Department of Education

By Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay

I would like to spell out some new initiatives that the Department of Education carried out during the last one year. It is now a common knowledge that education of Tibetans is the top priority of the present Kashag. In order to improve the education of Tibetans, we have been carrying out a comprehensive review of the present system from the primary school to the senior secondary level. Similarly, deliberations are on to formulate plans to make further progress in our endeavour. Since financial support is needed to realise our goals, the US government consented to give some support as we requested. We hope the fundings will help in the implementation of our new developmental plans in the coming year.

Education is like our five fingers which need to work together as – (1) The administration and education department will provide the facilities, but it is responsibility of the school administration to make proper and best use of these facilities. (2) The administration should sustain and work efficiently. (3) The teachers should implement their best teaching methodologies (4) It is very important for the students to put their best efforts in their studies (5) Our education standard will definitely improve if the parents and relatives take their responsibility and make efforts towards creating a conducive atmosphere for educational development.  There is no other way for progress. So everyone should keep these factors in mind and put their shoulder on the wheel. We also urge everyone to make continuous efforts.

I also want to point out that the standard of written and spoken Tibetan at the primary and middle schools is not up to the mark. The standard is particularly poor in science, mathematics and English. We are deliberating and exploring ways to make an all-round improvement in these subjects. We will formulate plans for implementation only after considerable deliberations and reviews. Till now, we have convened exclusive meetings of school principles and directors.

Similarly, we have also invited eminent academicians and scholars to gain their knowledge and expertise. It will become gradually clear how we could use their thoughts and recommendations.
 
Concerning suggestions for the need of better teachers, a separate teacher training centre for Tibetan schools has been started in Bhuntar in Himachal Pradesh. It has generated a great deal of interest among the Tibetans, as over 150 candidates have applied for the training as against 50 seats announced. We hope that those who completes the four year teacher training could fulfil the criterion of a teacher that our schools need. The Central University of Tibetan Studies in Varansi has offered great support for this project. We are making all possible efforts to produce as many quality teachers as possible from this training centre.

There is still progress to be made in all over educational facilities including scholarships and the entire staff at the education department are working collectively to achieve this goal.

It is very important that the general public should be aware of and recognise the sincere service of the CTA civil servants. It is also important for the public to know and keep in mind that the civil servants have chosen to serve the CTA, including the department of education, rather than going after better perks and salaries outside.

As the Kalon for education I reiterate that we are making every possible effort to reach our goals and we hope that we will definitely make progress.

Thank you.