The rich milk of the female yak, the dri, produces a unique cheese with an unusually high butterfat content. Making Swiss-style cheese is a new technique for Tibetans but it does not contradict their unique way of life, in which dairy production already plays a significant role. By extending traditional methods and techniques, nomads can strengthen their own culture and way of life, whilst developing a new livelihood. The process gives cash-strapped nomadic communities a product to bring to national and international markets, whilst increasing the security of their own food supply, and the productivity and value of their herds. Cheese-making provides training opportunities appropriate for careers in business, management, accounting, hygiene, and dairy techniques.

In Yushu and Guoluo Prefectures in Qinghai Province and Ganzi Prefecture in Sichuan Province, Trace Foundation has worked with local communities to establish cheese-making centers and run training programs. Local people participate on many levels, from nomads who sell their milk, to entrepreneurs who are developing a market within China, and the range of people from different walks of life who are learning the craft of cheese-making. A portion of the profits generated from the production of the cheese will be reinvested into local community projects such as further cheese-making sites, health centers, schools, and orphanages.

The Foundation's input involves some infrastructure funding, but consists mostly of capacity-building initiatives. These include hiring international consultants who lead the training, initiate cheese production, and work with Tibetans to reach local and international markets. Please visit the Trace Foundation Cheese Project web site www.tibetcheese.org for more information.

Trace Foundation supports other vocational training projects that build skills and expand employment opportunities of participants, for instance in the field of handicrafts. Such projects aim to benefit local people by providing useful skills with income-generating potential, sometimes by adapting traditional methods or styles to serve new purposes. The long-term goal is a rise in the overall standard of living within targeted communities.

As a non-profit organization, Trace Foundation does not invest in business development for its own profit.

Recent Grants in Economic Growth for Rural Communities

Lamdak Village
Chengdu (Trindu) County, Yushu (Jyekundo) Prefecture, Qinghai (Tsongon) Province

For construction of and improvements to a cheese-making training center. Community participation included: provision of fresh milk for cheese-making and a building for storing and processing the cheese; accommodation and food for cheese trainers; cheese transportation and storage for marketing purposes. The village has designated a committee of local community representatives to allocate any revenues generated by cheese production.

Amounts of Support: $6,683 and $7,409

Jigmei Gyaltsen School
Maqin (Machen) County, Guoluo (Golog) Prefecture, Qinghai (Tsongon) Province

For construction of a cheese-making training center. Community participation included accommodations and food for cheese trainers and arrangement of hygiene certification for sale and export purposes. The village has designated a committee of local community representatives to allocate any revenues generated by cheese production.

Amount of Support: $28,817

Gannan Tibetan Technical Training School
Hezuo (Hezu) County, Gannan Prefecture, Gansu Province

To run a two-and-a-half year vocational training class in automotive repair. The Gannan Tibetan Technical Training School was responsible for recruiting 37 students, administering the training class and issuing vocational middle school (zhong-zhuan) level certificates to graduates.

Amount of Support: $72,509

Women's Federation of the Tibet Autonomous Region
Qusong (Chusum) County, Shannan (Lhokha) District, Tibet Autonomous Region

To train 30 rural women in wool processing and weaving techniques. The Tibet Autonomous Region Women's Federation selected teachers for the training and Qusong County Government contributed the training space and food for trainees.

Amount of Support: $19,053

Women's Federation of Shannan District, Tibet Autonomous Region
Toga and Naisa Villages, Gangdui Township, Gonga (Gongkar) County, Shannan (Lhokha) District

To train 50 rural women in wool processing and spinning techniques. Gangdui Township Government, Toga Village and Naisa Village constructed factory buildings and yards.

Amount of Support: $10,013