Traditional Handicraft Centre

The “Vocational Training Centre” of the Tibetan Homes Foundation was established in March 1983 with financial support from Mrs. IlseReisig through the Hermann GmeinerFonds. The center aimed to provide skill training in modern and traditional painting as well as modern and traditional tailoring. It offered training for school dropouts and students who were less interested in academics or wanted to learn practical skills especially the children of our school.

In recent years, the number of students enrolling in the center dropped significantly, reaching only one student by 2022. As a result, the center was replaced by the “Traditional Handicraft Centre.” Home fathers continued their work at this new center, but with revised responsibilities.

The home fathers spend their days making various items. Some of these items include noodles, school uniforms for our children, traditional guitars called “Dranyen”, cultural costumes, thangkas (Tibetan religious paintings), modern paintings, and souvenirs. The main focus of the center is to create products that are part of Tibetan culture and traditions. This helps preserve and celebrate Tibetan heritage.

The center is managed by a supervisor who is in charge of overseeing the male staff. They make sure everything runs smoothly and that the products being created meet the high standards of quality and cultural value.

This initiative has not only helped the staff at the foundation but also helped keep Tibetan culture alive through the products made at the center.