The second Tibetan Students’ Educational Tour Program, 2023, received 14 students from Sambhota Tibetan School in Tenzingaun, Arunachal Pradesh. The students stayed in Dharamshala for 10 days, exploring the offices of the Central Tibetan Administration and Tibetan Parliament in Exile, and other notable Tibetan NGOs in Dharamshala.

Sambhota Tibetan School in Tenzingang is located in the remote area of Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 14 students from classes seven and eight, along with two teachers, joined the program this year. The group consisted of eight boys, six girls, and two escort teachers.

This program aims to provide an excellent opportunity to delve into the Tibetan community in Dharamshala and to better understand the formation and functioning of the offices of CTA and NGOs. The program also focuses on bringing students from remote settlements closer to the larger Tibetan community by introducing them to potential job and study opportunities in the community, thus strengthening the sense of unity and belongingness while reconnecting to their root culture and tradition.

Impact:

The ten-day educational tour unfolded seamlessly, a harmonious blend of knowledge and exploration that left an indelible mark on our collective journey. The program enhanced the understanding of Tibetan governance and administration among students. It has provided exposure to the challenges faced by the Tibetan people and how they built institutions in exile, while increasing awareness about the Tibetan cause for freedom and justice.

Some positive feedback from the students includes:

“We had a chance to visit the temple and felt so happy and great. Thank you, Lha, for giving me this opportunity; we will be highly obliged.” – Tenzin Rabga.

“I got to learn general knowledge about our Tibetan religion. This program was one of my favorite programs ever, all thanks to Lha Charitable Trust.” – Ngawang Yangdon.

“At the Tibet Museum, we got to learn and witness so many valuable things, and I liked the food at Ahimsa.” – Drema Wangmo.

“I was lucky to attend the educational tour without paying any fees.” – Lobsang Dorjee.