extreme weather and lack of basic necessities. Despite these challenges, the Foundation's initiatives are changing perceptions of women's roles in these societies and helping preserve Buddhist cultures.

The Foundation currently supports over 500 students across its programs, with many more awaiting opportunities as facilities expand. By empowering women to become educators, healthcare workers, and community leaders, Jamyang Foundation contributes to sustainable development and social change in these regions.

Financial Overview

Jamyang Foundation relies on grants and contributions to support its programs. In recent years, it has received funding from various sources, including Buddhist Global Relief and The Blackbaud Giving Fund. The Foundation's revenues are primarily from grants and contributions, reflecting its reliance on philanthropic support.