Lotus Outreach International, a nonprofit organization founded by the revered Bhutanese lama, filmmaker, and author Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, has announced a new fundraising program in October to coincide with the International Day of the Girl, which falls on 11 October. The organization has set a target of US75,000, with US$6,000 raised as at the time of writing.
Lotus Outreach focuses on improving the lives of women and children in developing countries, in particular Cambodia and India. Founded by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in 1993 and working on issues including education, healthcare, and human trafficking, Lotus Outreach International’s programs aim to empower children, young girls, and women to break the cycle of poverty and improve their communities.
“This October, join us as we celebrate International Day of the Girl, honoring girls’ power and vision to shape the future,” Lotus Outreach International said in an announcement. “Yet, girls cannot achieve their potential alone—they need allies like you. Join Lotus Outreach to empower girls with the resources, education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that are vital to their aspirations and success. This #dayofthegirl, help us raise US$75,000 for girls around the world.”
International Day of the Girl is an international observance established by the United Nations in 2012, and also known as International Day of the Girl Child. The initiative is aimed at creating life opportunities for girls and raising awareness about gender inequality worldwide, including access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from discrimination, violence, and forced child marriage. The theme for the 2024 International Day of the Girl is “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”
“Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty, and pushback on hard-won gains for human rights and gender equality. Too many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures,” the United Nations states on its website. “Yet, recent analysis shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of crisis, but hopeful for the future. Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected and empowered. But girls cannot realize this vision alone. They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs.” (United Nations)
Lotus Outreach also shared a video highlighting their commitment to progress through their CATALYST university scholarship project, as embodied by Sat Marany from Cambodia, a recent graduate of the scholarship project.
“Her journey is a powerful testament to the profound value of girls’ education. Marany’s brilliance and openness inspire us,” Lotus Outreach emphasized. “We’d like to extend our deep gratitude to her for sharing her story.” (Lotus Outreach International)
“In honor of Day of the Girl, celebrate the transformative impact that Lotus Outreach projects, particularly the CATALYST project, has for young women and girls in Cambodia!” (Lotus Outreach International)
Since 2010, CATALYST has been working to provide education, training, and care to empower women and girls. To date, the project has served 226 students with university scholarships, and personal and professional development, and has helped to ensure professional skills-training pathways for 580 young women.
“On 22 September, 38 young women graduated from Lotus Outreach International and Lotus Outreach Cambodia’s four-year university scholarship project, CATALYST!,” Lotus Outreach shared in a social media post. “We can’t wait to further celebrate the hard work and dedication of these incredible young women during this year’s #InternationalDayoftheGirl campaign.” (Facebook)
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What began as a small project aiding Tibetan refugees in 1993 has expanded to be an international organization with affiliates in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia dedicated to helping some of the most forgotten, neglected, and suffering groups on this earth. Lotus Outreach believes that real change starts in the hearts and minds of individuals. Through transforming individuals, Lotus Outreach programs transform communities in ways that will reverberate for generations. (Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche)
Born in Bhutan in 1961, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is the son of Thinley Norbu Rinpoche and was a close student of the Nyingma master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910–91). He is recognized as the third incarnation of the 19th century Tibetan terton Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo (1820–1892), founder of the Khyentse lineage, and the immediate incarnation of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö (1893–1959).
In addition to Lotus Outreach, Rinpoche’s projects include Khyentse Foundation, established in 2001 to promote the Buddha’s teaching and support all traditions of Buddhist study and practice; 84000, a non-profit global initiative to translate the words of the Buddha and make them available to all; Siddhartha’s Intent, an international collective of Buddhist groups supporting Rinpoche’s Buddhadharma activities by organizing teachings and retreats, distributing and archiving recorded teachings, and transcribing, editing, and translating manuscripts and practice texts; and Lhomon Society, which promotes sustainable development in Bhutan through education.
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Lotus Outreach International
Lotus Outreach International (Facebook)
International Day of the Girl Child (Lotus Outreach International)
International Day of the Girl Child (United Nations)
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Engaged Buddhism: Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Highlights the Value of Small Sacrifices in Breaking the Cycle of Poverty for Women
Online Dharma: Khyentse Foundation Announces the Launch of its Revamped Website
84000 Announces New Translation Milestone, Publishing Their First Text from the Tibetan Tengyur
84000 Announces that 25 Per Cent of the Tibetan Kangyur Is Now Freely Available in English
84000 Announces World’s First Complete English-Language Catalog of the Tengyur
Related features from BDG
Being a Rinpoche: A Conversation with Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche
On Being Brave: Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche on Technology and the Dissemination of the Dharma
A Buddhist Vision for Education Reform: The Blue Lion Preschool, Inspired by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
