Brief history

Jawalakhel Samdupling settlement was established in 1960 for Tibetan refugees who fled Tibet after Chinese occupation of Tibet. Initially, the Tibetan refugees in the settlement had to rely on the generous support of international relief programs for their livelihood.

Later, it was discovered that among the Tibetan refugees, there were some skilled carpet weavers who had experience weaving carpets in Tibet prior to their arrival in Nepal. After recognizing the presence of these skilled weavers, the International Red Cross, Swiss association for technical assistance jointly established the Jawalakhel Handicraft Center to provide employment opportunities for the Tibetan refugees and allow them to support themselves through their carpet weaving abilities. Currently, Jawalakhel Handicrafts Center exports carpets to various countries.

 

Location and Climate

The Jawalakhel Samdupling settlement is located in Lalitpur district, south-central part of Kathmandu valley, at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) above sea level. The Kathmandu valley has a pleasant climate, with average summer temperatures between 22°C -33°C and 2°C -15°C in winter. Lalitpur district experiences rainfall averaging 2741 mm annually.

Settler’s livelihood

The handicraft center is the pioneer of the Tibetan carpet industry in Nepal. Initially, it provided employment to around 500 Tibetan from the settlement. Today, it continues to provide work to around 100 Tibetans.

To make a living, most of the Jawalakhel residents are employed at the handicraft center. Some run restaurants within the camp, while others work as cook or in private Tibetan owned carpet businesses.

1. Monastery

In this settlement, there is a small monastery that is overseen by local leaders. This monastery conducts important prayer ceremonies and special religious rituals. The elderly residents visit the monastery daily to participate in religious services.

   2.Atisha Primary School:

This school was established in 1984 and is managed by the Snow Lion Foundation. It offers education from pre-primary to fifth grade. Students from both the Jawalakhel Tibetan settlement and Tibetan families living in scattered areas of Lalitpur district attend this school.

After completing their education here, students typically continue their studies at Namgyal Middle School and Srongtsen Higher Secondary School.

 

  3.Clinic

There is a modern medical clinic that serves residents of the Jawalakhel Tibetan settlement and surrounding areas, which is managed by the Snow Lion Foundation. A doctor visits the clinic three times per week to examine patients. Additionally, doctors from the traditional Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute visit twice monthly. The clinic employs two health workers. Medical expenses for elderly and underprivileged residents are covered by the settlement office.

  4.Old aged home

The Jawalakhel Tibetan settlement has an elderly care home run and managed jointly by Snow Lion Foundation and Jawalakhel Handicraft Center. Destitute elders who are above 65 and childless are admitted to this home.