TCV Ladakh: The Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), hosted a Summer Leadership Program at TCV Ladakh from June 25 to 30, 2024. Designed uniquely for students in classes VIII and IX, the program diverged from traditional leadership paradigms by offering an immersive, hands-on learning environment. This innovative approach equipped students with essential leadership skills and fostered a spirit of curiosity, responsibility, and community.

The vision of the Summer Leadership Program is rooted in the belief that leadership is not a mere act of leading others. It emphasises nurturing a spirit of inquiry, a sense of responsibility, and a strong community ethos among students. The program’s dynamic club system allowed students to engage in various fields, encouraging them to lead, manage, and innovate. This environment enabled each student to discover and hone their leadership potential.

The program saw enthusiastic participation, with a total strength of 236 students comprising 127 female and 109 male students. These students were divided into clubs covering various interests and disciplines such as Entrepreneurship, Sports, Technology, Art and Culture, and Foreign Languages. This diverse club system ensured every student could find a niche that resonated with their passions and aspirations. The program was led by Adithya S., the founder of Edventure X from Hyderabad, and his team of four assistants; the program was meticulously designed to provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

The program commenced with an opening ceremony graced by Mr. Tenzin Rabten, the school Director, as the chief guest. Mr. Jamyang Wangyal, Head of the Guidance and The Department of Education Counselling Section, introduced the program’s aims and objectives. His address set a positive and enthusiastic tone, motivating the students to engage fully with the upcoming activities.

Over six days, students were immersed in various activities within their respective clubs. Each day was structured to include interactive sessions, hands-on projects, and collaborative tasks that challenged the students and encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones.

The program concluded with Dhondul Jigme, the school Principal, serving as the chief guest and distributing certificates of participation to all students, acknowledging their hard work and achievements. Mr. Tenzin Chondhen, the Counselor DOE who managed the smooth running of the program, expressed his gratitude to the school administration and staff for their cooperation and support. His words highlighted the collective effort that went into making the program a success.

The Summer Leadership Program was generously funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).