Dr. Frank James, a Professor at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health led a team that completed an informal ACE-related study at Jhamtse Gatsal Children’s Community, focusing on happiness (subjective well-being), adverse childhood events and resilience (traits that allow those with adversity to survive and thrive). “What we found was extraordinary” stated Dr. James in his report. “Studies have been done which evaluate Subjective Well-Being or happiness in 43 nations. In the students at Jhamtse Gatsal we found that on a scale of 1-7 their scores were among the most positive reported in literature, anywhere in the world, with an average of 6.7 out of 7.0.”

In summarizing these remarkable results Dr. James shared the following “Happiness at Jhamtse Gatsal and the resilience of the students is largely due to the community in which these children live. Regardless of their upbringing, these students are surrounded with love and compassion from their fellow students, Ama Las (housemothers), teachers, mentors, and other staff.”