The
mission of Munsel Foundation is to gently and skillfully assist beings
in need all over the world. Munsel in Tibetan means to dispel darkness.
The sun and moon were selected for the logo because they shed light
on outer darkness. The yak is in the logo because they are strong, gentle,
and useful. The yak's horns stand for compassionate wisdom and worldly
knowledge, which dispels inner darkness.
History
of Munsel School: High in the mountains of the Nangchen region of Western
Kham are small villages of nomadic yak herders and subsistence farmers.
Khenpo
Gawang Rinpoche went to Tibet in 2004 with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and
a group of his students from Shambhala International to visit Surmang
and Golok. Because he was close, Khenpo Gawang Rinpoche went to the
area where his family came from to visit.
While
he was there leaders and parents of 4 villages asked him to to help
educate their children since most did not have an education. Munsel
Foundation has been active in the development of this project since
January 2006.
The
2007-08 school year saw 15 children moved to Yushu (Jyekundo) town and
begin living in a rented house near a public school. 2008-09 an additional
20 children came to live in a purchased home 5 minutes from the public
school.
In
Feb. 2008 adult language and math classes were started for small groups
of older children who can not attend school and adults of all ages.
This continued until the earthquake. Winter 2010 there are plans to
continue the adult education.
April
14, 2010 at 7:49AM a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the town. In less
than a minute most buildings had collapsed. Five Munsel School children
died that day. Due to the heroic efforts of the adult staff 25 children
survived.
Most
children returned to the villages for two months after the earthquake.
All 25 children returned to Yushu and continue to attend school. They
are living in refugee tents. Winter is coming and Munsel Foundation,
along with other humanitarian aid groups is working to prepare them
for a harsh winter. Yushu is on the Tibetan Plateau at about 12,000
feet in altitude.
Vietnam:
Since 2003, Munsel Foundation dba Foodaid Compassion has been actively
working in all areas of Vietnam with a multi-faceted project called
Relief Services In Vietnam. Ly Nguyen is the principal projects manager
for Vietnam. She makes multiple trips each year finding new projects,
checking on existing projects, and making sure each and every gift from
a donor is given with care and love. She has been to every one we support.
When ever
possible Ly likes to personally help with the projects.... giving cash
but also giving time, effort and attention. Through Ly, and others who
accompany her on these trips, gifts to the people of Vietnam are not
faceless checks but warm gestures of assistance from real people
Relief
Services In Vietnam works with religious, social, governmental, and
community based organizations and with individuals. RSV projects are
chosen because they are helpful in a real and specific way. We look
for projects that are not presently funded or are under funded. We look
for people who have the skills, the desire and a commitment to making
a difference in the lives of those who need help. Sometimes when we
find a need and no one to help...we do it ourselves.
Foodaid
and Assistance to the most needy occurs everywhere we work on a case
by case basis.
