The Tibetan Cultural Centre’s Jamyang Lophel Tibetan Language and Cultural School in Belgium annually organises a summer camp aimed at strengthening the cultural and linguistic roots of Tibetan children. This year, the week-long summer camp was held from 14 to 22 July 2025 at Dharma City in Florennes, Belgium, focusing on immersing students in Tibetan language, culture, and identity.

Over 49 students participated in this year’s workshop program, including 13 students from three different Tibetan language and cultural schools in France, one student from the Netherlands, one student from France not affiliated with any weekend school, and 34 students from six schools that are part of Choerig Zinkyong’s Jamyang Lophel School.

The Parents’ Day celebration took place later that afternoon in the presence of the chief guest, Secretary Thinley Wangdue from the Office of Tibet, Brussels. The event was also graced by special guests Dzogchen Ranyak Patrul Rinpoche, Venerable Jime, and parents.

During the celebration, Acting Director Dorjee Kyab of Choerig Zinkyong School welcomed the guests, parents, and students. He addressed the gathering about the aims and objectives of the summer camp cultural workshops, which have been held 14 times to date. Dorjee Kyab also expressed sincere appreciation to Dzogchen Ranyak Patrul Rinpoche for his consistent support in arranging accommodations, the venue, and other essential facilities for the program.

Special guest Dzogchen Ranyak Patrul Rinpoche emphasised the importance of Tibetan religion and culture, offering guidance on how to transmit these values to the younger Tibetan generation. He also reaffirmed his long-term commitment to supporting the program.

Chief guest Secretary Thinley Wangdue highlighted the program’s core objective of preserving and passing on Tibetan religious, cultural, and ethical values to younger generations through such initiatives. He encouraged the school administration to develop more activities for the children and urged parents to send their children to future summer camps.

Additionally, the school administration expressed appreciation by presenting scarves to several senior students in the summer camp cohort for their voluntary involvement and leadership in organising the cultural program.

The celebration concluded with students performing a sequence of traditional presentations, including a cultural dance followed by a Tibetan circle dance. This year’s summer camp will wrap up on July 22.

The Tibetan Cultural Centre’s Jamyang Lophel Tibetan Language and Cultural School operates across six major cities in Belgium and currently serves 455 students with the support of 95 volunteer teachers and staff.

-Report filed by Bureau du Tibet, Brussels