Karuna-Shechen was founded in 2000 by Matthieu Ricard to help empower under-served communities in India, Nepal, and Tibet to reach their full potential and create a better future.
Each year, over 270,000 people benefit from our projects in northern India, Nepal, and eastern Tibet
Rooted in the ideal of “compassion in action,” we serve others with joy and determination by cultivating altruism in our hearts and actions.
We strive to reduce suffering in the Himalayan region and work toward a fairer and more compassionate world. We believe that communities can be lifted out of poverty, that change is possible, and that the well-being of every individual, regardless of race, gender, class, or caste, is essential.
We provide vulnerable and disadvantaged populations access to health care, education and vocational training, clean water, solar electricity, and other sustainable solutions. Our programs are interconnected, working together to provide short-term support that fosters long-term change.
We believe that building on local strengths and knowledge is the most efficient way to respond to the specific needs and aspirations of our beneficiaries. Our comprehensive development strategy is based on active community participation, women’s empowerment, and the preservation of local resources and culture.
We implement our strategy by working with a network of grassroots organizations and partners, as well as local teams of experienced professionals.
Karuna-Shechen’s name expresses its mission while paying homage to its roots:
‘Karuna’ means compassion in Sanskrit
and ‘Shechen’ is the name of a major monastery in Tibet.
Over the years, we have established an effective collaborative team of local professionals, grassroots partners, and foreign volunteers who share our values. Together, we fund, initiate, and manage humanitarian and development projects in northern India, Nepal and More
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OUR MISSION Rooted in the ideal of “compassion in action,” we serve others with joy and determination by cultivating altruism in our hearts and actions. We strive to reduce suffering in the Himalayan region and work toward More
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Karuna-Shechen began its work in the mid-1980s when Matthieu Ricard (its founder) and Rabjam Rinpoche (co-founder) initiated a number of small programs to improve the living conditions of the Himalayan people. The programs were designed to address More
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FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING DONATIONS Please contact : donation@karuna-shechen.org JOBS & VOLUNTEERING To apply for jobs and volunteering, check positions HERE OUR INTERNATIONAL BRANCHES Karuna-Shechen Europe (France) Christophe Grigri europe@karuna-shechen.org Karuna-Shechen Switzerland Jon Schmidt jon.schmidt@karuna-shechen.org To know more More
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June 18 2020
In India and Nepal, the situation related to Coronavirus becoming increasingly dangerous for the most disadvantaged populations. Karuna-Shechen is responding with an emergency operation in order to p...
June 5 2020
During the unique period of lockdown, environmental experts have noted a sharp pollution decrease, a return of the animals to their natural habitat and a more luxuriant nature. These images have had a...
May 28 2020
On this International Menstrual Hygiene Day, Karuna-Shechen reaffirms its commitment empowering women in India and Nepal so that they have access to a better life. The menstrual cycle - a natural but...
May 22 2020
PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY MEANS PRIORITIZING ALTRUISM OVER SELFISHNESS The diversity of living species on Earth is fascinating. We appreciate its beauty and, since the beginnings of science, have so...
May 20 2020
In the face of the global epidemic of COVID-19, we continue more than ever to promote altruism, to cultivate it and to put it into action. We are convinced that this value - the founding stone o...
