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One of the main objectives of the NIMA association is the setting up of
the home for old Tibetans living around the city of Ganzi.
A great number of them are not only
old, but sick and lonely; these Tibetans live in very poor conditions,
having no relatives to care for them they are often left without funds
or assistance. There is no provision for old age in Ganzi therefore old
people’s homes do not exist; leaving many pensioners reduced to begging
in the city streets for survival.
In 1991, the founder of the
association Lobsang Nima Soghatsang organised a monthly meeting with
the elderly for collective prayers, he also helped with their greatest
needs. The group is growing fast and still meets for religious
activities and mutual assistance.
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Living conditions for old people in the villages around Ganzi, who
cannot get to the city, are even more difficult. The sporadic help
which they receive from their neighbours and the monastery is not
enough. These old people are sick and have to live in huts without
heating, without food and without the necessary medical care. Help from
Lobsang Nima Soghatsang enables them to have some dignity and a decent
home to live in.
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After some years of efforts, in 1999, he eventually could buy a
building site in the city of Ganzi. The summer afterwards the home for
20 old people was built under the supervision of Nima Soghatsang and
with local workmen.
In June 2001, the first old persons
could be accommodated. Lobsang Nima Soghatsang and his wife Tashi Dolma
trained the staff, only Tibetans, on the site. (Home manager, Mother of
the home, cook, and the nurses) During summer, the inauguration-party
took place and shortly afterwards, the “NIMA Home for old people” was
officially recognized by the local authorities. In the fall 2004 the
home was fully booked with 24 residents. These old Tibetans have now a
simple home where they can spend their last few years in decency.
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