Tadra Project in Talks Over Future of Golok Children’s Village

By Tenzin Chokyi

DHARAMSALA, 23 Oct:The Tadra Project is currently in negotiations with Chinese authorities regarding the future of its children’s village in Golok, Eastern Tibet, after being prohibited from holding classes on its premises. Project leadership clarified that the facility has not been completely shut down and continues to support 600 children across its programs.

In correspondence with Tibet Express, Chonyi Lhamo Tawo, a board member of Tadra-Projekt e.V. and wife of the project’s late founder, Dr. Lobsang Palden Tawo, stated that the organization is actively seeking a resolution to preserve the village’s vital role in the children’s lives. Chonyi Tawo is based in Hennef-Allner, Germany, where the association is headquartered.

According to the organisation, 208 primary and secondary students were transferred to state-run public schools in September 2026 after local authorities barred on-site classroom instruction. Of the 600 young people currently supported by the project, 360 are enrolled in colleges or universities. Many of these students return to the village at weekends and during academic holidays, joining a small group of vocational students and six full-time staff members who remain stationed on-site.

Project representatives stated that their primary objective is to secure an operational compromise similar to the model at their first children’s village in Dawu, which allows the facility to function as a residential base during weekends and school breaks. However, negotiations remain slow as organisers await responses from local authorities.

The Tadra Project emphasised its long-term pledge to continue financing the education of all the youth previously in its care, even if physical operations in Golok are ultimately forced to close. Leadership expressed particular concern for students completing the ninth grade, noting that ongoing financial aid is critical to ensuring they do not face a sudden loss of educational opportunities.

While primary sponsors have confirmed their continued financial backing, the organisation noted that cross-border monetary transfers to Tibet could pose regulatory hurdles moving forward. For now, the Tadra Project is refraining from issuing a broader public statement while negotiations continue, hoping to reach a viable arrangement with authorities that safeguards the children’s future.