Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre

Spinning ( above )

Sewing Tibetan dolls , pin cushions and garments ( below)



Tibetan Carpet weaving factory.

The was established in 1959 following the Chinese takeover of Tibet when many Tibetan people were forced to flee their own country, including the Dali Lama, as his beliefs about freedom were not in line with Chinese communist thinking .

The centre consists of an orphanage , craft workshops, centre for the aged and infirm, and a clinic. Many refugees have since transitioned from the centre to paid employment or self employment.

Workshops consists of tailoring, weaving, spinning, knitting, leather work , handmade Tibetan dolls and pin cushions to name a few .

The main industry appeared to be making Tibetan rugs which there are orders for up until 2011.

All proceeds purchased at the centre shop go back to the refugees and maintaining the centre .

There was a photographic exhibition from when the centre first opened which depicted some very real scenes of the hardships that these displaced people have endured due to the Chinese.