The situation of Tibetan children is very difficult. Due to extreme climate and malnourishment, they suffer from various diseases:

• Acute respiratory infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis), diarrheic diseases, hepatitis, and tapeworm. Diarrheic diseases are caused by parasites and constitute the main cause of death among Tibetan children. Other health problems such as rickets and leprosy can be found in certain sectors of Tibetan society more than others. 

• Malnourishment and stunted growth. Recent research shows that more than one half of Tibetan children suffer from atrophy caused by chronic malnourishment. Lack of vaccines make the situation even more complicated and often children die.

Access to a proper education becomes impossible due to high costs and the shortage of schools in rural areas and among nomadic groups where more than 80% of the Tibetan population exists.

The law allows schools to exact “miscellaneous charges” for things like admission, desks, chairs, books and/or uniforms. They can also collect different fines and contributions for teachers.
Many children from remote areas need to commute for several hours every day in order to get to the nearest school, a proposition that becomes too costly, even though their families have the money to pay for their education.

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