The Empowering the Vision Project (EVP) is making a tangible difference in the lives of young Tibetans, offering vital career services, fostering community building, and facilitating cultural exchange. Their recent activity report, covering April to November 2023, highlights their impactful initiatives and the positive outcomes achieved.
Tibetan Career Services: Empowering Young Tibetans
The Tibetan Career Services (TCS) is a program that supports young Tibetans (aged 15-35) in their career journeys. They offer a wide range of services, including:
- Resume building and interview preparation
- Internship and job search assistance
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- College admission guidance
- Career counseling
- Social media job postings
- Resource sharing and networking opportunities
Key Achievements:
- Helped 75 young Tibetans in 3 quarters (April-December 2023).
- Secured internships and jobs for individuals.
- Provided mentorship opportunities through the Global Tibet Professional Network (GTPN).
- Helped all 23 participants gain admission to Delhi University through their Mission Admission Workshop.
- Proactively list an average of 40 job and internship opportunities monthly on social media.
Success Stories:
- Karma Lhamo secured an internship at the Tibetan Ability Center after connecting with them through TCS.
- Wagmo found a job in accounting at Nyingma Monastery with TCS’s help.
- Kalden, a photography enthusiast, received mentorship from a professional photographer through the GTPN network.
- Choezin landed an internship at the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The Tibetan Career Services program plays a vital role in empowering young Tibetans by equipping them with the skills and resources they need to succeed in their careers.
Mission Admission Workshop: 100% Success Rate for Delhi University Aspirations
The Empowering Vision Project’s (EVP) Mission Admission Workshop defied challenges and delivered a remarkable 100% success rate. All 23 participating students secured admission to their desired courses at Delhi University (DU). This achievement highlights EVP’s unwavering commitment to supporting young Tibetans in their educational pursuits.
Despite facing obstacles like flooding at their hub, EVP displayed remarkable adaptability. The workshop shifted to a hybrid format, held at the Himalayan Coffee House, offering comprehensive guidance on the DU admission process. Engaging presentations and interactive sessions equipped students with the knowledge and skills to navigate their applications confidently.
But EVP’s support went beyond the workshop itself. Their dedication extended to personalized assistance, with staff even accompanying students to the Foreign Student Registry office. This hands-on approach ensured a smooth transition for the students as they embarked on their academic journeys at DU. The 100% success rate serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of EVP’s commitment and adaptability in empowering young Tibetans.
University Outreach Program to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi
The Empowering the Vision Project (EVP) brought their University Outreach Program to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, empowering 25 Tibetan students with essential job-hunting skills. This workshop marked a first for many participants, offering valuable guidance on crafting resumes, writing cover letters, and navigating the job search effectively. Tibetan professionals even joined virtually, enriching the experience with their insights.
The workshop’s success was evident in the students’ active participation. A highlight was seeing them create their first resumes, a testament to the program’s impact. This, coupled with their eagerness for further career support from EVP, underscores the program’s importance in equipping Tibetan students with the tools they need to thrive in their chosen fields. As Tenzin Choying, a BA LLB student at BHU, expressed, “This workshop was truly insightful… The proactive initiative of the organisers…was immensely beneficial with its personalised approach.”
Employability Skills Workshop
This intensive two-day program at the EVP Tibetan Private ITI in Dehradun equipped 55 graduating trainees with essential job-hunting skills. From resume building to interview techniques, the workshop provided a comprehensive foundation. Industry professionals like HR Specialist Kelsang Wangmo and chefs Chomphel and Losel shared valuable insights, enriching the learning experience. The workshop’s success is evident in the participants’ proactive engagement and their dedication to building successful careers.
Fellowship Program
Recognizing the importance of practical experience, EVP’s Fellowship Program supports young Tibetans pursuing internships or short-term courses. Yungdung Tsomo, a journalism intern at Tibet Express, exemplifies the program’s impact. “These two months of internship…provided a practical practice of journalism,” she shared, highlighting the bridge the program builds between theory and real-world experience. Similarly, Tenzin Thardoe, a Radio Free Asia intern, gained valuable skills in video production and storytelling. These success stories showcase how the Fellowship Program empowers young Tibetans to acquire practical skills and pursue their career aspirations.
Rising Above the Waters: EVP Hub Reopens Stronger
The Empowering Vision Project (EVP) faced a setback in July 2023 when devastating floods in New Delhi severely damaged their Sontsa Hub community space. Located near the Yamuna River, the hub suffered extensive water damage, hindering operations.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the EVP team embarked on a swift recovery process.
Finding Refuge and Rebuilding
Tibet Relief Fund (TRF) played a pivotal role by launching a prompt crowdfunding campaign. The generous contributions received through GoFundMe enabled EVP to relocate and rebuild.
Within a month and a half, EVP successfully reopened a new community hub in Majnu Ka Tila. Located in a safer space, the renovated hub offers a welcoming environment for students and professionals alike.
Lhakar Meet
The Lhakar Event serves as a vibrant platform for Tibetan youth, fostering personal and professional growth through a variety of engaging experiences.
Events like the interaction with Yongey Rinpoche on “Living with Purpose” tackle profound topics, encouraging participants to find meaning and motivation in their lives.
This event goes beyond simple meetings by offering interactive sessions, workshops, and book launches. Also a chance to build skills through activities and access to inspiring stories shared by Tibetan professionals equipping participants with valuable knowledge and tools.
Lhakar fosters a sense of community by promoting cultural exchange and engagement among Tibetan youth.
Thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and skill-building activities create a space for positive development and connection within the Tibetan community.
Friday socials
Friday social events provide Tibetan youth with an inviting space for community networking through a variety of activities such as open mic performances, movie and documentary screenings, art exhibitions, poetry readings, and games. Attendees can express their talents, acquire new skills, and build connections with others who share their interests.
Recent events include:
- An evening of poetry with Tenzin Palkyi, where she shared her original poems and read
her favourite works. - A screening of the movie “JINPA” in the memory of the Late Pema Tseden.
- Poetry and Discussion of the Poem “The Lost Generation” by Jonathan Reed.
- The screening of the movie “Dalai Lama: Escape in India” was followed by an engaging
quiz session. - Celebration of the 88th Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, including a cake-cutting
ceremony and a quiz about His Holiness. - Documentary screening of “The Geshem is Born” by Maltai Rao.
- A documentary screening of “The Human Trial”
The Empowering Vision Project (EVP) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters, donors, and volunteers. Your unwavering commitment fuels our mission of empowering young Tibetans. In a world filled with challenges, EVP provides a vital support system, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive. Together, we are building a brighter future for the Tibetan community.
