Bern: Every year, the Tibetan weekend schools of the Tibetan Community in Switzerland and Liechtenstein organise a summer camp aimed at strengthening the cultural and linguistic roots of Tibetan children. This year, the annual week-long summer camp was held from 12 to 18 July at the Rigpa International Centre in Niederwangen, Bern, Switzerland, and focused on teaching and immersing students in Tibetan language and culture.

Under the leadership of Karma Choeky, head of the weekend schools, and with the dedicated support of teachers, the students actively participated in a wide range of educational and cultural activities designed to deepen their understanding of Tibetan heritage.

On 17 July, the camp was honored by the visit of Representative Thinlay Chukki of the Tibet Bureau in Geneva and the abbot of Rikon Monastery, Ven. Tenzin Jangchup. The event featured inspiring speeches from the guests, who praised the tireless efforts of the organisers and the enthusiastic participation of the students.

In addition to the regular program, the day also marked the celebration of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The students, teachers, and guests observed the occasion with prayers and a traditional sangsol (incense offering) ceremony, expressing their heartfelt gratitude and reverence for His Holiness’s lifelong service to humanity and the Tibetan cause.

In her address, Representative Thinlay Chukki expressed her gratitude to the organisers for the invitation. She emphasized the vital importance of preserving the Tibetan identity in exile and encouraged the students to take pride in their roots. She reminded everyone that, with the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the sacrifices made by our elders, the Tibetan community has come this far. It is now the responsibility of the younger generation to carry forward this legacy and contribute meaningfully to the Tibetan cause.

To recognize the students’ dedication and active involvement, appreciation certificates were presented by Representative Thinlay Chukki.

The camp concluded with a renewed sense of cultural pride and commitment among the students, who left inspired to continue learning and upholding their Tibetan identity.

-Report filed by Tibet Bureau, Geneva