Seeds of Tibet

Our objectives:
To cultivate strong cultural foundation amongst Tibetan American children by teaching them Tibetan language (reading & writing) and culture;
To enhance the quality of life for all Tibetan American living in the community;
To promote cultural exchanges between Tibetan American community and other cultures;
To promote inner human values and peace expounded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
To build strong relationships within the Tibetan American community through organizing events that will allow members to connect and reach out to one another.
To build relationships outside the community through creating and organizing events to share our culture and tradition outside our community.
To provide educational and humanitarian support to Tibetans in exile.

The Tibetans are engaged in a struggle to preserve their culture and identity as China's repressive policies inside Tibet continues. Seeds of Tibet represent a small and local effort to stem the erosion of Tibetan culture. Our efforts would not be complete if we didn't complement these programs with one that preserves and educates our younger generations and the general public about Tibet's unique language and cultural heritage.
1. Tibetan Sunday school:
* Seeds of Tibet offers classes in Tibetan language ( grammar, writing and reading)
* Classroom teaching include Tibetan history, cultural, and rituals
* Classes include language and auditory skill building,
2. Arts & Cultures:
* Classes includesMusic lessons on musical instruments like Dran-Yen (Tibetan Mandolin), Lingbu (Flute), and Yang-jen (Dulcimer).
* Songs and dance lessons
* Lessons on artistic skill such as costume making, painting and wood carving
* Musicians and performers participate in various cultural events, charity shows inNew Jersey, Connecticut, and New York.
3. Youth Development:
* Offers youth program to empower young members to build self esteem, strengthen leadership skills, positively socialize with peers, enhance capacity to make informed and healthier life choices, and promote the ethic of community service.
* Youth Mentorship Program
* Annual Youth Summer Camp
* Community events and gatherings

The Chinese Peoples’ Liberation Army invaded Tibet in 1950. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, fled the country in 1959. Since then thousands of Tibetans have followed him. A Tibetan government-in-exile has been established in Dharamsala, Northern India. Since the 1950s until the end of the Cultural Revolution 6,000 monasteries, nunneries and temples have been destroyed. Hundreds of thousands of Tibetans have died as a result of the occupation by the Chinese Government. Repression and interference in the cultural, language and spiritual life of Tibetans continue to this day.
The Tibetans living in exile today in India, Nepal, and in the West are engaged in a struggle to preserve their culture and identity as China’s repressive policies inside Tibet continues. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has publicly stated that China’s current policies in Tibet constitute cultural genocide. So, it is a sole responsible of all Tibetans to preserve our language, and cultural heritages of Tibet.
Therefore, the Seeds of Tibet was founded in 2007 to represent a small and local effort to stem the erosion of Tibetan culture and educates our younger generations and the general public about Tibet's unique language and cultural heritages, and it's value.
Organization's capability:
* Determinations and responsibility to preserve our language and cultural heritages
* Growing Tibetan populations in New Jersey
* Growing Tibetan American students in our Tibetan Sunday Classes
* Growing local community support and donations
* Students showing interest, getting extra platform to show their talent and performance.
* Taking interest by big charitable organizations
* Committed voluntary language teachers, music teacher, organizer, fund raiser, and many more.
* Growing support from East Rutherford municipality
* Growing support from East Rutherford Local Board of Education.

Tibetan American living in New Jersey feels a profound obligation to keep Tibetan language, culture, and traditions alive. But Tibetans were scattered all over New Jersey and hardly meets and knows each other. In 2007, Seeds of Tibet was founded and opened a Tibetan Sunday School. Parents volunteer to hold classes regularly every Sunday from 10 am till 3.30 pm at different houses of Tibetan families in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Currently, there are more than 200 active Tibetan members participating in different cultural events, gathering, and educational programs.
Until now, 15 students graduated from Tibetan Sunday School .
There are currently 30 students attending Sunday school every Sunday.
There are 3 different Tibetan language classes and 3 Tibetan teachers teaches Language (reading & writing), grammar, poetry, composition etc.
There are 4 different Music classes teaches different kinds of traditional musical instruments, song and dance.
Seeds of Tibet organizes periodical field trips to cultural and educational sites in different states.
Seeds of Tibet also organizes performing arts program seeks to preserve traditional Tibetan opera, dance, songs, musical instruments.
Youth development programs and activities like :- 1. Youth mentorship program. 2. Annual Summer Camp.
Seeds of Tibet next project:
Since, Tibetan population is growing every year, it is very essential and necessary to have a Tibetan Community Center, where they can worship, formal place to hold educational classes, and cultural events.