The refugee camp in Hemza was founded and built in 1960 with the permission of the Nepalese government and the support of the Swiss Red Cross. The camp has been a place of refuge for people from Tibet ever since. 800 people currently live there. The living situation is still not easy for the former refugees. Without the support of foreign aid organizations, the people there would be in a really difficult situation.

Anna Elisabeth Bach and Lhakpa Gyalje Sherpa visited the Jangchub Choeling monastery in Hemza from March 2nd to 10th, 2012 and learned more about the situation in the refugee camp. Shangpa Rinpoche and Dubsing Rinpoche run the Jangchub Choeling monastery and are also an important source of support for the camp’s residents. People turn directly to the two Karma Kagyü Lamas with their needs and worries. The first incarnation of Dubsing Rinpoche built a small monastery in Hemza in 1960, which soon became the heart of the refugee camp. Over time, a new monastery was built in which many initiations and teachings took place, including by the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, Shamar Rinpoche, Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche and other Buddhist masters of the Karma Kagyü lineage. Anna Elisabeth Bach was able to meet Mrs. Tshering Doma (Settlement Officer) and her secretary Tenzin Rabden and ask them about the situation in the camp at the time. The camp’s kindergarten in particular was in urgent need of support. It was also founded in 1960 and currently looks after 22 children aged 2 – 6 years. Two teachers teach the children in the Lower and Upper Kindergarten and two old ladies from the camp have been looking after the toddler group. A specialist teacher for the toddler group was urgently needed. At the end of 2014, thanks to the support of sponsors, we were able to fill the position of teacher for the toddler group. Financial support for kindergarten meals is still lacking. At the moment, the little ones only receive milk because there is not enough money for more food. We were able to support the kindergarten with the help of sponsorships, play and learning materials, clothing donations and the placement of volunteers. In April 2013, we were able to use sponsorship money to have the kindergarten’s sanitary facilities urgently renovated. We supported this project until 2020.