BRUSSELS: Sherab Nangjey week-end school run by the Tibetan Community in Belgium observed its 4th Founding Day yesterday in Antwerp. Representative Tashi Phuntsok was the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Mr Thutop Namgyal, Secretary, Office of Tibet, Brussels.
The day-night-long celebrations began in the afternoon with installation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait on the throne. With singing of Tibetan National Anthem by the students of the school and a minute’s silence observed for Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet, the nitty gritty affairs of the school was brought afore with presentation of school’s accounts.
Mr Jampa, head of the school, then presented a detailed programme of the school. The challenges were many, un-dettered, the school had much made progress. Started as one school now has a branch in Michelin town. The enrolment has increased two-fold – from over 70 students to 130 – with 10 teachers.
Mr. Karma, President of Tibetan Community in Belgium, recalled the beginning of the school. Shear Nagjey is run by a separated body under Tibetan Community. While the school raises funds but the main fiscal responsibility is borne by the Tibetan community, he added. He praised the head and staff for their dedication.
Mr Tashi Phuntsok, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama n Brussels in his key-note speech cajoled everyone to focus and make every effort to realise the meaning of the name of the school – Sherab Nangjey – given by His Holiness. The challenge was to impart lessons in modern and current techniques. Gather and integrate experiences of the other schools of similar nature. The lessons and ways of teachings should be child-friendly, he reminded.
On broader context he reiterated his usual appeal that Tibetan children should strive to excel in education at par with their Belgian co-learners. He encouraged the parents to bear this challenge with grit given their initial hardship in a new life in the west.
He then awarded certificates and commendations to the meritorious students and the staff who had worked for for more than two years.
The evening was reserved for presentations of cultural items by students. But there was more fun and play – with games, gorshey and dance to go into the early hours of Sunday. A kids corner for children – was a new addition – to cater to the joy and happiness of all present.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Brussels –