Sharing Our Voices
Welcome to the new Voices section of the Tibet Relief Fund website! We are thrilled to launch this space where you can hear directly from the heart of our work – the individuals and communities we support, our dedicated team, our knowledgeable trustees, and the insightful experts who help us understand the complex situation for Tibetans all over the globe. Through personal stories, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, we aim to provide a richer and more meaningful understanding of our mission and its impact.
Effective support
Your trust is incredibly important to us at Tibet Relief Fund, and as the current head of the charity, I understand the desire to see your generosity translated directly into positive change. That’s why we’ve been busy ensuring a strong focus remains on operational efficiency and rigorous cost management. By diligently working to reduce overheads, we have ensured that the vast majority of your donations directly support our programmes and the individuals and communities who rely on them for education, healthcare, livelihoods, and cultural preservation.
Current challenges
The ongoing advocacy for the rights of Tibetan living in exile and Tibetans within Tibet underscores the enduring importance of our collective efforts. In recent months, however, the landscape has shifted with significant cuts to international development funding from the US and UK governments. This has had a profound impact, directly and indirectly affecting the programmes and projects we support, alongside countless similar community development and cultural preservation initiatives. The urgent need for alternative funding to sustain this vital work has grown exponentially. For Tibet Relief Fund, this presents an opportunity to step forward and support a broader spectrum of impactful programmes, provided we can galvanise the generosity of individuals and organisations. Yet, we must also acknowledge the increased competition for limited global funding, as numerous dedicated organisations championing a wide array of critical causes seek support from the same sources.
A significant year
This year holds deep significance for Tibetans worldwide, marking the somber 75th anniversary of the process that began Tibet’s annexation while also seeing joyous celebrations for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. Amidst these poignant reflections, the future looms large with the anticipation and profound responsibility surrounding the eventual choice of the next Dalai Lama, a decision that will shape the spiritual and cultural landscape for generations to come.
Shared dedication, different perspectives
We believe it’s crucial to share not just the facts and figures of our work, but also personal perspectives from the leaders behind our work, views of the dedicated people running projects, experiences of programme participants, and analysis from experts in broader issues that underpin our work.
I’m excited to embark on this new chapter of sharing our stories and connecting with you on a deeper level. Stay tuned for more voices and updates in the months to come!
Chris Butterworth
Interim Charity Manager, Tibet Relief Fund
