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Ayni is an Andean word meaning reciprocity. In the Andean tradition it is considered vitally important to give back equally to all that is received. And so the Andean people of the high mountains in Peru and Bolivia offer thanksgiving and gifts to Paccamama, (Mother Earth), the Apus (spirit of the mountains) and the elements of nature for all the abundance they receive. We have learned so much from these wonderful people and want to do what we can to give back – to practice Ayni.
The Ayni Foundation has been created to assist the education of underprivileged children. 10% of all website sales go directly to this charity.
School (a): The primary school in the mountains of Peru:
For many years Ashtara has led tours to sacred sites in the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. These tours have supported an impoverished school in Peru situated in an isolated and bleak area near the Bolivian border 4000 metres above sea level. It is bitterly cold there in winter. For a relatively small amount of money we have funded the re-roofing and re-glazing of the school building; built three latrines where there were none; created a library and stocked it with enough secondhand text books for each class room.
In September 2006 we provided a second hand computer.Electricity was only connected to the school in early 2006 so the computer was an exciting and much needed addition to the school’s resources. We requested it be placed in the library so each child could have access to it. It was so wonderful to see the expression on the children’s faces as we unveiled the computer.
(b): Homework House in Cusco, Peru:
Ashtara was fortunate to be asked to open this centre in September 2006. It was the vision of Peruvian Fredy Conde who felt there was a need for this service. Many of the students in Cusco do not have the space or the basic equipment in their homes to do their homework. Big-hearted Fredy saw the need and with the funds that were raised at the Australian spiritual festival, Wesak Celebration, in May 2006 he located premises, bought second hand tables and chairs, cupboards, two second-hand computers and other basic equipment for the students to use. He opens Homework House between 4.00 and 8.00pm five evenings a week. The centre holds 20 students and already is too small. He wants to find another location in a different area and eventually create a series of Homework Houses all over Cusco. This is his Ayni. However, he needs funds to do this. He has volunteers to guide the children with their homework when he is unavailable.
(c): Srongtsen Bhrikuti Tibetan Refugee Boarding School in Kathmandu, Nepal:
This school was built specifically for Tibetan refugees and is an amazing demonstration of what one man can do, having started the school in a tent. Tibet is not a free country and, from our experience, will never be free again. The Chinese are making huge changes and investing enormous amounts of money to build new infrastructures. Tibetan Buddhism and their peaceful culture can only flourish outside of Tibet. The Nepalese government are supporting the Tibetan refugees to help themselves and this they are doing admirably.
The school in Nepal is administered by a Tibetan Lama who escaped from Tibet in 1959 in the same year as the Dalai Lama.
This school now has 600 students ranging from kindergarten age to high school. Often volunteer teachers from other countries live and work there for a three-month period. This mutual exchange is beneficial for everyone. The standard of conduct by the children is excellent however the school is totally reliant on overseas donations for its continuation. When we were there in June 2006 the Principal,
Ven.Jampa Phuntsok showed us a block of land next to the school that was available for purchase. Ashtara asked what he would do with it if he were able to get sufficient donations. He wants to build a technology centre. This man’s vision is amazing. He would like the Tibetan students to have the same opportunities as those available in the western world. We agree with him.
If you feel you would like to practice Ayni and contribute to these worthwhile educational centres you can be assured that your entire donation will go directly to your nominated centre.
Please download the form for your donation. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat you may download a free version 
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