Benka Pulko - Humanitarian - Help Children

Help Children - Tibet 7

"We are all alike by what we say, but different by what we do." Moliere

Believe in Yourself and Kickstart the World is a charitable project comprised of people who are making a difference because they can. We would like to help directly those who are in need, with no mediators, big humanitarian bodies, or organizations. I would like to set an example for all of you to follow. Being in favor of direct, firsthand means of aid, this project offers complete access to all the information on why, how and whom we are helping. This transparency is a trademark we proudly stand by.

Living on the road for so many years revealed to me millions of people and their destinies. After seeing it with my own eyes, I became convinced that human comprehension is not worth much until brought to deed. I am conscious of having done my duty with founding this international humanitarian project Believe in Yourself and Kickstart the World. The main goal is to promote, encourage, and support the education of children with limited opportunities in different parts of the world.

We are inviting you to participate and help us to change the world. Believe in Yourself and Kickstart the World organizes, supports, encourages, and donates. We created an online shop at BenkaPulko.com to raise additional funds for children’s education. This year the profits from all the sales (marked with three stars ***) will be assigned to the individual scholarships of Tibetan girls in exile. We also welcome anyone who is willing to contribute outright $360 - the amount necessary for one Tibetan child to attend school for a year. Please write to email.

Why Children?
The 21st century is marked with so many examples of discrimination and hatred. The media has us believing that everyone hates everyone else. Religious extremists aggressively promote their convictions at the cost of thousands of innocent victims around the world. It seems there is more publicity for hate than love, more for intolerance than for understanding and acceptance of differences.

Over the centuries, a spiritual wealth has accumulated in Tibet. Tibetan's peaceful thinking and methodology can be a useful cognition for establishing permanent peace in the world. It is urgent to unite in strength and protect one of the most peaceful nations in the world as it sits on the verge of ruin under Chinese occupation.

The Chinese occupation of Tibet wasn’t a situation that seriously agitated the international political arena - due perhaps to an absence of oil fields and a lack of aggressive reactions by Tibetans. While the Chinese invaders are still present, Tibetans face one of the worst violations of human rights in modern times. After five decades of agony and quiet struggle for their freedom, they still haven’t lost hope and nonviolently persevere toward better times. The toll is devastating. Hundreds of thousands were forced to flee their homeland. Millions are still living under draconian rule, witnessing the decline of their culture, language and centuries old traditions.

Another obvious problem I couldn't overlook while traveling was the widespread disregard for women’s education. Much has been said by the international community, but much less has been done. We are all aware of the importance of women in a healthy society. Unfortunately, technical schooling in less developed communities is still customarily restricted to males. Tibetans want education for their females, but forced exile and poverty add additional threats to their national integrity and existence, so this remains a struggle.

Why Direct Aid?
Not all charitable gifts make it to their intended recipients. While riding through Kenya, I saw numerous roadside booths selling western clothing obviously provided by charity organizations. Believe it or not, these goods were being sold! When I donate clothing, I want it to go to the needy, not to be resold! Those who are desperately in need are without funds to buy discounted merchandise, so they simply receive nothing! This is unacceptable, criminal, and wasteful.

In Malawi, I remember seeing tons of corn arriving from North America to relieve the widespread hunger. Rather than expressing gratitude at receiving food, the gift had injured their pride. “It is yellow! Yellow corn is for the pigs. White corn is what humans eat,” I was told. With much difficulty I tried to explain that yellow corn is the only one we grow in the Northern hemisphere. As you can see, charity organizations with good intentions can have their efforts thwarted by local political powers and misconceptions.

These issues made me wonder, and motivated me to think and act. I know the developed world has both the ability and the funding to relieve the distress of the less developed world in constructive, enduring ways. However, millions of aid dollars will never be beneficial without direct local knowledge.

Aim of the Project Believe in Yourself and Kickstart the World

Our short-term goal is to provide the opportunity of a formal education for the largest possible number of exiled Tibetan girls. At the same time we would like to bring public attention to the urgency of the political situation in Tibet, and the importance of women's education in developing countries. There shall be no room for neglecting any of these issues.

The long-term solution to the problem is to eradicate illiteracy, increase schooling opportunities, and actively support the struggle for survival of one of the most peace-loving people on earth.

Educational possibilities will have a positive influence on a girl's personal and social development, as well as her position in a community. This project aims to raise the international community's awareness for personal, social and spiritual development, as well as to encourage tolerance and nonviolent dialog.

I chose to work with Tibetan Children’s Village after visiting and becoming familiar with their situation, and gaining an understanding of the exiled children's needs. What began four decades ago as a kindergarten, initiated by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, is today an enormous educational facility, sheltering over 15,000 children.

Tibetan Children's Villages
Dharamsala Cantt.
Distt. Kangra, H.P.176216
India
Ph: +91 1892-221354
Fax: +91 1892-221670
Web: www.tcv.org.in
E-mail: headoffice@tcv.org.in

For your participation in the charity project Believe in Yourself and Kickstart the World we encourage you to:
- contact either our organization, or Tibetan Children's Villages directly to sponsor a child with $360 (view the break down here);
- shop at BenkaPulko.com online store;
- wire a general donation to:

HDFC Bank Ltd.
Centre Point, Civil Lines, Dharamsala
Kangra Distt. Himachal Pradesh
India
Account Name: Tibetan Children's Villages
Account No.: 06051170000044
Swift Code: HDFCINBB605

The first companies and individuals who offered support to the Tibetan girls and joined the project Believe in Yourself and Kickstart the World are listed below. We greatly appreciate their willingness to share, help, and support. Thank you very much!

I am firmly convinced all our efforts are worthwhile. I am inviting you personally to join us and help make a difference in this world.

Sincerely,
Benka Pulko

"In Tibetan Children’s Village, we are immensely honored with your interest in our village and impressed with your excellent knowledge of the situation in Tibet. We are grateful the people are interested in our work and the children’s progress. We thank you from all our hearts for your concern, willingness and work you put in helping us. We definitely wish to work in close coordination as to your conditions of having a clear, open and transparent manner of working together. " Thupten Dorjee, Tibetan Children's Village
"For my 50th birthday I invited all my friends, relatives and collegues to participate in your campaign instead of the costs for the presents and a party. Instead of the candles on my birthday cake I would like to spark a hope in Tibetan children’s eyes. That would be my favorite present ever!" Neva
"Your campaign is very powerful and special. My wife and I have wished for our own child for years. One week after both of our companies sponsored one girl each, my wife got pregnant. Your project has a special meaning to us. Happy father
"I am thrilled browsing your site. You have some positive energy, woman! I would like to volunteer in your humanitarian project. All the good deeds will be back one day. Keep going, Benka!" Slavko
"Dear Benka, last week I met the principal of the Tibetan secondary school and ten students from Dharamshala in Graz, Austria. Austrian government extended their invitation for the visit. I heard some deeply touching stories. Congratulations for your work. Only now I’m beginning to understand how necessary it is." Andreja
"Well done, Benka! I’m very proud of knowing you." Boris
"Congratulations for all the funds you have raised. How in the world have you managed doing so? I have been organizing help for Bosnian children for years now. I have forwarded an immense amount of requests out there but there were sadly any responses." Cvetka
"Each of us want to adopt a child. We have enough of everything and don’t need anything more for ourselves. If I’ve had luck in my life so why not share it with less fortunate people? We are here in Vietnam and will be visiting the orphan’s camp soon. I will keep you posted on the situation there." Dominika and Igor Osvald are traveling around the world. They are the only travelers I know who sponsor the children while dealing with shortage on their own. BRAVISSIMO!
"I’ll be 26 tomorrow and I would like to bring some happiness into somebody’s else’s live. I’m a student and I would like to sponsor a child." Jure
"Benka, how wonderfull that world could be if there were more people just like you." Adela
"I would like to tell you how much I appreciate your efforts for the others, especially for the better life opportunities for the children." Zoran
"What you are doing is extremely hard work and the amount of money raised is breath-taking. Thank you in the name of all you have helped." Anita
"Your campaign deserves all sincere appreciation. With your help we can truly make a difference and grand changes. Thank you!" Lidija
"I am 16. I respect you deeply. One day I wish to be like you, helping those in need. I am proud knowing that in Slovenia we have people like you." Urska
"Your foundation activity touched us. My husband and I are sponsoring one child already and would like to take care of another one. There is no better feeling than receiving mail from Sangdhe and reading that she enjoyed her school." Bilijana

is sponsoring Kunchok Dolma, to finish 5th grade.

is sponsoring Kunchok Dolma, to finish 6th grade.

is sponsoring Tenzin Dolkar, to finish 10th grade.

is sponsoring Dhondup Wangamo, to finish 6th grade.

is sponsoring Tenzin Diki, to finish 7th grade.

is sponsoring Tashi Lhamo, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Pasang Lhamo, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Durkm Gyal, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Tsering Choetso, to finish 6th grade.

is sponsoring Tenzin Yangdol, to finish 2nd grade.

is sponsoring Tenzin Dekey, to finish 7th grade.

is sponsoring Tashi Lhamo, to finish 3th grade.

is sponsoring Tsering Youdon, to finish 4th grade.

is sponsoring Pema Lazey, to complete kindergarten.

is sponsoring Tashi Lhatso, to finish study of art.

is sponsoring Tenzin Woeden, to complete kindergarten.

is sponsoring Sonam Dolma, to become beautician.

is sponsoring Tenzin Dadon, to finish 10th grade.

is sponsoring Sonam Deckyi, to finish 8th grade.

is sponsoring Dawa Tsomo, to finish 10th grade.

is sponsoring Sonam Dechen, to finish 9th grade.

is sponsoring Kelsang Dolkar, to finish opportunity class.

is sponsoring Rinzin Lhamo, to finish 1st year study of Tibetan literature.

is sponsoring Rinzin Lhamo, to finish 2nd year study of Tibetan literature.

is sponsoring Sonam Dolkar, to finish 9th grade.

is sponsoring Sonam Choedon, to finish opportunity class.

is sponsoring Delek Choedon, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Migmar Decky, to complete 5th grade.

is sponsoring Dolma Yangzom, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Kunsang, to complete 4th grade.

is sponsoring Kunsang, to study in 5th grade.

is sponsoring Dolmo Choezom, to finish 4th grade.

is sponsoring Sonam Yangtso, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Dechan Paldon, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Tsering Youngshe, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Paldon, to finish 8th grade.

is sponsoring Paldon, to finish 9th grade.

is sponsoring Tseyang, to finish 9th grade.

is sponsoring Tseyang, to finish 10th grade.

is sponsoring Dawa Lhamo, to finish 8th grade.

is sponsoring Tsering Lhadon, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tsering Lhamo, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Rinzin Yangamo, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Tsering Tsomo, to complete entering class.

are sponsoring Tenzin Dechen, to finish 5th grade.

are sponsoring Tenzin Dechen, to finish 6th grade.

are sponsoring Tsering Dolkar, to finish 9th grade.

are sponsoring Dolma Tsering, to finish 7th grade.

is sponsoring Kunchok Dechen, to finish 9th grade.

is sponsoring Tsering Dolma (04/4208/06), to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Tashi Lhamo, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tsering Dolma (04/4382/06), to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Passang Dolkar, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Jampa Youdon, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Kalsang Lhamo, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Sonam Yangdol, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Jamyang Dolma, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tenzin Pelmo, to finish 8th grade.

is sponsoring Karma, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Lobsang Dolker, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Tashi Lhamo, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Dukar Tso, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Tashi Dolma, to finish 8th grade.

is sponsoring Khado Youtso, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Tashi Choedon, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Denyi Dolma, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tsering Lhamo, to finish tailoring school.

is sponsoring Dawa Dolma, to finish 10th grade.

is sponsoring Ngawanga Lhatso, to finish 10th grade.

is sponsoring Tenzin Nyadon, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Kunsang Tsering, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Kunsang Tsering, to continue schooling.

is sponsoring Tenzin Dorji, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Tenzin Dorji, to continue schooling.

is sponsoring Lobsang Jamyang, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Lobsang Jamyang, to continue schooling.

is sponsoring Dolma Tsering, to finish 7th grade.

is sponsoring Dolma Tsering, to finish 8th grade.

is sponsoring Tsering Dolma, to finish 1st grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tsering Dolma,to finish 2nd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tsering Dolma, to finish 3rd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tashi Bhuti, to finish 1st grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tashi Bhuti, to finish 2nd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tashi Bhuti, to finish 3rd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tsering Palden, to finish 1st grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tsering Palden , to finish 2nd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Tsering Palden, to finish 3rd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Nawang Choedon, to finish 1st grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Ngawanga Lhatso, to finish 2nd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Ngawanga Lhatso, to finish 3rd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Dolkar Yangtso, to finish 1st grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Dolkar Yangtso, to finish 2nd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Dolkar Yangtso, to finish 3rd grade of tailoring school.

is sponsoring Lobsang Kayong, to complete entering class.

is sponsoring Tsering Lhamo, to finish 7th grade.

is sponsoring Tsering Dickyi, to complete entering class.

Singer Rebeka Dremelj is sponsoring Rinzin, to complete entering class.

Singer Tomaž Domicelj & TLP audience are sponsoring Dolmo Lhazom, to finish 8th grade.

Actor Janez Hocevar Rifle is sponsoring Sonam Dolma, to complete entering class.

Actress Maja Boh is sponsoring Lobsang Dolmo, to complete entering class.

Film Director Meta Hocevar is sponsoring Dechen Choezom, to finish 8th grade.

Businessman of the Year Igor Akrapovic is sponsoring Tenzin Choeyang, to finish 9th grade.

Singer Moira is sponsoring Nyima Yangdon, to complete entering class.

Music Group Zeus is sponsoring Jangchup Dolma, to complete entering class.

Mayor of Ptuj Stefan Celan is sponsoring Pema Dolma, to complete entering class.

Mayor of Celje B ojan Srot is sponsoring Decky Yangtso, to finish entering class.

Anonimus from Tolmin is sponsoring Jamyang Lhamo, to finish 5th grade.

Prof. Jozica Bezjak, PhD. is sponsoring Yeshi Choedon, to complete tayloring school.

Enajsta sola is sponsoring Sonam Wangmo, to complete entering class.

Primary School Velike Lasce is sponsoring Tenzin Dechen, to complete entering class.

Primary School Razkrizje is sponsoring Kunsang Tsomo, to finish 6th grade.

Primary School Danilo Lokar is sponsoring Lobsang Chemi, to complete entering class.

5th Graders of PS Danilo Lokar are sponsoring Sonam Wangyal, to finish 4th grade.

Franc Mlakar Ptujski is sponsoring Tenzin Worden, to finish 7th grade.

Umna LLC is sponsoring Dawa Dolma, to finish tailoring education.

Peter Verbic is sponsoring Tenzin Yangchen, to finish 7th grade.

Natasa Starkl is sponsoring Tsering Lhazom, to finish 5th grade.

Franc Segula is sponsoring Tsering Choezom, for entering class.

Melita Kuhar is sponsoring Tseten Dolma Golba, to complete entering class.

Brian Collins is sponsoring Tsering Yangchen, to finish 7th grade.

Jeffrey Adams is sponsoring Chungdak, to finish study of art.

Natasa & Gaia Krizman Dovc are sponsoring Tashi Palmo, to finish 7th grade.

Family Bolcic Agostini is sponsoring Yangchen Rigzen, to finish 9th grade.

Family Baruca-Okretic is sponsoring Tsering Dolma, to finish tailoring school.

Natasa Vidmar is sponsoring Tsering Bhuti, to finish 7th grade.

Eva & Bojan Vidmar are sponsoring Tashi Yangzom, to complete entering class.

Andreja Majhen is sponsoring Tselka Wangmo, to finish tailoring school.

Katja Sustar is sponsoring Choengya, to finish 6th grade.

Tomaz Kosir is sponsoring Tenzin Yangkyi, to finish 6th grade.

Family Sanna is sponsoring Tsering Choedon, to finish 6th grade.

Neva Ketis is sponsoring Tenzin Dolma, to finish 6th grade.

Neva Ketis & Friends are sponsoring Tenzin Norzin, to finish opportunity class.

Marjeta & Bostjan Griljc are sponsoring Palden Choedon, to complete entering class.

Danica Galun is sponsoring Palden Dolma, to complete entering class.

Irena Zarnik is sponsoring Lhamo Tseshi, to complete entering class.

Marija Milicevic is sponsoring Tsering Yangzom, to complete entering class.

Zdenka Podgorsek is sponsoring Yeshi Choedon, to finish 9th grade.

Dominika Osvald is sponsoring Tsering Tsomo, to complete entering class.

Igor Osvald is sponsoring Jampa Dolma, to complete entering class.

Silva Eory is sponsoring Tenzin Yangchen, to finish 4th grade.

Ales Stempihar is sponsoring Tsering Dolkar, to finish tailoring school.

Uros Merkuzic is sponsoring Sonam Yangzom, to finish tailoring school.

Jure Rakun is sponsoring Tashi Wangmo, to complete entering class.

Dragica Zvikart is sponsoring Tsering Lhamo, to complete entering class.

Tatjana Drmota is sponsoring Tenzing Yangdon, to finish 8th grade.

Diana & Bojan Jezernik are sponsoring Chemi Lhamo, to finish 7th grade.

Lea & Jana are sponsoring Jampa Yangzom, to complete entering class.

Suzana Pecnik is sponsoring Lobsang Yangkyi, to finish 7th grade.

Anita Gregorc & Robert Logar are sponsoring Yangdon, to complete entering class.

Sonja Jager is sponsoring Dhondup Lhamo, to complete entering class.

Adela Lavrencic is sponsoring Tashi Dolma, to complete entering class.

Matjaz Sporar is sponsoring Tsering Palmo, to complete entering class.

Stef Martinsek is sponsoring Tsering Dolma to complete entering class.

Biljana & Slaven Gajer are sponsoring Sangdhe, to complete tayloring school.

Varja Klancic is sponsoring Dolma, to complete tayloring school.

Marinka Pogacnik is sponsoring Sonam Choedon, to complete entering class.

Janja Sink is sponsoring Yangchen, to complete tayloring school.

Zoran Vehovar is sponsoring Kunchok Wangamo, to finish 6th grade.

Kristjan A. Kontarscak is sponsoring Kunsang Kyi, to finish 8th grade.

Vilma & Aron Rezek is sponsoring Samten Wangamo, to complete entering class.

Metka Mocnik Kosenina is sponsoring Choeying Pelmo, to finish 5th grade.

Andrej Androjna is sponsoring Tenzin Tselha, to finish 6th grade.

Robert Golob is sponsoring Tashi Lhamo, to complete entering class.

Mojca Kucler is sponsoring Tsering Choetso, to complete entering class.

Dusanka Hocevar is sponsoring Pema Choedon, to finish 10th grade.

Jure Burja is sponsoring Tsering Lhamo, to complete entering class.

Tatjana Zidar Gale is sponsoring Tashi Dolma, to finish 9th grade.

Mija & Luka Sustarsic are sponsoring Tenzin Nyima, to finish 8th grade.

Lijana Žnidarič is sponsoring Tsering Choedon, to finish 10th grade.

Boštjan Jurhar sponzorira Delek Lhakdon, to complete entering class.

Ines Senica sponzorira Yeshi Dolma, to finish 4th grade.

Ada Obrol sponzorira Tenzin Chemi, to finish 6th grade.

Franci Ogrizek sponzorira Tenzin Norbu, to complete kindergarten.

The project "Believe in Yourself & Kickstart the World" is supported by: