Having grown up with all the privileges that a first world country offers, and taking them all for granted, I am delighted to be able to play a tiny part in helping Tibetan students gain access to a modern and meaningful education that they would not normally have access to - and which will help them to build a better future for themselves and their country.

Having spent 2 months teaching English at E.S. Tibet School in India 2010 I experienced firsthand the importance of helping people to help themselves. To play even a small role in ensuring that Tibetan refugees maintain their culture, religion and diversity is a privilege. E.S. Tibet provides a vital, safe and nurturing home environment for young Tibetans to study and gives them the tools they need for independence, freedom and confidence. We can learn so much from these unique people.

The students have taught me humility, compassion and honesty. I have taught them English! The teacher became the student. They have shown me how I want to live my life, the importance of our relationships with others, the importance of openness with ourselves and with others. They have shown me the meaning of contentment. I will forever be grateful to each of them for our chats, debates, for spontaneous hugs, for pulling me up the mountain, for their humour and enthusiasm and for their joyful singing. I will wander on but this place will remain a fresh print on my heart.

I went out to E. S. Tibet for 5 months from Nov 2010 to April 2011 as a volunteer teacher. I wasn't prepared for quite how much the experience would affect me, and when I left I was determined to continue to help the school in whatever way I could. The main thing that touched me was the motivation and determination of the Tibetan students, and their positive attitude in spite of their situation. We seem to have largely lost this appreciation and drive for education despite our countless opportunities in the West, and I feel extremely grateful to be a small part of such a worthwhile establishment as E.S. Tibet.