Dharamshala: A three-day workshop on SEE Learning (Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning) for Tibetan school facilitators was held from 27 to 29 May at the Dalai Lama’s Library and Archives, running alongside the International Conference on Compassion, which was co-organised by Emory University’s Centre for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics and the Dalai Lama Trust. The conference drew 280 participants from 17 countries, including representatives from 11 international organisations, teachers from various monasteries, and scientists from across the world.
A total of 19 Tibetan Schools under the Department of Education from India and Nepal including school principals, rectors, headmasters, assistant headmasters, Director of the Snow Lion Foundation school, SEE learning facilitators based in Dharamshala, philosophy teacher and observers with total of 39 participants gathered for this workshop.
On 29 May, the Additional Secretary of the Department of Education, Tenzin Pema, gave a speech on the implementation of SEE Learning in Tibetan schools. From 30 May to 1 June, the Educational Council section of the Department of Education organised a SEE learning workshop at CTA Training Centre.
Tsondue Samphel, Assistant Director and SEE Learning Programme Facilitator from Emory University, provided training on the importance of SEE Learning, its framework, methods for developing resilience, emotional regulation and mindfulness training, the interconnectedness of systems, compassion and tolerance, and strategies for cultivating a sense of human unity.
At the conclusion, Tsondue Samphel stated that under the great care of the Department of Education of the Central Tibetan Administration, the secular ethics and SEE Learning programmes are being promoted and implemented in Tibetan schools. He emphasised the importance of further strengthening the SEE Learning project in Tibetan schools and setting a good example. The Secretary of the Education Council stressed on implementation of these practical projects in Tibetan schools to improve the mental health and well-being of teachers and staff, as well as to nurture students with compassion and empathy while providing them with education.
Also, as part of the teacher professional development programme being implemented in the school, SEE Learning was included, and teachers were requested to read and discuss the book, gradually internalising it, and to impart good values to students through exemplary behaviour.
Subsequently, Tsering Palzom, the SEE Education facilitator from the Department of Education gave a vote of thanks and the training was concluded. This training was supported by the DANIDA, and the travel expenses for the participants were covered by the Dalai Lama Trust.
