Despite its size, Tibet was once a united country under the rule of King Trisong Detson. But before he died the King converted to Buddhism, and lost his desire to maintain a nation that covered most of the face of Asia. After the King’s death, leadership of the local areas of Kham fell to warrior chieftains who ruled over towns like Nangchen, and valley communities like Ka-xiong; itself in the ancient Kingdom of Drong-mey.

Even though the ancient ways have passed, the Khampas still respect the families of ruling chieftains and the ancient Kingdoms over which they reigned. This close tie is reflected by the concern that the hereditary chieftains still feel for the people that live within their geographical areas. Because of this close relationship; The Opportunity Kham Foundation is pleased to announce that the current Hereditary Chieftain of the ancient Kingdom of Drong-mey, the Ven. Lamchen Gyalpo Rinpoche, will act as the Administrator and Coordinator of studies for the Ka-xiong Valley School. Lamchen Gyalpo Rinpoche is the oldest son of the previous ruler of Drong-mey; Behu Trigyal.

Although Gyalpo Rinpoche resides in the West, he makes annual trips to his homeland encouraging his people to look to education as their future while respecting the traditions of their past. Living in the West, Gyalpo Rinpoche knows first hand the power of an education. He sees the Ka-xiong Valley School not as an ordinary school, but rather as a model of the best combination of both Chinese and Tibetan studies. We are excited about our collaboration with Gyalpo Rinpoche and are confident that we will be able to measure our student’s success from the very first day of school!