The Zangskar Nuns Association (ZNA) is a registered charity of India bringing together member nuns from each of Zangskar's ten nunneries for the first time in history. ZNA aims to improve the education, welfare, health and living conditions of more than 100 nuns.
The member nunneries vary greatly in size - from 6 nuns at the smallest to 35 nuns at the largest - and years of operation - from only a few years to perhaps a few hundred years. They also vary greatly in terms of facilities and education. Many of the buildings at the older nunneries are in need of repair, while the newer nunneries are still under construction. Teachers of both secular and non-secular subjects are only available at a few of the nunneries as a result of logistics and funding.
ZNA's goals include the construction of passive solar buildings, water delivery and storage systems, greenhouses, compost toilets, and orchards in order to improve basic needs like heat, water, food, and lighting. These improvements along with stipends for basic living expenses will support the nuns’ livelihood, health, and ability to continue their ritual and meditation studies.
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