Dharamshala: The Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration, organised a Symposium on Comprehensive Counselor Development for school counsellors at the Administration Training & Welfare Society in Dharamshala from 2 to 7 August 2024. A total of 28 participants, comprising 21 females and seven males, from THS, STS, TCV and SLF attended.
In this symposium, each counsellor presented a specific topic related to their expertise and experience, with the goal of learning from one another. Some of the topics presented by counsellors include Introduction to Buddhist Psychology, Developing a Growth Mindset in Students, Mental Health Counselling in Adolescence, Career Counselling, Overcoming Substance Abuse, and Supporting Children with Special Needs.
In addition to the counsellors’ presentations, the symposium further strengthened their knowledge and skills on various relevant topics. These included Positive Parenting, conducted by Jamyang Gyaltsen from Manjushree; Conflict Resolution and Counselling from TCCR; Incorporating SEE learning into counselling, conducted by Tenzin Pema, Head of the Education Council of the DoE; and Supporting children with learning challenges presented by Tenzin Paldon, Inclusive Education Officer of the DoE, Tibetan Terminology by Ngawang Tenzin and Tsering Dhondup.
For the opening Function, the chief guest, Sonam Sangmo, Additional Secretary of the Department of Education, emphasised the importance of school counsellors’ responsibilities beyond career counselling. She highlighted areas such as the impact of peer pressure, helping children become responsible citizens, and supporting children with mental health issues. She expressed special appreciation for the symposium, noting that all the presenters were Tibetan. She stated that such a platform enhances the capacity building of Tibetan professionals, which will benefit the Tibetan community in the long run. She also spoke about the importance of maintaining Tibetan moral values and being compassionate, altruistic, and honest.
Jamyang Wangyal, head of the counselling section, briefly explained the goal and purpose of organising a symposium and urged the participants to make the best use of these six days.
Tenzin Chondhen, Counselor at the DoE, proposed the vote of thanks. On behalf of the DoE and CTA, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to GAC for funding the symposium.
