Forty-five young boys ranging from ages 7-14 recently joined the Shechen Monastery Elementary School.

The new monks are mostly  from Nepal, with many coming from the remote region of Dolpo. There will now be over 140 young monks studying and living at the monastery in Nepal.Over 85 children applied for enrollment, but limitations of space and facilities determined the final number accepted.

The newcomers are already settled in and studying with the others, although beds and other space is at a premium at this point. In April, some of the older monks will go to Sravasti or join the Tratsang (monk body).

This year, the school has been able to register as an official Nepali school, which will make it possible for the students to receive a Nepali certificate of graduation. In a few years the monastery will extend studies up to grade 10. This is a major step and involved the hiring of new certified teachers and an increase in the annual budget.

In the photos below Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche and Gyalse Rinpoche are performing the hair cutting ceremony.

Please consider becoming a sponsor of a young monk and help support the monastery in its efforts to provide education to these young boys.

Thank you.