NORLHA CHILDREN
In Ritoma village, most children and some young adults cannot remember Ritoma without Norlha. They grew up with their parents working in the Atelier while they filled the courtyard and the surrounding hills with their games and laughter. Their presence enlivened the workshop’s social events, anniversaries, and the 3-day summer picnic each year. They are our children; their presence, which binds families together, strengthens our sense of community, and we welcome each new child with a Norlha Baby Blanket, over 40 so far.
These children are not only our responsibility, but our future, and we hope that one day the atmosphere of skill and creativity that they thrive in will inspire them to continue the journey that we began together.
Interview with Chonckck, Tsering and Tanzin.
T A N Z I N D O R J E E — 8 years old
—Describe Norlha
Norlha makes clothes.
— How old do you think Norlha is?
Twenty years old. Norlha has been here for a long time.
—Who in your family works for Norlha?
My Dad works at Norlha.
— What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up, I want to be a teacher and teach Chinese.
— What do you like to do after school?
I like playing basketball.
— What is your favourite season on the plateau, and why?
I love spring the most. Spring isn't so cold, and I can ride my bicycle in the
village.
T S E R I N G T H O P D A N — 6 years old
—Describe Norlha
Norlha is where my mom goes to work
— How old do you think Norlha is?
Five years old
—Who in your family works for Norlha?
My mom
—What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a monk, a doctor, or a teacher.
—What do you like to do after school?
I enjoy playing DIY games with paper.
—What is your favourite season on the plateau, and why?
I like autumn and winter. In the autumn, the grassland changes into lots of pretty colours. And in the winter, we get to build snowmen and have fun snowball fights.
C H O N C K C K D H U N D U P—5 years old
—Describe Norlha
Norlha is super pretty, and the office is really big (show with arms how big it is)
—How old do you think Norlha is?
As old as me
—Who in your family works for Norlha?
My mom and my dad
—What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a firefighter. I'll wear cool firefighter clothes and use a fire extinguisher to put out fires.
—What do you like to do after school?
After school, I love watching the Avengers. My favourites are Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Hulk, and Captain America.
—What is your favourite season on the plateau, and why?
I love the snowy season because everything turns white when it snows. It's like magic!