Safe harbor

The population of Gyalzur Tendol's three orphanages has grown to some 300 since she began her work in 1993, with youngsters from all over China. Photos by Wang Huazhong / China Daily

"I spent 19 years in the orphanage. I consider Gyalzur Tendol and her husband as my parents for they gave me love and education," says Gesang Gyaltso, who works as a doctor at Nagqu prefecture. He often visits the orphanage, bringing many gifts.

"I'm thankful that I have become independent. I work as a Tibetan Medicine doctor, and have a happy life with my income", he says.

Located in Tibet, it is not just a home for local homeless children but for youngsters from all over China. The resident children represent some 10 ethnic groups.

"I'm a mother and friend of these children, all of whom are taught to respect and not discriminate against each other. This is my Chinese dream, and I'm proud of it", Gyalzur Tendol says.

With many children of all ages, having just two foster parents providing care indicates excellent organization. From dormitories to toilets, everything is extremely clean and neat.

"I'm happy here in the orphanage because it is our home", says Phurbu Chungdak, a 12-year-old boy, a fourth grader in the primary school.

Gyalzur Tendol's priority is to provide the equivalent of parental love.

"They are my children, I have the obligation to raise them, no matter what our situation is," she says, stressing that she does not simply rely on outsiders to run her orphanage.

Most of her donors are private one-off donors from 17 different countries. The orphanage had never received funds from any government until 2010, when it accepted a donation from the Chinese central government.

"I have witnessed China's recent economic boom. Thanks to the central government, Tibetans and all other ethnics in China no longer suffer from hunger or basic life needs", she says.

With fast growth, people have become rich materially but lost some of their human quality, she says, a gap she wants to fill.

"It's a big mistake to just accept any kind of kids, but find out what actually makes children suffer is the key," Gyalzur Tendol adds.

Some orphanages nearby have been asked to close because their accounts are suspicious, but not Gyalzur Tendol's, which pleases her and makes her proud.

"Trust and doing a good job are key reasons why we gain support from government authorities, sponsors and everyone", she says.

She says that her two sons have good businesses as well as good hearts. When Gyalzur Tendol and her husband get old, their two sons will take charge of the orphanage.