The Tibet Development Foundation in southwest China's Tibet
Autonomous Region has raised nearly 200 million yuan (US$24.7
million) and launched 640 supporting projects with no strings
attached, according to sources of the foundation.
The supporting projects launched by the foundation cover many
fields, like culture, education, medical care and ecological
protection.
The Brightness Project, for instance, has helped 20,000 cataract
sufferers regain eyesight since it was launched in 1993. The relief
money provided by the project for medical care has amounted to 80
million yuan (US$9.9 million) so far.
Sunshine Program, another aid project launched by the foundation
this June, has installed solar-energy stoves for 191 rural
households. It has also offered other equipment powered by solar
energy for free.
The foundation was initiated in 1987 by the 10th Panchen Lama
and Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme, vice chairman of the National Committee
of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Its
principle is to assist the local government to further improve
Tibetan residents' living standards.
(Xinhua News Agency November 27, 2005)