Phuntsokling: Secretary Jigmey Namgyal, Sambhota Director Tsering Dhondup, and Project Officer Jigme Yangchen visited Phuntsokling Tibetan Settlement on 09th December 2022 as a part of their final leg of the tour to Tibetan schools in Central India.
The officials visited STS Chandragiri in the morning and were warmly welcomed by the staff and students. The school principal briefed them on the annual report, followed by an address from Sambhota Director and Secretary.
While speaking to the students, the Education Secretary applauded the students for their presentation and expressed that he envisions them taking a leadership role in the community in the future. He also encouraged the students to grab every opportunity by taking part in extracurricular activities and develop their confidence & leadership skills from an early age. He also stressed the importance of pursuing a specialization in the future and encouraged students to be analytical in their approach to studying different subjects. The officials then toured the classrooms of STS Chandragiri and STS Lobersing and interacted with the students.
Later in the day, the officials met with the parents. In his address, Secretary Jigmey Namgyal emphasised the importance of primary education and informed that the Department considers it as one of its main priorities. He also spoke about various initiatives taken in building a strong educational foundation and appealed to parents to nurture children with love and affection. He encouraged them to read with children and focus on providing a nutritious diet for their children.
Speaking further to parents, he stressed the need to strive for quality education rather than mere exam performance and encouraged parents to actively participate in the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and work with teachers to provide the best for the children’s interests. He spoke about his concerns & the challenges of declining student enrollment, and the importance of primary schools in the settlement which also helps in sustaining the Tibetan settlement and struggle. He concluded his address by encouraging parents to shoulder the responsibility for preserving Tibetan identity & culture and the address was followed by a Q&A session.
Secretary Jigmey Namgyal then met teachers of STS Chandragiri & Lobersing and lauded their collective efforts in building a strong community. He encouraged them to follow the student-centered methodology and create an interest and curiosity in the mind of students to learn.He further said, “I recognize teacher’s service as one of the greatest services and would encourage you to continue to provide your service and at the same time develop your professional skills & expertise.” The interaction with teachers was also followed by a Q&A session.
–Filed by the Department of Education