-Report filed by OOT, Brussel–

Brussel: The 5th Children’s Talent Nite of the Chorig Zinkyong school, Jamyan Lophel, was observed yesterday in Brussels, Belgium. It’s organised to celebrate the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1989.

Amid chilly wintry afternoon, the hall in Brussels was jam-packed with children and parents. The din of the excited crowd was palpable. It was an effort to be heard. Every section of the hall was taken by different branches of school. As it was a show of the children’s talent, children in colourful traditional dress were seen being given last-minute pep talks.

The formal function started after lunch. The Tibetan National Anthem was sung. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the Tibetans who have died for Tibet. The children sang the Nobel Peace Prize song. The organiser gave a brief introductory speech on the nature of the function and its objectives.

Representative Tashi Phuntsok gave a short talk on the significance of the day. The day in 1989 brought a new era in Tibetan struggle, he reminded the public. His Holiness was recognised worldwide. Tibet became a global subject. Tibet’s struggle gained a fresh impetus. He also recalled that it was International Human Right’s Day. Therefore, it was imperative that we, Tibetans, abided by His Holiness’s guidance and rededicated ourselves to fulfil the aspirations of Tibetans in Tibet.

In this context the work of Chorig Zinkyong was commendable, he added. To help preserve and promote Tibetan culture and language were critical for the Tibetan struggle. He persuaded the Tibetan people in Belgium to aim high. The children should aspire for higher education and skills. The community should excel in the standards of civic and citizenry attributes.

The cultural talent show comprised of poetry recitation, elocution, dance and songs. The dialectic presentation entered into its second year. A Tibetan news-spread was also released. The defining factor was that the whole show was run and organised by the children themselves. The various units vied to do better than the others. The nearly 30 items of talent presentation was to last until it was time for games and song and dance by the public in the evening.

The evening was devoted to providing a forum for the students of the 6 branches of the Sunday School to portray their cultural talents. With over 300 students and over 40 teachers, the school’s work is crucial for the Tibetan community in Belgium. Therefore, Phunsok called on everyone in his earlier speech to give full support to Chorig Zinkyong in its work.