Building Futures in the Himalayas: Literacy and Skills for Youth
In July 2025, Drokpo Nepal (Drokpo) launched two new initiatives with support from the American Himalayan Foundation (AHF): Adult Literacy and Skill Development Training for Tibetan and Himalayan youth.
Literacy Program
The literacy program provides adults who missed formal schooling with essential English and Tibetan skills. Students are steadily improving their reading, writing, and conversational abilities. At this stage, classes focus on grammar and vocabulary as the building blocks of literacy. Students also receive reading and writing materials to support regular practice.
Currently, 13 students (6 women, 7 men) are enrolled in English classes, ages 22 to 40. Another 15 students (8 women, 7 men) attend Tibetan classes, ages 18 to 50. English classes run from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, followed by Tibetan from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, five days a week.
Teachers report visible progress. Many who started with little knowledge can now read, write, and hold conversations in English. Tibetan classes began only two months ago, yet students show strong enthusiasm and dedication. Over the coming months, more advanced content will be introduced in both languages.
Skill Development Program
The skill development program equips youth with vocational training and career guidance. While students are still in the early stages, the impact is already clear. Each lesson builds confidence and lays a foundation for self-reliance while strengthening cultural identity.
Our students come from many different paths, each with their own dreams and determination. Here are a few of their journeys:
Dolma Tsering
A high school graduate, Dolma is training in baking at Arabica Bud Coffee in Boudha. Her 45-day course covers baking techniques, ingredient science, sanitation, and preparation of breads and cakes. She hopes to open her own bakery or work abroad.
Gonpo Tsering
A grade 12 student in Hospitality Management, Gonpo is pursuing a barista course at Ristretto Barista Coffee School. He hopes to gain part-time work experience and eventually build a career in hospitality that allows him to travel and explore world cuisines.
Tenzin Jamyang
After completing grade 10 under India’s Central Board of Secondary Education, Tenzin developed a strong interest in graphic design. He is now enrolled in a three-month program at G.H. Pixel Pvt. Ltd in Pokhara, learning Photoshop and design skills. His goal is to work as a professional graphic designer.
Dawa Dolma
A grade 12 Commerce graduate, Dawa is strengthening her accounting skills through Tally and Excel courses at Stairway Educational Services in Chaubhil. She is learning spreadsheets, charts, and automation before advancing to bookkeeping and financial reporting. She aims to pursue ACCA certification.
Chime Dorjee
Chime recently completed bartender training at The Dancing Yak in Thamel and is now interning there. He previously trained as a barista and trekking guide assistant. By working with Indrive during the day and bartending in the evenings, he is pursuing stable and sustainable work toward independence.
Tsewang Lhundup
Living in Swoyambhu, Tsewang left school after grade 8 but dreams of opening his own café. After completing bakery and barista training, he joined a one-month barista program at The Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. He will soon begin an internship at Himalayan Java Café.
Choden Lama
A Bachelor of Business Studies student, Choden is training in nail art to expand her skills in the beauty sector alongside her experience in makeup artistry. She hopes to freelance before opening her own salon in Kathmandu. She was previously a contestant in “Miss SEE,” winning the viewers’ choice award.
Ngawang Gyaltsen
From an economically disadvantaged background, Ngawang completed higher studies in Hotel Management and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field. During his gap year, he enrolled in a two-month bakery course and will soon begin an internship. His goal is to support himself while studying and build a career in hospitality.
The Road Ahead
These literacy and skill development programs are transforming lives in Tibetan and Himalayan communities. By combining education with vocational training, Drokpo is helping young and adult people gain the tools to pursue independence and contribute to their communities.
The stories of our students show what is possible when opportunities meet determination. With each step forward, they are building brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
In July 2025, Drokpo Nepal (Drokpo) launched two new initiatives with support from the American Himalayan Foundation (AHF): Adult Literacy and Skill Development Training for Tibetan and Himalayan youth.
Literacy Program
The literacy program provides adults who missed formal schooling with essential English and Tibetan skills. Students are steadily improving their reading, writing, and conversational abilities. At this stage, classes focus on grammar and vocabulary as the building blocks of literacy. Students also receive reading and writing materials to support regular practice.
Currently, 13 students (6 women, 7 men) are enrolled in English classes, ages 22 to 40. Another 15 students (8 women, 7 men) attend Tibetan classes, ages 18 to 50. English classes run from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, followed by Tibetan from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, five days a week.
Teachers report visible progress. Many who started with little knowledge can now read, write, and hold conversations in English. Tibetan classes began only two months ago, yet students show strong enthusiasm and dedication. Over the coming months, more advanced content will be introduced in both languages.
Skill Development Program
The skill development program equips youth with vocational training and career guidance. While students are still in the early stages, the impact is already clear. Each lesson builds confidence and lays a foundation for self-reliance while strengthening cultural identity.
Our students come from many different paths, each with their own dreams and determination. Here are a few of their journeys:
Dolma Tsering
A high school graduate, Dolma is training in baking at Arabica Bud Coffee in Boudha. Her 45-day course covers baking techniques, ingredient science, sanitation, and preparation of breads and cakes. She hopes to open her own bakery or work abroad.
Gonpo Tsering
A grade 12 student in Hospitality Management, Gonpo is pursuing a barista course at Ristretto Barista Coffee School. He hopes to gain part-time work experience and eventually build a career in hospitality that allows him to travel and explore world cuisines.
Tenzin Jamyang
After completing grade 10 under India’s Central Board of Secondary Education, Tenzin developed a strong interest in graphic design. He is now enrolled in a three-month program at G.H. Pixel Pvt. Ltd in Pokhara, learning Photoshop and design skills. His goal is to work as a professional graphic designer.
Dawa Dolma
A grade 12 Commerce graduate, Dawa is strengthening her accounting skills through Tally and Excel courses at Stairway Educational Services in Chaubhil. She is learning spreadsheets, charts, and automation before advancing to bookkeeping and financial reporting. She aims to pursue ACCA certification.
Chime Dorjee
Chime recently completed bartender training at The Dancing Yak in Thamel and is now interning there. He previously trained as a barista and trekking guide assistant. By working with Indrive during the day and bartending in the evenings, he is pursuing stable and sustainable work toward independence.
Tsewang Lhundup
Living in Swoyambhu, Tsewang left school after grade 8 but dreams of opening his own café. After completing bakery and barista training, he joined a one-month barista program at The Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. He will soon begin an internship at Himalayan Java Café.
Choden Lama
A Bachelor of Business Studies student, Choden is training in nail art to expand her skills in the beauty sector alongside her experience in makeup artistry. She hopes to freelance before opening her own salon in Kathmandu. She was previously a contestant in “Miss SEE,” winning the viewers’ choice award.
Ngawang Gyaltsen
From an economically disadvantaged background, Ngawang completed higher studies in Hotel Management and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field. During his gap year, he enrolled in a two-month bakery course and will soon begin an internship. His goal is to support himself while studying and build a career in hospitality.
The Road Ahead
These literacy and skill development programs are transforming lives in Tibetan and Himalayan communities. By combining education with vocational training, Drokpo is helping young and adult people gain the tools to pursue independence and contribute to their communities.
The stories of our students show what is possible when opportunities meet determination. With each step forward, they are building brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
