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Attention: Volunteering Opportunites

Hello! I am receiving many inquiries into volunteering in Ladakh this year and thank you for writing to us!

At the moment we are busy planning and fundraising for some reading rooms in other areas of the Himalayan region. It looks like we’ll require some talented people with art and language skills September onwards.

So if you are interested, please email avalokitesvaratrust@avalokitesvaratrust.org with the subject: Volunteer 2016 and I shall send you a volunteer form if we are interested in taking it further. It’s difficult to reply to each individual, so please understand that we shall be in touch on a suitability and availability basis.

We also may require volunteers with a design or architectural background. More news on that soon.

Thank you!

P.S. The best and preferred way to be in touch is via email

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LITTLE BUDDHAS IN THE WOODS

Little Buddhas in the woods

Little Buddhas in the woods

On a magical sunny day, in the month of August (2015), we decided to spend a day with the young monks of  the Chemdey Monastery in the village of Sakti. Our friends, artist, Abhishek Singh, musician and drum-jammer Kumi Masunaga and her lovely daughter Aya, came with us to share their talents, their skills and to spread joy! We were also accompanied by my little daughter Samira, my husband, our Ladakhi friends and Sushil, a Mumbai-based photographer who captured some glorious moments!

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Assembling hula hoops

The young monks from Chemdey Gonpa school participated in ice-breaking musical activities that Kumi had designed for them. Abhishek introduced them to a few art activities, took them through the process of creating their group artwork and showed them stunning visuals from his comic book. Aya demonstrated how to ‘hula-hoop’! We also set up a book corner in the school.

The young monks were keen to learn and listened carefully to the process, enjoyed drawing and colouring, asked questions and at the end, proudly exhibited their artwork in the woods!

Kumi is a Japanese percussionist and a drum circle facilitator who lives in Hong Kong with over fifteen years of performing, teaching, and facilitating experience. She has worked with a range of ages and cultural backgrounds, designing, planning and executing programmes. For more- www.drum-jam.com

Aya is natural performer. She sings, dances and has lead her “Circle Game” playshop for groups of children at events. She has acted in youth musicals, theatre play and some TV commercials in Hong Kong. She speaks English, Japanese and basic Cantonese and Mandarin. Here engagement with the children we visited, has been both endearing very valuable!

Abhishek Singh is artist,animation film-maker and graphic novelist who currently lives between his studios in Brooklyn, New York and Mumbai. Whenever possible he retreats for a meditation trek in the Himalayas. For more – www.abhishekartstore.com

Photo courtesy, Sushil, Kumi and Abhigya

In the slideshow you will see- Chemdey Gonpa, the village of Sakti,  the monks at play and at work, receiving their Ladakhi copies of ‘Chuskit Goes to School’ , a group photo and more.

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Avalokitesvara Trust creates reading rooms for children so for International Book Giving Day , we decided to start a book-collection drive. We received an incredible response from all over India. Books were carefully chosen, ordered and shipped to Dharamsala for the young readers of Norling Creche & Kindergarten. We are happy to have enhanced their little library with good quality books. To have played a role in encouraging the joy of reading and bringing smiles to their faces!

We got together to open packages of delightful books and celebrate International Book Giving Day at the Norling creche and kindergarten. A group of 15 volunteers, aged 8 to 10 years were very eager to create a new library upstairs. They happily carried all the old books and categorised them into small, medium and large books. We had a little contest to see which group ( red, green, yellow, blue, white colours of the prayer flags) could count the most books in the least time. It was chao tic and so much fun!! And they finished counting the books in 9 minutes (they’d decided on 15 minutes as the target) After this exercise, they realised that their existing books needed to be categorised into levels and broader subjects. So we created colour codes for levels of reading, for Tibetan, science and for teacher reading material. After four hours of activity we finally displayed all the new additions on to the empty shelves.

The next day, we played a few games. An improvisation of ‘Simon says’, became ‘Norbu says, Sangmo says..’ and the library room was filled with laughter! To calm everyone down, we sat in a circle and concentrated on our breathing. This wasn’t any easy task as a few of them were curious to know what was to follow but we managed to bring back our focus and recollect the activities of the previous session and the task at hand. Setting up a library is no small job and the children once again, tidied up the piles of old books. After all this work, they had a tea break and then finally, chose a book each and sat in a corner or lay on their tummies to immerse themselves in their new book collection. It was very satisfying to see them enjoying the books with quiet rapture. We added a few finishing touches and called it a day by taking a group of books for the little ones downstairs to create a small toddler library. Now that we’re ready, we’ll be inviting ALL the children from ALL the classes to their new reading rooms. We can’t wait!!

Apple Pay Casinos: A Practical Guide for Australian Players

Mobile payments have changed how Australian players approach online casino gaming. Instead of entering card details repeatedly or waiting for a bank transfer, many users prefer a wallet that works through a familiar device, confirms transactions quickly, and limits the amount of financial information shared with a merchant.

That is why pokies Apple Pay searches have become increasingly common. Players are looking for more than a game library: they want convenient deposits, clear withdrawal rules, reliable security, and a smooth experience on smartphones and tablets. Payment speed can influence the whole casino journey, from the first deposit to the moment winnings are requested.

Need For Spin and similar casino review pages appeal to this audience by bringing several important details together. Their coverage typically includes pokies, live dealer games, bonuses, payment methods, licensing information, withdrawal procedures, player support, and current promotional features.

This guide explains how Apple Pay works in the online casino environment, what Australian players should check before registering, and how to compare a mobile-focused operator with alternative payment routes. Gambling should remain an adult leisure activity, and players should follow Australian laws, operator terms, and personal spending limits.

Why Apple Pay Appeals To Mobile Casino Players

Apple Pay allows users to fund an eligible online account through a supported iPhone, iPad, or other Apple device without manually typing their card number into the casino cashier. Authentication may use Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode, giving the transaction an extra layer of convenience.

For deposits, this can make the process feel almost instant. A player selects Apple Pay, chooses a saved card, confirms the payment, and returns to the cashier or game lobby. The casino usually receives the payment confirmation quickly, although the exact timing depends on the payment provider, the bank, and the operator’s internal processing system.

There are limits to keep in mind. Apple Pay availability differs between casinos, banks, cards, and regions. Some operators accept it for deposits but use bank transfer or another method for withdrawals. Before joining, players should check the cashier page, minimum and maximum transaction limits, fees, and whether the payment method is available to Australian customers.

How Need For Spin Fits The Mobile Casino Search

A casino review platform can be useful when it presents payment information alongside games and promotions. Need For Spin is positioned for players comparing pokies, jackpot opportunities, live dealer tables, bonuses, and customer support before deciding whether a particular operator suits their preferences.

The review format also helps users identify practical details that may be overlooked in promotional banners. These include wagering requirements, eligible games, bonus expiry periods, identity checks, and the difference between a deposit method and a withdrawal method. A page aimed at a wider need for speed casino audience can therefore be read as part of a broader comparison process, provided that players verify current terms directly with the operator.

Mobile compatibility matters as much as payment support. A casino may accept Apple Pay but still provide a poor experience if its cashier is difficult to navigate, its games load slowly, or its help centre is unavailable outside business hours. The strongest review criteria combine payment convenience with usability, transparency, and responsive support.

Comparing Deposit And Withdrawal Methods

Apple Pay is usually most attractive for fast deposits, while traditional withdrawal methods may provide a different balance of speed, cost, and documentation. Bank transfers can be dependable for larger transactions but may take longer. Cards are widely familiar, while e-wallets can be convenient for players who already maintain a separate digital balance.

The comparison below provides a general guide. Actual processing times and availability can change, so the casino’s current cashier and terms should always take priority.

Payment route Typical strength Common limitation Best check before using
Apple Pay Fast mobile deposits and device authentication Withdrawals may be unavailable Confirm supported card, device, and withdrawal rules
Debit or credit card Familiar and widely accepted Some cards may restrict gambling transactions Review fees, limits, and bank policies
Bank transfer Suitable for larger amounts Processing can take several business days Check beneficiary details and verification steps
E-wallet Quick transfers and separate balance management May have account or transaction fees Confirm identity requirements and currency support

Withdrawal verification is particularly important. An operator may request proof of identity, address, or ownership of the payment method before releasing funds. This is a standard anti-fraud process rather than an unusual obstacle, but players should understand it before depositing.

Security, Licensing, And Responsible Play

A payment logo does not automatically prove that a casino is trustworthy. Players should examine the operator’s licensing information, company details, privacy policy, dispute process, and responsible gambling tools. They should also check whether the site explains how personal information and transaction records are stored.

Bonuses deserve the same care. A large welcome offer may include wagering requirements, maximum bet rules, restricted games, or a short validity period. A review may highlight the headline value, but the full terms determine whether the promotion is suitable. Treat promotional funds as conditional rewards rather than guaranteed cash.

Digital confidence is also built through clear information and sensible guidance. Community projects such as young volunteers show how practical learning and responsible participation can support stronger decision-making. In an online casino setting, that same principle means reading policies carefully, recognising persuasive design, and treating entertainment spending as a fixed expense.

For Australian adults, safer play tools may include deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. These controls are most effective when activated before a problem develops. Players who feel gambling is becoming difficult to control should contact a recognised support service and stop using the account.

Practical Checks Before Registering

A short review of the casino’s key features can prevent avoidable payment and withdrawal problems. The following checks are especially relevant to players considering Apple Pay casinos:

  • Confirm that the operator accepts Australian customers and displays appropriate licensing information.
  • Check whether Apple Pay supports both deposits and withdrawals, rather than deposits alone.
  • Read bonus wagering rules, maximum bet limits, game restrictions, and expiry dates.
  • Compare minimum deposits, transaction caps, possible fees, and expected processing times.
  • Look for identity verification requirements before making a large deposit.
  • Test the site’s support channels and check whether help is available through live chat, email, or telephone.
  • Set a personal budget and activate deposit or session limits before playing.

These steps also help distinguish a useful casino review from a simple advertising page. Clear information about jackpot figures, winner rankings, demo games, live tables, and bonuses can be valuable, but it should sit alongside warnings about terms and realistic expectations. A free demo is particularly useful for exploring game mechanics without risking money, although demo results do not predict real-money outcomes.

A Clear Starting Point For Mobile Players

Apple Pay can make online casino deposits quicker and more convenient, especially for players who already use an iPhone and want device-based authentication. It does not remove the need to check licensing, payment restrictions, bonus conditions, withdrawal procedures, or responsible gambling tools.

Need For Spin and comparable review services can help organise that research by bringing game categories, promotions, payment methods, support, and operator information into one place. The final decision should still be based on the live casino terms, the player’s legal eligibility, and a clearly defined entertainment budget.

The most practical next step is to open the casino’s current cashier and terms pages, confirm Apple Pay withdrawal conditions, and set a firm deposit limit before creating an account.