The Jamgon Kongtrul III Memorial School

This school provides education to children of impoverished families, including lower and untouchable castes. It began in 1997 with a lower kindergarden for 30 children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old – 75% girls. Each year another grade is added. Plans are currently underway to build a school assembly hall as well as residential facilities. New students are tested for academic potential and parents are interviewed to determine the family’s commitment to their children’s education.

Class size is currently limited to 25 to allow more personal attention. There is a qualified part-time headmaster, who is also a senior tutor at Kalimpong’s oldest school. Even with an minimal one-time admission fee plus a very low monthly tuition fee charged to parents, a high standard of formal education as well as books, uniforms and a program of nutritional supplements and snacks are provided.