Compassionate Help - the ROKPA charity

ROKPA INTERNATIONAL is a relief organisation founded in 1980 by the Tibetan doctor and meditation master Dr. Akong Tulku Rinpoche, the Swiss actress Lea Wyler and her father, the lawyer Dr. Veit Wyler.

It is ROKPA's aim to assist people in need wherever necessary, regardless of religion or culture, with most of its work currently focused on Nepal, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Following its philosophy of enabling the disadvantaged to help themselves, so far it has supported over five hundred projects proposed by local people. The work of ROKPA is primarily concentrated upon education, medicine and food/living costs.

ROKPA attaches great importance to the self-help approach. Education has proven to be the most efficient way of assisting people in need to escape the poverty trap and to protect themselves against being exploited and abused. This is why ROKPA, through our education schemes, prepares disadvantaged children and adults for a self-determined life.

You will find more information about the ROKPA NGO here.

Organisation

ROKPA is represented by branches in 15 countries, its headquarters are in Zurich, Switzerland with associated offices in 20 countries all over the world. Hundreds of volunteers in these countries raise funds for ROKPA projects operating in Nepal, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The Board Members of ROKPA INTERNATIONAL decide on the projects to be supported and together with local authorities, guide the project management.