DWLS Confidential

The Druk White Lotus School is a relatively new organization that opened ‘for business’ in the community of Sheh in 2000. It’s design and construction have become world renowned through the use of local materials, environmentally sustainable practices such as solar power and a variety of technological innovations … the ventilated latrines are just one example. In fact, media communications and support for this school stem from a variety of high profile sources. A documentary narrated by Brad Pitt was produced and aired on PBS, numerous articles published, awards such as the ‘Best Green Building in Asia’ garnered, and even celebrity support from the most famous Buddhists; Richard Gere and of course the Dalai Lama and his successors.


The school has completed its first two phases of construction. The design is centred on a ‘Mandala’ structure with all the other buildings radiating outwards from this focal point. The buildings are configured in such an intelligent way to catch the best sunlight in order to retain heat in the winter and keep the rooms cool in the summer. Construction is still underway with more plans in the works. This is a serious endeavor spearheaded by ‘His Holiness’ here in India, as well as, a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom. Fundraising is key to its continued growth and success and its fair to say that the school is faced with new challenges everyday.

Currently there are over 400 students of which 123 live on campus in the residences. The children come from far and wide … some right from the community of Sheh, others take the bus from Leh and surrounding areas while others are from remote mountain communities. The new school year starts in November and a goal has been set to attract 60 new students to register. In order to meet this objective aggressive strategies must be implemented including radio and print campaigns that offer promotional incentives such as free uniforms and hot meals. Wendy from the UK along with Sarla, a genuine Ladakhi Princess that works with the school will also be venturing out on a three day trek into the remote mountain communities to create awareness and meet families first-hand. Talk about grassroots style. I was invited to go along on the trek but lo and behold my boy, Bob finally arrives in Leh on Monday and I want to be there to pick

him up in person and give him a big kiss.

Attracting students is a competitive business with all organizations under pressure to meet quotas in order to stay in the game and keep their doors open. International sponsorship is also an integral component to the business model. At DWLS there are only 10% of the students with sponsors. This year I solidified enough funding through my own personal fundraising and network to sponsor three more students at DWLS. A special thanks to Dad & Cindy, as well as, Hayley and Paul for their commitment to sponsor a child. The folks at DWLS were absolutely thrilled. They will be in touch soon with information on your student including photos and progress reports of their studies.

Other plans to generate revenue include offering a variety of customizable tours of the campus. Naropa Palace is a must-see attraction that is linked to the school and Hemis Monastery. Naropa is home to a number of Buddhist Nuns that come from as far away as Nepal. The Nuns are indeed a sight to behold … not only do they have the voices of angels while reciting and singing their chants to a hypnotic beat in the temple but they also ‘Get er Done’ by constructing their dormitories, greenhouses and gardens. Talk about powerful women!

During the three week summer break in July the campus could also be rented to groups as a retreat centre. This is a truly powerful and spiritual place set within one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world. Think trekking, yoga, meditation, art, writing, holistic healing, organic food … Now, that gets my creative juices flowing.