The orphanage at Chodrak Monastery was founded by Khenpo Dam Cho
Dawa Rinpoche, a senior teacher at Chodrak Monastery, in response
to the growing numbers of young children who were orphaned or whose
parents were unable to provide for them.
The majority of the people of Kham province are traditionally
farmers and nomads. Farmers were able to grow enough food to feed
their families and a little more that could be traded for
necessities such as tea. Nomads grazed yaks, sheep and goats, and
raised horses that could also be traded. Most of the farmers and
nomads dont earn a cash income; rather they exchange goods as
needed. The land reforms introduced by the government over the last
forty years, greatly restricting grazing areas, has had a very
adverse effect on the Khampas ability to maintain their lifestyle.
The problems created by the harsh conditions in Eastern Tibet,
which had historically contributed to an early mortality rate, have
been compounded by government policies such as resettlement and the
change from a barter to cash economy. Even those who have a chance
to earn a cash income have great difficulty paying for necessities
such as medical fees and often forego medical treatment for lack of
money. Khenpo Dam Cho Dawa built Chodrak orphanage to provide food,
accommodation and an education for children who would otherwise be
forced to beg for survival in a poor and remote part of
Tibet.
http://www.baromkagyu.org/pageBK4.html