Twenty years ago, Matthieu Ricard set out to build a better world for the people of the Himalayan region through the founding of Karuna-Shechen. Working in remote and underserved villages, made possible through a web of interdependence and goodwill, our humanitarian projects have put compassion into action every day of the past two decades to save and significantly improve the lives of people in need.
Through our sustainable model and generous donors, we have grown our reach and impact each year. Today, we provide access to basic healthcare, education and training services, as well as access to clean water, solar electricity and other sustainable solutions to more than 380,000 people annually in Nepal and Northern India.
Increasing Challenges. While our reach and impact have increased over the years, so too have the challenges and complexities of the world in which we live. As we work hand-in-hand with those we serve, we must also rise to meet the new, urgent needs to mitigate the effects of climate change, the growing need for cultural preservation and traditional knowledge, and the persistent need for women’s equality.
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Rising to Meet the Needs. Karuna-Shechen’s areas of intervention remain, as they have always been: health care, education, community development, women’s empowerment, and emergency response. Within these areas, we are embracing opportunities to respond to evolving needs and overcome challenges, ensuring that our efforts continue to make a sustainable, lasting difference and work towards building a better world.
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Work with communities to develop sustainable solutions. By using the experience and knowledge we have from our years of service, we can address specific needs while working together with our benefactors to develop skills and resources that build their resilience and self-sufficiency. Our aim is to work in partnership with those we serve to create solutions that can be sustained by the villagers themselves, independent of external help.
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Create opportunities for women to improve their lives. Perhaps more than ever, it is time for women to take their place as equal members of society. Within our programs, we focus on creating opportunities for women to strengthen their health, gain independence, learn new skills, and build confidence in their abilities. By empowering women to reach their potential, our programs reduce poverty and inequality, and create a more altruistic world.
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Respect the environment and preserve natural resources. The people we work with — women, children, and families living in remote and underserved areas — are some of the hardest hit by environmental destruction. In our work, we not only provide aid and assistance in recovering from emergencies and environmental devastation, but we also work within the communities to train villagers with techniques to strengthen their resilience for the future.
As we move forward into our next decade of service, we renew our commitment to our vision: integrity, compassion, and action. Guided by these objectives, we will continue our journey to ensure the sustainability of our essential projects while rising to meet new challenges. We will pursue opportunities to strengthen our service to others and embrace each step we take towards building a better world. We will — with your partnership and support — continue to dare to cultivate altruism to benefit us all and the planet.
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October 19 2021
In January 2021, Karuna initiated its very first project in France in collaboration with the association Mindfulness Solidaire. Resilience is a program targeting caregivers, which aims to provide them...
July 27 2021
For more than twenty years now, the notion of altruism, defined as selfless concern for the good of others, unites and inspires Karuna-Shechen’s benefactors, beneficiaries, volunteers and teams. It ...
July 26 2021
Hinduism has many festivals and rituals. They celebrate the major stages of life as well as the deities and are an opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Among these celebrations, one, particularl...
July 6 2021
While the Ruby Valley is a region of scenic beauty, it owes much of its charm to the cohabitation of humans with other species and their environment. The valley is populated by more animals than peopl...
June 29 2021
Dominated by the Himalayan reliefs, the Ruby valley offers landscapes of a rare beauty. Named after the precious stone, as deposits are said to be found there, it is a mountainous region in central Ne...
