About Rokpa UK

Rokpa is a worldwide charity founded in 1980 by Dr. Akong Tulku Rinpoche, a Tibetan doctor and teacher, Lea Wyler and her father Veit Wyler the Swiss lawyer. Its aim is to improve the quality of life of the poorest peoples around the world irrespective of their religion, nationality or cultural background.

The word Rokpa means to help or to serve in Tibetan.

Rokpa supports or runs over 120 projects in:

• Tibetan areas of China
• Nepal
• Zimbabwe
• South Africa

The majority of these are aimed at giving children from the poorest backgrounds the opportunity of an education and training. Rokpa also funds healthcare and a small number of environmental projects. The preservation and regeneration of Tibet's rich culture and language has always been an important aspect of our work.

Dr Akong Tulku Rinpoche

President of Rokpa International, Rinpoche - (meaning precious) - is a Tibetan who came to England in 1963. He visited his homeland in 1986 after a long absence and since then has worked ceaselessly for the expansion of humanitarian activities both there and in many other parts of the World.

What we do

The majority of our activities focus on providing education and training. However health and training in health care are important aspects of our work too. Rokpa also provides emergency aid for the destitute, the old and the sick, start-up funds for business and a small number of environmental projects.

back to top

Who we have helped

Rokpa has supported over 5,000 children through school in Tibetan areas of China and many hundreds more in Nepal.

Since 1990 Rokpa has established over 150 projects in Tibetan areas of China alone, with three major projects in Nepal and many more in South Africa, Zimbabwe and around Europe.

To date over 10,000 people have received direct assistance from Rokpa, whilst many more will have been helped by Rokpa trained teachers and health workers.

back to top

Scope of our Work

Rokpa has been in operation since 1980 and initially worked to support Tibetans in India and Nepal. Since then our projects have expanded to include the Tibetan Homeland, Zimbabwe and South Africa. We have 100 projects for Tibetans in their homeland, 4 major projects in Nepal, 5 in Zimbabwe, and 2 in South Africa. Other projects are based in Belgium, Poland, Spain and the UK.

back to top

Funding

The revenue for these projects is raised by volunteers in 14 Rokpa member organisations working in 13 different countries, headed by Rokpa International in Switzerland, through which all funds for Asia and Africa are distributed.

Funding comes from a wide variety of sources, including private individuals, businesses and Trusts. Rokpa International and all its branches hold charitable status within their own countries and have the same or similar constitutions.

back to top

Volunteer Staff

The majority of fundraising is carried out by volunteers, making our work very cost-effective. Each branch has a management committee, often supported by other volunteers who work for Rokpa on a regular basis. In 2001, an internal survey revealed that there were over 70 volunteers involved in raising funds worldwide.

back to top

Targeted Help

From our experience meeting needs is best achieved by working through the local community and by promoting self-sufficiency. Projects are selected on the basis of helping the maximum number of the poorest people and providing assistance that directly helps people to improve their economic condition.

back to top

Project Partners

Rokpa works with local government authorities, local businesses, community leaders and individual volunteers.

back to top