Cultural Heritage Preservation & Awareness Programs – The Himalayan Society for Youth and Women Empowerment (HSYWE)

Cultural Heritage Preservation & Awareness Programs

The preservation of any identity and culture comes from the preservation of one’s language. The Buddhist philosophy is engrained in the culture and traditions of the Himalayan communities. To ensure that the Sambhota language and Buddhist values are not lost as Himalis young and old migrate to new localities, HSYWE offers free LamaBhasa-Buddhist Scripture Reading programs. As an incentive, an English-language program is also offered by our organization. As HSYWE believes that educating a woman is educating an entire family, a majority of the students are women; though both men and women are welcome to join these informal classes. Students range in age from the elderly to teenagers and come from all walks of life. Everyone is welcome regardless of their level of education. These informal sessions are taught by a dedicated team of full-time teachers and volunteers. HSYWE is conducting Sambhota Buddhist Scripture Reading alongside English Language classes. Thus far we have over 2286 beneficiaries and around 300 active learners. HSYWE takes pride for being the first of its kind in Nepal and has influenced several NGOs to conduct similar literacy programs. HSYWE strives earnestly and steadily to maintain the quality of performance amidst similar functioning NGOs. To review the program schedule, please click here.

Sambhota-Buddhist Scripture Reading

Buddhism being the integral part of Himalayan identity, an initiative has been taken to conduct LamaBhasa-Buddhist Scripture Reading class along with regular language class.
  • Foundation – This course is a basic introduction to the alphabet, vowels, phonetics and pronunciation. Shorts prayers like Sampa Lhundup Dhuepa, Guru Tsikdhun Soldep, Barche Lamsel Dhuepa, Samlhun Dhuepa, Thukjee Lokshak, Ngomon, Dhenpa Nyammeh, and JhaChoe Khaknga are taught. Duration: 6 months.
  • Level I – Levels I: Soldep Sampa Nyurdupma, kyabdo, Mendel, Behyul Choeten Namsum, Lopen Thukje Chengi Thukdam Dhenkul Dungyang Soldep, Gurue Soldep Jikpa Kunkyap, Soldep Sampa Lhundup, Soldep barche Lamsel, KhaNyamMa, Jetsun Jampeh Yangla Tohpa Gangloma, Jamyang Tohpa Shejeh Khayeng, Lhamo Yangchenmeh Tohpa. Duration: 4 months
  • Level II – Levels I: Jangchup Sempeh Norbu Thengwa, Thuppeh Tsenngak, Dolma Yenlak Dhunpa, DollkarGi Tohpa Khorwaleh Dolma, Dolma Nyerchikgi Soldep Choksum Kundeh, Jetsun Chomden Dehma, Dolma NyerchikGi Tohpa, Thapkhe Thukjema and Denpa Nyameh. Duration: 4 months
  • Level III – Gyalweh TsenNgak, Dehchen Lhundup, Shapten Soldep Shedhon Lhundup, Shapten Soldep Yeshin Wanggi Gyalpo Dhoshal, Shapten Soldep NubChok Dhedhenma, Bardho Thangdolgi Monlam, Lojong Tsikgyehma. Duration: 4 months
  • Level IV – Penchen Rinpoche Shapten Soldep Shedhon Lhundup, Phakpeh Soldep, Yonchap Bhulweh Tsikkang, Ngakjinlab, GyurNgak Thengngak Kangngaksok, Marmeh Monlam, Tungshak, Shishak, Yikgya, Menlehsungngak, Phakpa Tashi Gyepa, Shiwa karpo SangDhuepa, SangDhuepa. Duration: 4 months
  • Level V – Konchok Jehdren, Dhensol Monlam, Bodkyong Lhasunggi Thinkul, Lhamo ThinKul, Lhamo ThinKul Tohdrel Kyehmeh, Ngechung Thinkul, Thupten Rimeh Gyepeh Monlam, Thuppeh Dhoesol. Duration: 4 months
  • Level VI – Jamgyon Lama Tsongkhapeh Tsenngak, Dolmeh Sungngak, Dolmeh Dhokpa, Dolkar Tohpa, Gadhen Lhagyama, Pendrup Chudungi Soldep, Dhukar Dhuepa Dang Dhukarhi Dhokpa. Duration: 4 months
  • Level VII – Mekha Dadhok Dhordhue, Sherap Nyingpo, Sengdongmeh Dhokpa, Tsepak Mehkyisung, Damtsik Dorjee Sungngak, Phaktoh, Soldep Dhenpeh Ngada, Jyangchup Lamgi Donma, Ngakrin Monlam. Duration: 5 months
  • Level VIII – Kabsumpa, Phakpa Jampeh Monlam, Jyampeh Kusuk, Chakmeh Dhemon, Sangchoe Monlam, Choejuk, Thokthama.Duration: 5 months
  • Level IX – Lama Gyaboh, Umay Tahthi Dhenpa Shedhengi Gyuryang Ngodup Charbeb. Duration: 4 months
  • Level X – Thundruk Lhameh Nyeljor, Khechok NgyolchuVehSung Thunduk Dhupa, Lamgyi Tsovo Namsum, Tsasur Tongtsul, Sarchoe Dhuetse Charbeb, Dhamtsik Dorjee Gomdhe, Tserap Jhezengi Soldep. Duration: 3 months
  • Level XI – Kyab Thukje, Sherap Zoepeh Tsiksu Chepa, Phakpa Tashi Tsikpa SheJahva Thekpa Chenpoe Doh, Lama Dang Chenrehzik Yermehkyi NyelJhor Ngodup Kunjung, Lamrim Dhuepa, Thungrab Soldep Jenlab DhueTsee Tinphung. Duration: 3 months
  • Level XII – Tendrel Tohpa, Lamrim Monlam, Ngakrim Monlam, DheShek Dhungi thukdam Kulveh Soldep, Nyikmeh Gonpo Chomden MenLha ChedunGi Soldep Zamling Dungva Kunsel, Tengye Monlam, NamgyalMehSung, Tokzoedhun Lhekma. Duration: 3 months
  • Level XIII – Mass prayers are also being conducted every day from 8am-9am, Monday to Friday when the teacher leads the students who have perfected recitation.

    English-Language Program

    The importance of communication and being able to live in a society highly influenced by English language is why we have arranged The English Language Program as an initiative to enable our students to be a global citizen.
    • Basic I – A student’s first introduction to the English language, this course teaches the fundamentals of the English language including the alphabet, basic grammar, subject-specific vocabulary, and simple conversational skills. Basic I is further divided into four levels with equal duration (3months per course) of classes. Duration: 1 year.
    • Basic II – Students will spend the majority of time revisiting the skills they learned in the Basic I course. More advanced vocabulary, grammar, reading, and conversational skills will be taught and short-composition writing will be briefly introduced. Duration: 5-6 months. Prerequisite: Basic I.
    • Intermediate – The focus of this course is to ensure that students can confidently use all the vocabulary and grammar taught in the Basic I and II programs in brief conversations and compositions. Intermediate level classes are further divided into four levels with equal duration (3months per course) of classes. Duration: 1 year. Prerequisites: Basic I and II.
    • Advanced I: Students will learn more complex vocabulary, conversation, and composition-writing skills and will apply them to a wide range of topics. Duration: 3 months. Prerequisites: Basic I, Basic II, and Intermediate.
    • Advanced II: Students will work on mastering the skills they have learned in the previous levels and will be able to read, write, and converse with ease. Duration: 3 months. Prerequisites: Basic I, Basic II, Advanced I, and Intermediate.
    To review the program schedule, please click here.

    Adult Literacy Program

    Adult illiteracy can have a devastating effect on a whole family’s quality of life.Quite a large number of the people in our community are illiterate and many are able to read only up to rudimentary level. They cannot perform basic literary tasks such as reading the newspaper, deciphering a bus schedule, understanding a drug label, completing an order form, or balancing a checkbook. An inability to read is accompanied by depression, stress, and a lack of self respect. Because of the social stigma, many adults go to great lengths to conceal that they are illiterate. Without realizing it, you may already know an adult who cannot read. Illiterate adults are often very adept at concealing their lack of reading skills. Fortunately, you can help, because it is never too late for a person to improve. Even individuals who have never learned to read can attain an acceptable level of literacy with the one-on-one help of a caring volunteer tutor. And HSYWE is committed to actualize the eradication of this problem with the help of dedicated full time teachers and volunteers.
HSYWE conducts several efficient and sustainable programs which will contribute to a positive transformation in our interdependent society. Awareness programs have a wide range of topics and audience from all groups of ages. The topics taught and discussed include spirituality, history, health care, education, career development and current issues. Recent programs included workshop on Career Counseling & Personality Development (CC& PD), Effective Communication &Team Building, Study Skills and Effective Presentation, Human Rights, Leadership Development. Health programs on various diseases as well as personal hygiene are conducted as well. HSYWE has also conducted unique but interesting talk program on Integrating Spirituality into Modern Life, How to have Peace of mind and be happy, Karma, etc.

Talk Programs

HSWYE conducts various talk programs under ‘Cultural Talk Programs’ which touches upon religious and cultural values and ‘General Talk Programs’ which consists of programs related to health, video screening where community members are invited to gather for a variety of video screenings followed by a group discussion and the video content ranges from historical documentaries and biographical films to interviews with yogis and speeches; environmental crisis, gender based violence, stress relief, etc

‘Cultural Talk Programs’ comprises various religious speeches on how to achieve mental happiness, to eradicate stress, depression and other mental issues through Buddhist philosophy. It evokes knowledge on Buddhism and develops a sense of awareness about the culture and traditions as well as a better understanding.

‘General Talk Programs’ includes health awareness programs on STDs, Hepatitis, TB, HIV Aids, Basic Women’s Health – Menstrual Cycle and Personal Hygiene. A video screening on Cervical and Breast Cancer was also done recently regarding this program. As for the environmental crisis a speech was delivered regarding the importance of recycling and management of solid waste materials. Gender based violence was also explained to the youth and women by a resource person regarding the topic.

Workshops

The workshops are programs conducted to develop skills among the beneficiaries and aware them on topics such as career counseling, craft skills, leadership programs for youth and women, 21st century skills, Gender based violence (e learning modules), etc.

Career counseling workshop targets the youth who have graduated high school (12th grade) and for 10th grade students to choose a career path with a clear knowledge of the area of their interest. As well as bridging the gap between youth to adulthood. Craft skills using solid waste materials and recycling them was also taught in a workshop about the environmental crisis. Leadership programs for both youth as well as women are conducted to gain leadership skills and benefit in society. 21st Century skills development workshops are also conducted to help people adapt to the current society with ease. Workshop for gender based violence educated women and youth on identifying such acts and methods to prevent it or actions to be taken if they are facing such issues with the help of e-learning modules.

Since the HSYWE opened its doors in 2006, it has hosted numerous programs covering a wide range of topics. Please contact HSYWE if you are interested in participating in a previously held program as it may be possible to conduct it again. Some of the programs conducted previously include:

Buddhist Philosophy

Every Saturday (9:00-11:00 AM) the HSYWE used to conduct an introductory program on Buddhist Philosophy led by a different high lama each week. The high lama helped interpret the meanings of the Holy Scriptures. The program was very popular among all ages.

Video Screenings

Community members were invited to gather for a variety of video screenings followed by a group discussion. Video content ranged from historical documentaries and biographical films to interviews with yogis and speeches.

Small Grant

HSYWE encourages local grassroots community initiative proposals having common objectives as HSYWE through small grants. If the proposing party identifies with any or all of its objectives, then HSYWE accepts application for processing.

The conducted work-shop by Nepal Gelugpa Education Forum has set the standard for eligibility of applying to HSYWE’s small grants. This workshop clarified innumerable doubts related to importance of Buddhism and relevance it in 21st century. With such workshop, we feel we are serving a purpose and also feel that all efforts our sponsor was worth it.

Other Events

Programs included workshop on CC& PD, Effective Communication &Team Building, Study Skills and Effective Presentation, Democracy and Human Rights, Importance of Elections, Leadership Development for Women. Health programs for youth on STDs, Hepatitis, TB, HIV Aids, Basic Women’s Health – Menstrual Cycle and Personal Hygiene are conducted at some interval of time. HSYWE has also conducted unique but interesting talk program on Integrating Spirituality into Modern Life, How to have Peace of mind and be happy, Karma, etc.