Geneva: The Voluntary Tibetan Advocacy Group in Sweden (V-TAG Sweden) has successfully completed the first module of its Educational Tour Series, Teaching Tibet: School Outreach in Sweden, with visits to two high schools in Jönköping on 3 and 5 February. The initiative, titled From Tibet to Sweden: Learning About Colonial Boarding Schools, was organised in connection with the International Day of Education (24 January) and forms part of Ghoton: Year of Compassion activities marking the 90th birthday year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The programme aims to raise awareness of how education systems can be used as tools of oppression and cultural erasure, focusing on China’s colonial boarding schools in Tibet. The presentations also drew parallels with the historical experiences of the Sámi people in Sweden and Native Americans in the United States.

V-TAG Sweden’s National Coordinator, Tenzin Lodoe Choedon, and Events Lead, Diki Wangyal, delivered lectures at Erik Dahlbergsgymnasiet and Per Brahegymnasiet, engaging students through presentations, Q&A sessions, and interactive quizzes. Other members of the V-TAG contributed to the project’s preparatory work. Despite logistical restrictions at one school, discussions remained lively and student participation was strong, with several classes expressing keen interest and appreciation. Brochures detailing factual information on Tibet and the colonial boarding schools were distributed to school students, as was the Tibetan delicacy: Kha-se.

The initiative forms part of V-TAG Sweden’s broader commitment to expanding school outreach to new cities each year, linking activities to key international days such as the International Day of Education and World Children’s Day (20 November).

The Office of Tibet London has extended required support and encouragement for this initiative.

– Report filed by Office of Tibet, London