Europeans Help Tibetan Refugees

WONG:
And its been more than fifty years since troops from communist Chinas Red Army invaded Tibet. In the time thats passed the regions culture, traditions and religious values have been systematically destroyed. But in an effort to save whats left many Tibetans have sought refuge in northern India. NTDs Czech Republic correspondent Vladka Maskova shows us how people all the way in Europe are giving a helping hand to people half a world away.

Here in the region of Ladakh in northern India is one of a few places were Tibetan refugees can find peace. Thousands live here freely able to live their lives as they would like to back home high in the Himalayas.

But the operation here wouldnt be possible without financial aid from humanitarian organizations.

Karin Machata works for the non-profit organization Charitable Society of Tolerance or M.O.S.T. Karin recently made a trip to India.

[Karin Machata, Humanitarian Activist]:
We went to India to bring humanitarian help to the SOS villages where Tibetan children and elderly Tibetans are living. And we also visited monastery schools in Tikse, Diskit and Kaza to hand out material support.

Machata says its not easy for Tibetans to get used to life in India but its the only way for their culture and way of life to live on. Its not an easy thing for these kids parents to say goodbye as they send their loved ones far across the Himalayas away from their families and friends but away from persecution.

[Karin Machata, Humanitarian Activist]:
Children come to the SOS villages after completing a terrifying journey across the Himalayas lasting a month or more. The little kids travel by foot with a guide its a dangerous journey of life or death. They arrive in Nepal. From there they are shipped to India. Here they visit schools, learn the Tibetan language, culture and can freely practice Buddhism.

Maintaining these centers is one of the focuses of the organization M.O.S.T., says Karin Machata.

[Karin Machata, Humanitarian Activist]:
I felt I could help so I just let my heart lead me.

In the Czech Republic Karin organizes seminars on the plight of the Tibetans with the hope more people will give their time and money allowing her organizations work to continue.

In the words of Karin Machata every bit of help is a big help, even with a small amount of money.
This is Vladka Maskova, NTD, the Czech Republic.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• ntd
• europe
• tibet
• tibetan uprising day
• 10th march
• Lhasa
• Dalai Lama
• chinese communist party
• china
• exile
• india

[ChinaKillsTibetans]

Thanks for the excellent video. The communist party will not last so this unfortunate situation will be resolved. Hopefully very soon.