The Tibetan people are grateful for the place they hold in the hearts and minds of so many benevolent people throughout the world. Were it not for our community in exile, so generously supported by individuals, organizations, and governments in the world community, our nation would be little more than a shattered remnant of a people . . . our culture, religion, and national identity effectively eliminated.

For over two decades now, The Tibet Fund has worked closely with our Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala to understand the priorities of the Tibetan community. With the aid of The Tibet Fund, our people have built schools, housing and community halls in exile. The Tibet Fund's support for a wide range of programs in health and education have provided strong support to the Tibetan community, both in exile and inside Tibet. The Fund has also enabled us to create programs essential to the preservation of our cultural heritage, the very seed of our civilization.

Today, our struggle for survival and self-determination continues as we work to modernize our social and political institutions, while preserving the spiritual heart of our culture. To survive, Tibet needs the compassion of the world community. However, we cannot hope through mere words to convince the world of Tibet's value. We must set an example by our own practice. Our democratic institutions define and preserve our society as one of compassion, non-violence and justice. Our communities model self-help and self-determination.