Dharamshala: Around 25 Tibetan educators including school heads of 16 scattered Tibetan schools in India are participating in a five-day workshop on SEE Learning and CBCT(Cognitive-based Compassion Training) organised by the Department of Education here in Dharamshala.

Since 2017, the CTA has organised numerous workshops on the SEE learning curriculum keeping in view His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s repeated advice on the cultivation of compassion and ethical values in the academic curriculum.

The inaugural ceremony held this morning at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society was presided over by Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra and joined by training facilitators Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi (Professor at Emory University) and Tsondue Samphel (Senior Instructor of SEE Learning at Emory University).

Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma Changra addressing the educators.

Education Kalon in her address said the decision to organise this workshop was taken after a considerable review of the current situation of the schools in which the curriculum are being implemented.

Since the 90s, His Holiness has greatly emphasised the significance of integrating ethical values into the modern education system after he identified the ways that the modern education system was formulated weren’t equipped enough to nurture and enhance the holistic development of students. Kalon reiterated the essential role of the teachers in fostering the overall well-being of the students while urging sincerity in carrying out this responsibility.

“Ethics and moral values are not isolated entities but an intrinsic part of education that is vitally impactful in shaping the future citizens of the world“, said Education Kalon and additionally attributed the merits and achievements of Tibetans in the field of education to the visionary leadership of His Holiness who had prioritised education for Tibetans as the foremost need after coming into exile. 

At the same event, Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi spoke extensively about the importance of educating the heart and mind which are in line with His Holiness’s commitment to the promotion of human values.

During the next five days, the facilitators will receive training on learning, improving, and practising facilitation skills along with the revision of all the important aspects of SEE Learning.

Introductory session of the facilitators.

From L-R: Tsondue Samphel, Education Kalon, Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi and Additional Secretary Tenzin Pema.