DHARAMSHALA: Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration has introduced a new program ‘Orientation and Livelihood Based Skill Training’ at Sherab Gatsel Lobling (Tibetan Transit School) near Dharamsala on 1 May 2013, under the guidance of Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay.

As per the vision of 14th Kashag, literacy and vocational curriculum of Sherab Gatsel Lobling school was restructured to bring in more skill based training to the students. The program aims to equip students, who are mostly newly arrived Tibetans from Tibet, with vocational and life skills for better job opportunities.
 
Orientation and Livelihood Training consists of three major programs – Foundation, Vocational and Higher Learning.

Foundation Program is basic literacy course having a duration of three years and is mandatory for all students. After  successful completion of Foundation Program, students can opt for one of the courses either under  Vocation or Higher Learning Program. Duration depend on the types of the courses- for Food Craft it is 2 years, Thanka Painting 5 years, Tailoring 3 years, Computer software 3 years, Tibetan Studies (Higher learning) 4 years and Open Schooling leading to class 10 and 12th certificate is 5 years.

Sherab Gatsel Lobling School was established in 1993 to provide education to newly  arrived Tibetans from Tibet especially youths aged between 18 and 30. It was initially administered by the Tibetan Reception Centre, and was later handed over to the Department of Education, CTA  in February 2002. Currently it is managed by Sambhota School Administration, a registered organisation under the Education Department, based in Dharamshala.

The school has offered education to over 6,400 students since its inception.