"Tawang is situated in the high ranges of the eastern Himalayas and shares its border with Bhutan in the east, Tibet in the north and the state of Assam in the south inhabited by the monpas. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the major occupations that the people of the region are engaged in with the tourism industry making its headway in the recent past. Tawang has landscapes, history, religion and architecture to offer to its tourists but the fact that it is located in one of the remote and most backward regions of the country with rough terrains, it is difficult for its inhabitants to earn a decent living and in consequence, education is often neglected and unaffordable. A 41.14% of literacy rate which is the lowest as compared to the other 15 districts of the state clearly reflects the grim situation. It is at this backdrop that an effort was made with the blessing of HH Dalai Lama in 1997 to establish an institution with its aim to educate the deprieved and disadvantaged children of the society. The institute was blessed by the name ‘Choephelling’ by HH Dalai Lama which aptly means to impart wisdom and knowledge.
Choephelling Public school (CPS) is a residential school and more so a home to the many orphan and semi-destitute children of Tawang who are mainly monpa and Tibetan. CPS has a dedicated faculty that takes care of the all round development of the students. The school, understanding the need to educate the children and at the same time to preserve the cultural and traditional ethos has laid emphasis on Bodhi and hence included it in the curriculum along with modern education. The office of HH Dalai Lama has been of immense help in this regard by sending teachers for the school to teach Tibetan since its establishment and has also provided financial assistance. The school also receives sponsorship from Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) and a few students each year are sent to TCV for further studies after passing the 8th grade. The mutual relation with TCV has gone to new heights with the visit of Tsewang Yeshila, President TCV and Tenzin Tsangpola, Director TCV who suggested improvements to be made for the school.. CPS has taken great strides with the economic and emotional support that has come from people sharing a common interest and concern. The school has grown gradually in strength with 93 students in the year 1997 to 207 students which includes 60 dayscholars at present. However the progress has been stunted due to the increase in the number of students on the one hand and the limited infrastructure on the other due to financial and resource crunch..
Choephelling school has been fortunate to have been blessed with HH Dalai Lamas visit to the institution in 2003 again and his contentment with the progress the school had made since its inception."
Jambey Wangdi - Chairman
Choephelling Public School
Tawang-790104
Arunachal Pradesh
In July 2009, Natalie was given the opportunity to visit Tawang and Choephelling school while trekking in the Himalayas. She ultimately felt led to do the trek in this extremely remote area and was led to this school with a passion to help. An amount of sales from rupee man appearal and any other donations will go towards the funding and support of this school.