The Karuna- Shechen philanthropy organization was set up to provide health care, education and social services to the populations of the greater Himalayan region. Founded by Matthieu Ricard the organization believes in compassion for all.

The philanthropy organization has since 2001 had the luxury of initiating and managing more than 110 humanitarian projects throughout India, Nepal and Tibet. The organization has the conviction that no one should be denied the vital services they need because they are unable to pay for them. The activities of their philanthropy efforts are targeted at populations in areas where there is very little access to education and health care. Thanks to the philanthropy efforts of Karuna-Shechen almost 70,000 individuals are able to benefit each year by receiving medical services they would otherwise be unable to afford in regions such as India, Nepal and Tibet, which are isolated.

The Karuna-Shechen philanthropy organization operates in Nepal where they built a medical clinic along with a hospice that integrates some of the very best alternative and allopathic medicines. The country has a high rate of illiteracy and the organization has helped to build low cost bamboo schools where 4,000 children now have the opportunity to receive an education. The first of these schools opened its doors in 2001 providing schooling to students ranging from kindergarten age to grade ten. The school provides classes in the morning and afternoon and allows students the foundation needed to prepare for university. In India the philanthropy efforts of the organization have helped to operate medical centers, along with a mobile clinic which helps a large population who are destitute, along with twelve remote villages. They do all this free of charge. Some of the services include training people to install solar lighting, providing drinking water that is safe, providing health education and the very best mother and child care.

Throughout East Tibet the philanthropy efforts of Karuna-Shechen have helped to build twelve schools to ensure that nomad children have an education and were the Tibetan language is included in the curriculum. Housing and support is also provided for the elderly, cultural preservation for Tibet and the building of fifteen medical clinics.

All of the philanthropy activities from Karuna-Shechen reflect their mission of compassion. They provide health care and education to some of the most disadvantaged individuals in the world. The team has more than twenty five years of experience throughout the Himalayan region and project management that is transparent and efficient. The administrative costs are covered by grants from a generous donor which allows 100% of all donations to go directly into the field.

Editorial | Image Courtesy Of Matthieu Ricard