Dharamshala: As Tibetan schools in India conclude their academic year for the winter break, the Department of Education (CTA) launched its leadership workshop for school prefects and captains on 23rd December, 2024 at the CTA’s Administrative Training Centre in Dharamshala with a brief inaugural ceremony.
Education Kalon (Minister) Tharlam Dolma Changra, as the chief guest, graced the opening ceremony, offering profound insights into the experiences of educating Tibetan students and administering Tibetan schools.
A total of 43 student representatives from 16 different Tibetan schools, including two Nepal-based Tibetan schools, participated in the workshop. In addition, 16 teachers from these schools accompanied the students as counsellors and guardians throughout this six-day workshop.
The event began with introductory remarks by Additional Secretary Tenzin Dorjee from the Education Department’s Academic Section. He provided an overview of the leadership workshop, emphasising that it aims to enhance the leadership skills of the participants while imparting other essential abilities in line with the objectives of the Basic Education Policy for Tibetans in Exile. He highlighted that the workshop also seeks to cultivate human qualities such as compassion and universal responsibility in the student leaders, while underscoring the importance of preserving Tibetan cultural and linguistic heritage, which is systematically undermined within state-run schools in Tibet.
In her keynote address, Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra recalled the immense sacrifices and contributions made by the elder generations, under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in establishing a robust Tibetan exile community. “Always be grateful for the abundant opportunities and resources provided by our Tibetan schools, which are often unavailable even in prestigious local and private schools. You must uphold the responsibilities as Tibetans that come with these opportunities,” she said. The Kalon further encouraged participants to share what they learn in this workshop with their fellow students.
As a former school principal, Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra specifically addressed the responsibilities of school prefects and captains. She emphasised that they must act as a bridge between teachers and students, helping to address issues such as inadequacies and disparity in treatment among students. She also disapproved of bullying in the school environment and advised everyone to adhere to school disciplines and maintain self-discipline. Additionally, the Kalon stressed the importance of good health for academic success.
In addition to these points, the Education Kalon expressed concern over the increasing number of children with special needs in Tibetan schools and implored school administrations and students to extend special services to support them.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Under Secretary Dorjee Wangdue from the department’s academic section.
Over the course of this leadership workshop, consultants and facilitators will explore various topics, including the importance of Tibetan language and culture, the evolution of Tibetan democracy in exile, SEE Learning, leadership and learning, conflict resolution, communication skills for leaders, the Education Department’s scholarship programme, cyber safety and security, gender equality in schools, and career mapping. The programme will also include educational visits to the Dalai Lama Library and Archives and various CTA departments.
