The long trek is a service project of their SLC school
By Jessica Ravitz
Never walk around a prayer wheel counterclockwise. Don’t climb statues of Buddha, even for pictures. And bow to Tibetan monks, unless they extend their hands first.
These are just some of the tips five Realms of Inquiry high-schoolers took with them earlier this week, when they began their long journey to India, home to about 85,000 Tibetans living in exile. During their three-week visit, in which they will be based in India’s northern area of Dharamsala, the students – along with two chaperones from their private Salt Lake City school – will volunteer at the Tibetan Children’s Village.
“This is probably one of the most rewarding things you can do,” freshman J.P. Massaro said as he and his travel partners gathered for last-minute preparations before departing.
About 3,000 kids, most of whom are new refugees and orphans from Tibet, are educated and cared for in the children’s village, which has more than a dozen additional branches throughout India. At the village, safe from the restrictions imposed by the Chinese government in their native Tibet, kids can speak their Tibetan language and celebrate their distinct culture.
The Utah teens, eager to interact with the children, have carried with them magic tricks, coloring books, bubbles and a Hacky Sack – not to mention 1,000 donated Hot Wheels toy cars and duffel bags full of clothing.
When they’re not volunteering, the high-schoolers will trek in the nearby Himalayas, tour the country and shop for local wares such as jewelry, clothing and cashmere rugs. They also will choose from classes, among them: Thai massage, Buddhist theology and meditation.
If they’re lucky, they may even secure a visit with the Dalai Lama, who lives in McLeod Gunj, in Upper Dharamsala.
“I’d gawk like a fish,” said Chris “Squid” Stilling, a sophomore. “And maybe give him a hug.”
International travel, where kids rough it and live without frills, is part of the Realms of Inquiry curriculum. Other students currently are in Peru, while two other groups are setting off for Costa Rica and Mexico. Because students help organize and research the trips, they take ownership – even manage their own shoestring budgets.
“Six dollars a day for food,” reported junior Jane Bobet, who is helping oversee the group’s finances.
“They learn how to follow through on a project,” headmaster Ross Jones said. “They’ll come back with an attachment to other cultures, but also with an appreciation for their own.”
About 150 Tibetans live in Utah, estimates Pema Chagzoentsang, 46, who heads the Utah Tibet Foundation.
Chagzoentsang had not heard about the Realms of Inquiry trip before this week, but the Bountiful resident was quick to point out what it might mean to kids from her native country.
“They’ll be educating our children to be more confident and bold,” she said. “And that’s wonderful.”
In return, senior Erin Price said she hopes the Tibetan ways rub off on her.
“There’s a certain magic about the place,” she said. “I’m hoping to come back with any ounce of it.”
jravitz@sltrib.com
