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Society

Switzerland: Sent to stay

December 24, 2014

In the 1960’s, Switzerland took in more than 150 Tibetan children living in exile after China occupied Tibet. They were supposed to return home after the occupation ended. Most are still living in Europe.

https://p.dw.com/p/1E9gN

The Dalai Lama helped place the children in Swiss foster homes after he discovered them living in terrible conditions in India. He hoped they could receive care and an education in Switzerland then return home to help build a free Tibet. Instead, many children forgot their language, forgot their culture, and lost themselves. Some who prospered say Buddhism gave them the strength to cope.