Our new art and mechanic training complex has been completed

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have completed an extension to Vista's headquarters in Tibet. It will provide space for an Art School and motorbike mechanic training programme, as well as living quarters and work space for teachers and Vista staff.

The Art School will initially be attended by six nomad children, and will be taught by an artist from the renowned Rebkong Tibetan College of Arts. He has been based at the famous Kumbum Monastery in Amdo, but out of reverence for Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche agreed to come and give painting instruction at Ju Mohor Monastery. These teachings will continue in the new building, with teachers living upstairs and students hosted in our hotel.

The children, all nomads, will be trained in the ancient tradition of Tibetan thangka painting. This will not only provide them with a future livelihood, but also help preserve Tibetan culture for future generations.

We have been running a motorbike mechanic training programme for 4 years now, but this will at last give it a permanent home. The programme has so far taught over 100 illiterate nomads and given them a way to provide for themselves and their families.