The Dolma Development Fund works with ethnic minority communities living in extreme poverty. Our mission is to breathe new pride into people's
lives through the provision of basic human amenities and economic
development programs.
We currently work with the ethnic Tibetans of northern Nepal and the
tribal groups of south-west Ethiopia, and are always on the lookout for
communities that can benefit from partnering with the Dolma Development
Fund.
The DDF sends children from poor communities to schools thus transforming their future earning potential. Our Child Sponsorship Program enables donors to directly sponsor a child and monitor their progress.
We are now raising money to build schools directly in our community regions that cover local ethnic history and traditions, as well as the national curriculum.
For communities such as those in Ethiopia without access to clean water,
our priority is to install water pumps in or close to villages. In
addition the DDF provides the funds to cover basic nutrition during times
of drought or failed crops.
Our healthcare programs include providing basic medical care within the
communities and funds to cover treatment. We also provide training in
hygiene and visits by Western doctors.
Dolma Ecotourism
We provide the infrastructure, training and marketing necessary to allow
our communities to capture the economic benefits from tourism. As it is
the communities' business, the visitor gets a unique and intimate
immersion into these remarkable cultures that have so much to teach us.
Craft Production
Our communities are encouraged to keep their ancient craft traditions
alive by both selling to visitors and exporting their traditional crafts including clothes, belts, bags, baskets and carvings.
Dolma News
Jangsem goes for heart operation. Health project begins.
Jangsem is an 8 year-old girl from Bridim. She suffers from a complex heart defect, present from birth, and had just months to live. Dr. Sean Keogh and Dr. Christine Bradshaw, two doctors who were invited by Dolma to Nepal in February ’04, examined her and immediately realised that her clinical situation was serious. Following the coordinated efforts of the Dolma Development Fund (DDF) and of Sean and Christine, Jangsem has now undergone heart surgery at Shahid Gangalal National Heart Hospital in Kathmandu. The operation was a success and she is currently recovering.
Press interest reaches Sunday Times & Harpers & Queen
As news of our model of mutually beneficial tourism spreads, these two publications have joined the growing list covering the Dolma Cultural Adventure. Harpers send editor, Lucy Yoemans, and an article will be published shortly. The Sunday Times feature was published in print in 27th June. It, & other coverage, can be read at:
We currently work with the ethnic Tibetans of northern Nepal and the
