East zone counseling cell opens in Darjeeling

Thursday, 18 April 2007, 3:23 p.m.

Education Secretary Karma Gelek Yuthok addressing the inaugural ceremony

Dharamshala: The Department of Education (DOE) of the Central Tibetan Administration opened a guidance and counseling cell at Darjeeling Tibetan Welfare Office on 9 April 2007.

Education Secretary Karma Gelek Yuthok was the Chief Guest at the inaugural event–traditional prayer function and scarf ceremony–held at the new office.

Ms. Chokey Lhamo is the new East Zone Counselor. The Cell will help the needs of the Tibetan students in and around Darjeeling district, Sikkim, Northeast India as well as schools in Nepal.

Earlier in 2005, South Zone Guidance and Counseling Cell was opened at Mundgod to cater to the needs of Tibetan students in the schools and colleges located in the South India.

The inaugural function was attended by representatives from the north east regions, executive secretary of Snowlion Foundation Nepal, principals, rectors, teacher counselors, representative of Manjushree Centre of Tibetan Culture, representatives from monasteries, local associations and students and staff of Central School for Tibetans, Darjeeling.

The function began with prayer offerings and introductory and welcome address by the education officer of the DOE, Tsering Phuntsok, followed by speeches from Darjeeling Welfare Officer Karma Choeying and Principal Tashi Dhondup.

Addressing the function, Education Secretary Karma Gelek Yuthok said that the new counseling office not only aims to guide the students in choosing their career options but also in their day-to-day academic, social and emotional problems, in addition to assisting the unemployed youth.

He emphasized the need for the best utilization of the services of regional counseling cell for the benefit of students and that each teacher must be a counselor in himself.

Later in the afternoon, the Education Secretary interacted with the staff of CST Darjeeling.

From 10 to 14 April 2007, Ven. Karma Gelek Yuthok visited Sonada, Pokhriabong, Ravangla, Gangtok and Kalimpong and spoke to the students, staff and Tibetan community separately on the Basic Education Policy of Tibetans in Exile, followed by questions & answers session.

Education Officer Tsering Phuntsok accompanied the secretary throughout the tour.