Dawa Drolma – my journey as a Seng Girl

by Dawa Drolma (one of our original Seng Girls, now studying at Project Eden and on her way to completing her Vocational Diploma in English)

Captivating gives assistance to the Seng Girls’ School. I have been part of the Seng Girls since I was 10 years old. My family has eight people. Most people know that the roof of the world is Tibet, and maybe they know that for most Tibetans, 90% of their food, money and kids’ tuition fees all come from the animals they raise. In my family, I’m the first one that goes so far away – 36 hours of travel away from my hometown in order to go to school in Qinghai Province, where the Seng Girl’s school is.

The most difficult thing I’ve experienced was when I moved to Shen Zhen City in order to study computer. In the beginning, I didn’t have any idea how I could learn the electronic profession: computers and English had not been my hobbies. I thought I could never learn good English, and this was my first time with “outlanders”. I was very shy and embarrassed.

When I first saw Uncle Andrew at the Captivating office, he said, “Dawa, how are you?” At that time, I had no idea who was that man, and I wondered, how did he know my name? I asked Uncle Dockpo, “Who is that man? Why is he smiling at me?” Uncle Dockpo told me, “He is the boss of Captivating office, the ones who are helping you girls with everything. A lady appeared, and she was not so unfamiliar in my mind because I had met her when she visited the Seng Girls’ Home. Everyone called her Auntie Julie. In the beginning, I did not feel close to them, and I always hid when they came towards me. When I talked with them, I could only use gestures to show my meaning, because I couldn’t speak English.

Now, I am 22 years of age and I can understand and also speak English well, and everything keeps getting better than before. Last year, I was even able to stand on the stage to say thank you to the people who have given me and my many sisters such wonderful opportunities in our lives. And my life with “outlanders” is not bad like I thought it was before. I think my mom is happy that I have a chance like this. I’m really thankful for Captivating company and my sponsors. (Above photo – Dawa on stage at the Shenzhen Annual Captivating Charity Auction, October 2015)

A huge thank you goes out to Dawa’s sponsors: Anders & Deborah, and Felix & Tennelle – your long-term commitment to Dawa and your support to see her through her schooling has been fantastic. We are as proud as you are to see Dawa now, a young lady with a bright future.

There are many young girls just like Dawa unable to go to school or continue their schooling. This can be because the family is too poor to afford schooling; do not see the value of education their girls; or need their child to work at home to generate income for the family. Some girls have no parents and are living with an impoverished grandparent or uncle. Others need to stay at home to raise their siblings or take care of sick parents. All of these girls will grow up without an education and without viable options. This will invariably mean limited income potential, tough choices, and potentially desperate consequences such as teenage pregnancy,  illegal activities in order to secure money, and the potential of falling victim to human trafficking. Education is key to a brighter future for these girls. You can make a difference to the life of one young girl today. To the world you are one person.  Email francine@captivating.org to find out how to one person you can be the world.