STORY: Disabled Tibetan photographer aims high
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 9, 2023
DATELINE: Dec. 10, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:25
LOCATION: LHASA, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Lhasa
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Tibetan): LHAPA DONDRUP, Tibetan photographer
3. various of Lhapa Dondrup working
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Tibetan): LHAPA DONDRUP, Tibetan photographer
5. various of Lhapa Dondrup photographing
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Tibetan): LHAPA DONDRUP, Tibetan photographer
7. various of Jole
8. SOUNDBITE 4 (Tibetan): JOLE, Founder of Tuogang company
9. various of Lhapa Dondrup's photo works
10. SOUNDBITE 5 (Tibetan): LHAPA DONDRUP, Tibetan photographer
11. various of Lhapa Dondrup

STORYLINE:

Lhasa,
Xizang, China

For 22-year-old Lhapa Dondrup, roaming around the city and taking photos have become a daily routine.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Tibetan): LHAPA DONDRUP, Tibetan photographer
"I am Lhapa Dondrup, from Maizhokunggar County, Lhasa."

Standing less than 1 meter tall, the wheelchair-bound Tibetan has brittle bone disease, which leads to frequent fractures.

Out of safety concerns, Lhapa Dondrup's family asked him to drop out of school and stay at home.

Thanks to help from the local civil affairs department, in 2018, he was offered to study at the Lhasa care center for people with disabilities, a development that gave him renewed hope.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Tibetan): LHAPA DONDRUP, Tibetan photographer
"I often had bone issues when I was little. Doctors said I wouldn't live past 20, but here I am at 22."

At the center, Lhapa Dondrup not only learned Tibetan calligraphy and Mandarin writing but also chose to learn photography and video editing, both of which he enjoys.

In 2021, Lhapa Dondrup got a job.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Tibetan): LHAPA DONDRUP, Tibetan photographer
"In 2021, we went to Jole's company for a visit and I was inspired by his story and wanted to work with him."

Jole, a disabled entrepreneur, started a business for Tibetan calligraphy training and stationery sales. Of the 42 employees hired by his company, 27 have disabilities.
SOUNDBITE 4 (Tibetan): JOLE, Founder of Tuogang company
"In Lhapa Dondrup, I found the same drive I had when I began my business. It's an ambition and enthusiasm that resonate with my own journey. So I hired him.
Despite our physical impairments, we are no different from anyone else mentally. I think as long as we have confidence, each one of us has the opportunity to fulfill our life's purpose."

Lhapa Dondrup is now working at Jole's company, responsible for taking promotional photos, as well as online operations.

For him, photography is more than just a way to make a living.

SOUNDBITE 5 (Tibetan): LHAPA DONDRUP, Tibetan photographer
"Sharing my photos with others brings them happiness. When they say they like the photos, it also makes me happy. Photography, for me, is a means of holding onto life's beautiful moments."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Lhasa, China.
(XHTV)