The Bridge Fund delegation visits AIT
A delegation from the United States organization, The Bridge Fund, visited AIT on 22 February 2006 to explore further collaboration.
The organization maintains a focus on nomadic and semi-nomadic populations that are most disadvantaged and least served. The organization also focuses on capacity building and sustainability in the Tibetan culture in liaison with the local state government in China.
Three Tibetans currently at AIT are recipients of The Bridge Fund scholarships.
The delegation consisted of: Dr. Greg Kruglak, chairman of the board, and organization members Ms. Norbu Gyari and Ms. Kelsang Chukie Tethtong. They met with the AIT administration, led by Prof. Sudip Rakshit, vice president for research. Also attending the meeting were: Prof. Sivanappan Kumar, dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development, Prof. L. M. Johri of the School of Management, Dr. Sahdev Singh of AIT Extension, Dr. Yang Yi, an associate professor at SERD, Mr. Jean-Philippe Thouard, coordinator for French cooperation at AIT and Mr. Tenzin Rabgyal, program officer, External Relations and Communications Office.
During the meeting, Dr. Kruglak expressed that The Bridge Fund is pleased to have started the cooperation with the French government in supporting a scholarship program. Dr. Yang Yi has informed the delegation that three Tibetans were selected to receive the scholarships. They are Mr. Li Jia and Mr. Ou Jia of the Regional and Rural Development Planning field of study in SERD and Mr. Rig Thup Yul Shul of the Computer Science and Information Management field of study at the School of Engineering and Technology.
After meeting with the AIT administration, the delegation visited SERD's Energy Park and hatchery facilities of the Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources field of study to learn about technical knowledge and skills on the spawning and larval rearing of marine and the fresh water fishes. Dr. Kruglak expressed a strong interest in Energy, Environment and, Environmental Engineering and Management and Natural Resources Management fields of study because they are related to the development of Tibetan ethnics residing in western part of China.
The delegation also visited the Language Center. Language Specialists Ms. Marie-France Champagne and Ms. Mary Rose explained about various possibilities to train and develop writing skill for Tibetan scholars. Later the delegation visited the library and student cafeteria.