Tong-Len

A Charitable Trust

We help displaced communities in North India achieve a secure and sustainable future by addressing the root causes of their poverty and ill-health through a range of education and health-based projects

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Taking on humanity, one step at a time...

Tong-Len is a small charity working with displaced Indian communities in the area around Dharamsala. Most families live in a state of desperation within slum camps.

Tong-Len aims to help these homeless communities gain access to basic human rights. The main focus is to break the cycle of deprivation through education. To this end, Tong-Len has established its own school and provides hostel accommodation for those children in most need. 

Our Projects

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Every penny we receive makes a difference and we cannot thank you enough for thinking about us and making a financial contribution.

If you are interested in setting up a standing order, direct debit or for other payment options, please email anna@tong-len.org.

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About Us

Tong-Len Charitable Trust (Charity Number 16284) was set up in December 2004 to support desperately poor communities in the Dharamsala area of Himachal Pradesh.  Its prime focus has been in supporting the educational needs of the children from these communities.  It has established its own school and provides hostel accommodation.  It also engages in health work.  The founder and Director of Tong-Len Charitable Trust, Therchin Gyaltsen (Jamyang), had a vision to help destitute Indian children, seen begging in the streets and scavenging in the rubbish dumps, gain access to education.

Tong-Len UK is a separate and an independent organisation from Tong-Len Charitable Trust and is registered as a charity in Scotland (SC036383).  Its sole purpose is to raise funds for the work of Tong-Len Charitable Trust in India.  It was established in March 2005.

Agir Ensemble pour Tong-Len is a separate and independent organisation from Tong-Len Charitable Trust and Tong-Len UK and is a registered association in France (W061010272).  Its sole purpose is to raise funds for the work of Tong-Len Charitable Trust in India.  It was registered in 2018.

In some projects, especially health, Tong-Len works in partnership with the Dalai Lama Trust.

Jamyang, a refugee Tibetan monk, was moved by the plight of the young Indian children he saw begging in the street and scavenging in the rubbish bins. He discovered they were living in terrible conditions in a slum camp with no access to clean water, sanitation or education.

Jamyang shared his concerns and his vision to help these children go to school with a few other Tibetan refugees and Western volunteers who helped him establish the charity in India.

The name Tong-Len comes from the Tibetan words meaning ‘give’ and ‘take’, the idea being that through compassion one shares in the suffering and pain of others whilst simultaneously giving out love and kindness.

Our News

November 19th 2020

November 19th 2020

  19th of November is a very special day for Tong-Len as it has been celebrated as Thanks Day by the children of Tong-Len to show gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who have been supporting us for the work we are doing. This day always has been a...

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First Tong-Len Vocational Training Programme is underway

First Tong-Len Vocational Training Programme is underway

Despite the many challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic, the new vocational training centre opened its doors to the first 15 students in October 14th. These students from families living below the poverty line are enrolled in a 6 months electrician training program where...

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Tong-Len nursing students graduate

Tong-Len nursing students graduate

Congratulations to Nisha, Poonam and Sarika on the completion of their nursing studies. The 3 girls have now graduated and will shortly begin their professional careers. Sarika has decided that her first position should be with Tong-Len, so will be working within the...

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Hostel children celebrate World Peace Day on Sept 21st

Hostel children celebrate World Peace Day on Sept 21st

On September 21st the hostel children celebrated World Peace Day. They learned about building peaceful societies and the importance of living a non-violent life, accepting of others. These teachings are crucial parts of the Tong-Len School curriculum which strives to...

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Tong-Len graduates assist slum community members find work

Tong-Len graduates assist slum community members find work

Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the poorest communities, and access to work is often an insurmountable challenge. However, in recent weeks, the ‘Tong-Len Social Enterprise’ project, led by two of our alumni, has found work for 16 people. Much of this work is...

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The Tong-Len health project provides vital medical support for families living in the slum community 🩺 ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Holi! 🌈 🎨 On Monday, the Tong-Len hostel celebrated the festival of Holi - otherwise known as the festival of colours! ... See MoreSee Less
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Finding happiness in the little things! ... See MoreSee Less
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Tong-Len Charitable Trust

Tong-Len Charitable Trust (Charity Number 16284), V.P.O. Mohal Jatehar Mouza Sarah, Tehsil Dharamshala 176215,District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India, Phone No ( +91 ) 9816314891

Director: Therchin Gyaltsen

Tong-Len UK

Tong-Len UK (Charity Number SC036383), 5 South Charlotte St, Edinburgh, EH2 4AN, UK

Director: Anna Owen

Agir Ensemble pour Tong-Len

Agir Ensemble pour Tong-Len (Association Number W061010272), 1715 route de Biot, 06560 Valbonne, France

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