After completing a Bachelor’s degree in education, Tsewang Dolma dedicated ten years to teaching at a secondary school in Boudha, Nepal. There, she became aware of the pressing need for a daycare facility for young Tibetan children. This need became personal when she struggled to find daycare for her daughter, due to long waiting lists and lack of a center in Boudha.
Determined to address this gap, Tsewang founded Nyugsar Daycare Home, also known as Little Sprout Daycare Home, with support from The Tibet Fund. Starting with 14 children, the center provided quality child care and education to both Tibetan and Himalayan families. However, the Covid pandemic nearly forced the center to close, as Tsewang exhausted all her savings to cover rent during lockdowns. Fortunately, The Tibet Fund stepped in once more, providing crucial support through its Early Childhood Development and Literacy Program. This assistance included training for caregivers, a weekend reading room for older children, and financial assistance for vulnerable children from low-income families to afford Nyugsar’s fees.
Tsewang’s expertise in early child care and education has made her a key resource in the community. She conducts workshops for children and parents, finding fulfilment in supporting underserved families, especially female-led households and those with unstable incomes. At Nyugsar, children celebrate Lhakar and other Tibetan holidays, participating in cultural activities that strengthen their Tibetan identity and encourage enrolment in Tibetan primary schools. Tsewang’s dedication ensures continued support for those in need while strengthening cultural resilience.
Early child care and education initiatives like this significantly impact Tibetan children by helping them connect with their cultural heritage, language, and traditions, while promoting healthy cognitive, social and emotional development. Through early exposure to Tibetan stories and songs, these initiatives also equip them with essential literacy and numeracy skills, laying a strong foundation for their future learning and academic success.
