Dharamshala: The Department of Education (DoE), Central Tibetan Administration, commenced a seven-day workshop on Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEEL) and Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT) for Tibetan school facilitators of the SEEL programme. The workshop is being held at the CTA Training Centre within the Tibetan Reception Centre, Thumi Hall, on 21 May 2025.
Education Council Director and Department of Education Additional Secretary Tenzin Pema inaugurated the workshop with a welcome address and briefed participants on the programme’s objectives. She emphasised the unique significance of SEE Learning, noting that unlike traditional subjects such as Science or Mathematics, SEEL requires educators to take on a greater sense of responsibility and a comprehensive framework for the cultivation of social, emotional & ethical competencies
“This workshop is not just about learning content; it’s about transforming our attitudes as teachers and learners,” she concluded with introducing two chief guests, Prof. Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi and Geshe Lhakdor, Education Council Director.
Today’s workshop was facilitated by a representative from Emory University, including chief guest Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, who extended greetings on behalf of Emory University and shared his opening remarks. He highlighted His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s consistent advocacy for SEE Learning, particularly its role in nurturing compassionate and ethical individuals in an ever-changing world. Reflecting on His Holiness’s remarks from the late 1990s, he said, “While finance and education systems continue to evolve, the need for inner spiritual development remains vital.”
He shared several narratives from students in universities and colleges who had initially struggled but found purpose and renewed motivation through SEE Learning and further specified the example of Mongolia, where more than 60 educational institutions have adopted SEE Learning, recognising its impact. “When something truly benefits the individual, its effects will naturally extend to the wider school community,” he added.
Chief guest Lobsang also stressed the importance of involving the entire school community—teachers and students alike—for the programme to be truly effective. “Education is a tool. SEE Learning teaches us how to use that tool wisely—for our own well-being and the benefit of others,” he explained. He suggested dedicating a weekly SEE Learning class, perhaps every Wednesday, across schools and universities to improve its effectiveness.
Following the other chief guests, the Education Council Director addressed the participants at the opening ceremony. He reflected on the consistent advice of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in the end, who often encourages people with a simple with profound message: “Be happy”. He explained that while the words seem light, they carry deep meaning—when a person is truly happy, they are more inclined to act positively, contributing not only to their own well-being but also to the well-being of others.
The Director underscored the importance of developing inner resources, especially in today’s fast-paced and externally driven world. “Instead of constantly seeking external solutions, we must learn to cultivate happiness from within,” adding that true happiness lies in one’s own hands and is shaped by daily habits and intentions.
Geshe Lhakdor, a prominent facilitator of the workshop, further elaborated on the same theme. “This kind of learning is not like constructing a building you can see around,” he said. “It’s about daily practice and inner transformation.” With a light-hearted remark, he pointed out the paradox of modern life: “Everyone knows what happiness means, and yet thousands continue to suffer and live in depression.”
Geshe la remarks echoed the central objective of the SEE Learning and CBCT workshop—to equip educators with tools to nurture emotional well-being, compassion, and ethical awareness in both themselves and their students.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Karma Dekyi, Section Officer and SEE Learning coordinator from the Department of Education. The opening ceremony concluded successfully, marking the beginning of a seven day workshop.
The seven day workshop was funded by DANIDA through CICED
