Dharamshala: The Department of Education (DoE), Central Tibetan Administration, with funding from Global Affairs Canada through Alinea International, organised a two-day workshop for representatives of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) from 27 to 28 June 2025 at the Administrative Training and Welfare Society, Dharamshala. A total of 38 PTA members from 18 different Tibetan settlements participated in the event.
The inaugural of this event was attended by Kalon Tharlam Dolma as its chief guest, alongside programme facilitator Dr. Kelsang Wangdu, Field Representative of Alinea International, and Additional Secretary Tenzin Dorjee, Head of Academic Section of DoE.
In her keynote address, Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma highlighted the crucial role PTA representatives play in bridging the three key stakeholders in a child’s education—parents, teachers, and students. She emphasised that collaboration between parents and teachers fosters a child’s holistic educational and moral development. She further noted that the Parent-Teacher Association is a unique feature of the Tibetan community and stressed the importance of accountability among PTA members in overseeing both parents’ and teachers’ responsibilities. Kalon encouraged the representatives to share the knowledge and experiences gained from the workshop with teachers and parents in their respective settlements.
The Department of Education initiated the first PTA meeting in 2015 and subsequently released comprehensive guidelines outlining the roles and responsibilities of PTA representatives. Since then, the DoE has trained 190 PTA members from various Tibetan settlements. These representatives serve as a vital link between parents and teachers, providing a platform to voice concerns and collaborate in fostering an enriched learning environment for students.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Section Officer Sonam Gangsang, who expressed deep gratitude to Education Kalon for her guidance, and to Global Affairs Canada and Alinea International for their generous support in making the workshop possible.
