With deep respect and hopeful hearts, we invite you to be part of a transformative journey—one that will ensure the long-term sustainability of Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS), a place that has empowered underprivileged youth through free traditional arts education since 1999.
Why an Endowment Fund?
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how financially vulnerable schools like ours can be. When global support contracted, CTAS faced significant challenges in meeting its basic operational needs. This experience was a wake-up call—one that strengthened our resolve to build a permanent Endowment Fund.
This fund will serve as a lasting reserve, generating reliable income to:
- Cover annual budgetary shortfalls
- Respond to unforeseen challenges
- Safeguard CTAS against future uncertainties
- Ensure that no student is turned away due to financial hardship
A Legacy of Support
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, CTAS has grown into a vibrant learning community. Recent milestones include:
- A new classroom block (2020)
- A multipurpose hall for dining, cultural events, a sales room, and a restaurant (2024)
These developments have enriched the student experience and strengthened our ability to share Bhutan’s artistic heritage with the world.
Double Your Impact: Matching Grant
We are honored to share that our long-time supporters, Alan and Patricia Bickell, have launched a Matching Grant Campaign to help establish the Endowment Fund.
From July through October 2025, every contribution will be matched by the Bickell family—doubling your impact and bringing us closer to financial self-reliance.
Campaign Closes: October 23, 2025
We will conclude our campaign on International Snow Leopard Day, a date rich in symbolism. The snow leopard—our school’s mascot since 2023—embodies resilience, rarity, and vulnerability, much like the traditional arts we strive to protect. In a fast-changing world, this day reminds us of the urgent need to preserve what is sacred and endangered. It is a fitting tribute to our mission and the legacy we aim to secure.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for walking beside us. Your generosity helps preserve Bhutan’s sacred heritage and empowers the next generation of artisans.
How can you help?
CTAS has become what it is today because of unwavering supporters like you. With deep humility, we ask you to stand beside us once more.
Your gift—no matter the size—will:
- Be matched to double its impact
- Help secure the future of free, high-quality education for underprivileged youth
- Preserve Bhutan’s rich artistic traditions for generations to come
Together, Let’s Build a Lasting Legacy
Join us in creating a future where tradition is honored, skills are passed on with care, and young lives are empowered to thrive—no matter what lies ahead.
Here is how you can contribute:
1. Through Partner Foundations (Tax-Deductible Options):
Himalayan Youth Foundation (USA)
US 106 S. Interlachen Avenue, 619 Winter Park, FL, 32789, USA
Kindly contact: Giuseppina Moriconi; giuseppina@himalayanyouthfoundation.org
Himalayan Youth Foundation (UK)
7 Hallam Mews, London
https://www.hyf-uk.org; info@hyf-uk.
Kindly contact: Gerry Slater; gerry_slater@hotmail.com
Albrecht Kiesow Foundation
Brückenstraße 30
99974 Mühlhausen, Germany
https://www.albrecht-kiesow-stiftung.de/
Kindly contact; info@albrecht-kiesow-stiftung.de
2. Direct Donation to CTAS
For direct bank transfers or inquiries, please contact:
- Sonam Choki – sonamctas@gmail.com
- Dorji Wangmo – dorjiwangmo197@gmail.com
We also accept gifts via credit card (VISA or MasterCard).
To make a secure gift:
- Email Sonam Choki at sonamctas@gmail.com or Dorji Wangmo at dorjiwangmo197@gmail.com
- Please mention the amount you wish to donate and we will respond with a secure payment link
Note: For payment using card, a 3% bank processing fee will be deducted from the total amount.
3. In-Person or Courier Delivery
For supporters in Bhutan or visitors to the school, gifts may be delivered directly to our campus or sent via courier. We would be truly honored to receive you in person.