CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Training Concludes

Mrs. Tsering Chodon la talking about the four days’ training on CPR (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

The resident doctor talking on CPR for the teachers and students (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

Dr. Tashi Namgyal la training the trainers on CPR ( Photo @ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

6th June 2022: The CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and emergency life saving technique which is extremely beneficial, concluded today with the trainers conducting intensive hour long session with a group of few hundred attendee including all the teaching staff of the three sections including Mcleod Day’s school and two representatives (one boy and one girl) from each class. The training was held in Herman Gmeiner hall at 2:30 pm with the direction from the Department of Education, CTA to save lives during emergencies. Two separate sessions were held on 6th June, morning session for Amalas and Palas of respective homes and hostels; and afternoon session for the teaching staff and students. Before that i.e. on 3rd June, there was a session called “Train the Trainer” which was attended by health care staff, a senior teacher and the school counsellor and the session was conducted by the resident doctor Tashi Namgyal la.  4th June was reserved for the health care staff to do their practice session. On the last day, Mrs. Tsering Chodon la, the school counselor and the current organizer of this three days’ workshop, welcomed and gave a brief introduction of CPR, its importance, its life giving purpose etc.  During the session, She also introduced the school doctor Tashi Namgyal la, who then highlighted the main theory and the steps involved in providing proper CPR. After his enlightening talk which was short, crispy and to the point, the organizer divided the entire participants into eight groups.

Collage Showing CPR in action on the final day (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

Each group consisted of a handsome number of participants including teachers as well as students. Each group was provided one CPR Manikin single pack, a volunteer student and one nurse who demonstrated and finally gave each member of the group hands on experience how to give CPR and how to do recovery. The concerned nurse assessed all the participants and gave timely intervention whenever there was mistake. Thus, everybody enjoyed the hands on experience especially when the pressure had to be synchronized with the beat of all time favourite dance number of Bee Gees “Staying Alive”.

Different CPR sessions in different groups (Photo @ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

The participants were seen thoroughly enjoying the last session; there were participants moving around various groups and watching their colleagues practicing on Practiman CPR Manikin pack. The program lasted a little more than an hour. One thing was confirmed, be it young or adult, all loved and enjoyed hands on activities rather than the long boring lecture especially in the afternoon. The training achieved its aim. “I really enjoyed performing the CPR. Next time, if faced such situation, I am more equipped and confident to provide proper CPR”, said a senior teacher who was in the training. There were eight trainers and around 144 trainees including 100 staff and 44 students.

Honouring the trainers on the final day of 4 Days’ CPR Training (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

Finally, there was a vote of thanks speech by the school counselor, Mrs. Tsering Chodon la, who called the trainers one by one including the resident doctor and the school Principal Mrs. Nawang Lhamo la offered scarf and present each. After the felicitation, there was refreshment. The four days’ training on CPR funded by PMR went as per plan. The knowledge of CPR is indispensable for everyone because anything can happen anytime and this is one such service one could render before the medical help reaches the scene of accident or mishap.

The New Headmaster Joins

Mr. Wangchuk la, the new headmaster of senior section, Upper TCV School (Photo courtesy@ LTCV Facebook)

4^th June: The school principal Mrs. Nawang Lhamo la welcomed and offered a white scarf to the newly appointed headmaster of senior section, Mr. Wangchuk la during the morning assembly. Both the students and teachers gave the new headmaster a rousing welcome. The principal gave a brief introduction of Mr. Wangchuk la. She highlighted his vast experience as both principal and headmaster. After that, the new headmaster delivered his maiden acceptance speech in front of few hundred people. He spoke about his schooling, qualification, work experience and his general personality. Mr. Wangchuk la expressed his happiness over this new responsibility in a new school and thanked the committee for the trust. In his speech, he also promised to work together with his colleagues and students to deliver the best of his service. During the ceremony, both the principal and the newly appointed headmaster thanked Mr. Dorjee la for taking the responsibility of the headmaster single-handedly in his absence.

Mr. Dorjee la, the assistant headmaster, Mrs. Nawang Lhamo la, the principal and Mr. Wangchuk la, the new headmaster (from left) (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Ngodup la)

Mr. Wangchuk la also met all the teachers of senior section after the long break in the presence of the school principal and the assistant headmaster of senior section. Mr. Nawang Lhamo la once again offered a white scarf to Mr. Wangchuk la. While accepting the scarf and the responsibility, he addressed the gathering and assured that he would discharge his responsibilities with full sincerity and dedication.

 

Introducing the new headmaster for the teachers in staffroom (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Ngodup la)

Prior to his new appointment, he has worked as the principal of Lower TCV school Dharamsala. He did his schoolings from TCV Patlikuhl and then CST Dalhahousie. After securing Mechanical Engineering degree, he joined the Lower TCV School, Dharamsala as math teacher when there was dire need of mathematics teacher. Since, then he has been stationed at TCV Lower Dharamsala in various capacities such as teacher, assistant headmaster, Headmaster and the principal. He has served TCV School for more than 34 years and still serving. Although he had been appointed as the headmaster after Mr. Ngawang Sangpo la, who resigned due to his personal problem, yet due to the ongoing class X board examination which was going on in his school, he had to extend his date of joining. And during his absence, the assistant headmaster Mr, Dorjee la took the entire responsibility single handedly. Now from 4^th June, Mr. Wangchuk la has taken his responsibility on his shoulder. The school wishes him all the best and smooth sail ahead.

Orientation Program for XII Graduates

The School Principal talking to the class XII graduates in Dekyi Tsering hall (Photo@ Photography Club-2022)

4th June 2022: As per the direction from the Department of Education, CTA, our school organized the orientation program for the outgoing class XII students -2022 on 4th June at 10.00 a.m.  in Deckyi Tsering Hall.

The objectives of the program are to enable the students to have a smooth transition period from school to professional/vocational institute. It also aims to reduce the drop out rates from college. Last but not the least, through this program, the organizers hope to help the students make better adjustment in the new environment.

Class XII graduates 2022 participating in Orientation program (Photo@ Photography Club-2022)

The program began with the school Principal Mrs. Nawang Lhamola’s welcoming the students and speaking on the importance and expected ethical behaviors of the Tibetan students wherever they may go to do further studies. She also reiterated the importance of being a responsible citizen of the country.

Mrs. Tsering Choedon, the school Counsellor talking to the students (Photo@ Photography Club-2022)

The school counselor Mrs. Tsering Chodon discussed with the students on the following topics along with the power point presentation; College Admission tips, Documents needed for the college admission, tips of new college students, Scholarship available.

The graduate students were distributed the booklets “Orientation for the XII Graduates-2022” given by Department of Education during the program. The school wishes them all the best in wherever they go.        -Inputs by Mrs. Tsering Choedon la, school counsellor

“Think about Bodhichitta and Emptiness”: HH

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching for the Tibetan Youth (Photo courtesy@ Dalailama.com)

2^nd June: His Holiness’ two days’ teaching for the youth at Tsuglakhang, Dharamsala concluded today with the Avalokiteshvara Empowerment, thus completing the 16^th teaching for the Tibetan youth. In these two days, His Holiness gave teaching on Jhe Tsongka Pa’s “In praise of Dependent Origination and Avalokiteshvara Empowerment”. On the last day of His teaching, just like he left his birthday gift message once, his message this time was, “Wherever you are, think about bodhichitta and emptiness. Doing that will increase your accumulation of merit and wisdom and the more you do that, the more it will help the Tibetan cause”. The very beginning of the holy month of Saka Dawa, was thus a blessed one for all the devotees including those joining online.

School Children with their ritual red blindfolds (photo courtesy@ Dalailama.com)

Apart from the thousands of devotees from all across India and abroad including both young and elder, almost all the students of Upper TCV attended the two days’ teachings without failure. The senior ones were escorted by their class teachers while the smaller ones were escorted by their beloved foster parents and their teachers thereby showing a proper delegation of duties equally. Every day for these two days, the students assembled on the ground as early as 5 a.m. and left for Tsuglakhang in proper order. As usual, there were senior students from TCV Suja, Gopalpur and Chauntra with approximately 300 including their escorts who were all accommodated in the school. His Holiness was pleased seeing the students as usual. In these two days teaching, The remaining students were shown the live telecast of the teaching at their respective schools.

Students receiving the blessing of nectar (Photo courtesy@ Dalailama.com)

The first teaching for the Tibetan youth during the summer began in the year 2007 and since then, His Holiness had been giving these special teachings as requested by Buddhism Introductory Committee of Dharamsala (BICD)  Every year thousands of youth and public from all across the world attend the teachings. Except last two years, when the teaching was done online, all the teachings were held in the main courtyard of the temple and Upper TCV school, Dharamsala. The main aim of the teaching is to create more awareness about Tibetan Buddhism and culture among the youth.

The school Captains welcoming His Holiness to the courtyard (Photo courtesy@ Dalailama.com)

During the two days’ teaching, right after His Holiness left the main temple the devotees including the youths were divided into two groups which were conducted by two venerable Geshe las. There were discussions on His Holiness teaching followed by question and answer sessions. Each day, the teaching would end after this much needed break-out sessions with the Geshe las. Morning butter tea and bread were served everyday by the committee.

First day of the teaching at Tsuglakhang (Photo courtesy@ Dalailama.com)

The school Environment and Health club headed by Gen Wangchuk la and Gen Tashi Topgyal la with their strong dedicated team of around 70 students volunteered to clean the temple courtyard every day after the teachings. The special two days’ teaching for the Tibetan youth concluded successfully. His Holiness always let them feel so loved and special. His Holiness always let them feel so loved and special. He also advised them to stay happy. His Holiness promised to stay for twenty more years, which was received so well with the whole courtyard overflowing with the sound of rousing applause out of sheer joy and happiness from the thousand devotees.

School Observed World Nutrition Day

The Environment Club In-charge Gen Wangchuk la and Gen Tsering Topgyal la (two extremes) with the school Director, Principal and the Assistant Headmaster (Photo@ School Photography Club-2022)

30^th May, 2022: The school observed World Nutrition Day on 30^th Day, 2022. It is being celebrated all over the world on 28^th of May raising awareness about the right diet for a healthy life. To commemorate the day, the school Environment and Health Committee arranged a power pact Tibetan skit title “བུ་བྱང་སེམས་ཀྱི་ཟད་བཅུད་བསྟེན་མི་ཤེས་པ” “Jangsem, who does not know healthy eating habits” at the senior morning assembly at 7.30 a.m. School Director Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee, Mrs. Nawang Lhamo the principal and home mothers were there to witness the performance. The program aims to raise awareness about health food among students and to make students conscious of what they eat.

A Glimpse of the Drama (Photo@ School Photography Club-2022)

The skit was all about importance of developing healthy eating habit at all ages. The main character is a boy named Jangsem whose health deteriorated due to unhealthy eating habit developed in his late teens. The skit very vividly demonstrated the negative effect of eating unhealthy food and showed everyone not to depend on the taste of food only but to consider its nutritional value.

Jangsem and His Friends (Photo@ School Photography Club-2022)

According to the organizing team twenty-one enthusiastic students between the age group of 13 to 16 volunteered to take part in this program. The team worked on the program from 5^th May to 20^th May, every afternoon. The program was initially encouraged and funded by the Department of Health CTA, in some selected Tibetan schools like us. The skit was also documented by the Tibet TV for their broadcasting to reach the larger Tibetan community and schools.

A Drama on Mental Health Staged

A clip of the Drama on Mental Health (Photo@ School Photography Club-2022)

30^th May 2022: As a part of the “Mental Health Awareness Month” (1^st May to 31^st May) observed in America, a group of volunteers from class VII students under the guidance of the school counselor Mrs. Tsering Chodon la staged well scripted drama in Hermann Gmeiner hall. The event was attended by the chief coordinator of the Mental Health Desk, the Department of Health, CTA Ms. Tsering Yangdol la, the school director, Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee la, the school principal Mrs. Nawang Lhamo la, the headmaster, home mothers, teachers and students above class VI with close to 700 people. The drama revolved around the main character “Rigsang”, his mental health issues, the societies’ lack of awareness about mental health problem, social stigmas etc. All the characters, right from the protagonist Rigsang to his friends, mother, doctor, nurse etc. did their best in portraying their respective roles beautifully, in spite of the fact that many of them were on the stage after a gap of two long years.

The drama group posing with (from left)the school counselor, the principal, the director, the coordinator of the mental health desk and the assistant headmaster (Photo@ School Photography Club-2022)

The main objective of staging the drama was to create awareness on Mental Health issues among children and elders in the school. They also aimed to break the stigma attached to the mental illness and finally to send a strong message to work together for mental health. The Department of Health, CTA especially the mental health desk had been very supportive by providing the necessary financial support for the refreshments, the T-shirts, the book mark, and the multi-coloured pamphlet on Depression which was circulated during the event. The drama debunked many myths related to mental illness such as lack of proper parenting caused mental illness or it’s not okay to talk about one’s mental problem etc. The actors, the teacher and the volunteers received a huge round of applause at the end of the dram. Their month long vigorous practice after class eventually materialized and won the hearts of everyone in the audience. Such was the power of performing art in educating the masses on important issues.

The protagonist Rigsang escorted by his friends (Photo@ School Photography Club-2022)

The program concluded with few messages from the drama group and the vote of thanks from the team. The drama group thanked each and everyone who had helped and supported them in making the drama very successful. Mr. Dorjee la, the assistant headmaster thanked the students and the teacher in-charge for their wonderful hard work and preparations on behalf of all the staff and students. The school extends heartfelt thanks to the Department of Health, CTA and PRM for the fund in making this event successful.

Inter House Opera Competition

Poster of the Inter House Opera Competition (Photo: TCV Facebook)

27^th May 2022: After a month long vigorous preparation after the class by the students, the house masters, the dance teachers and the volunteers, the final Inter House Tibetan Opera competition was held in the school Gmeiner Hall on the night 27^th May. As usual there was the usual air of excitement and suspense in and around the auditorium among both the students and the house masters. The auditorium, which was beautifully adorned by the games committee with flex, posters, flowers and the banners of the four houses hanging on either side welcomed the guests, staff members and students above class VI. The Education Minister of the Department of Education, CTA Mrs. Changra Tharlam Dolma graced the occasion as the chief guest, along with the TCV president Mr. Sonam Sichoe la and other dignitaries, games committee members of nearby TCV schools.

Performers performing during the installation of Thangdong Gyalpo’s idol (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

The Master of the ceremonies (MC), Mr. Bhagdo la extended a warm welcome to each and everyone including the chief guest. He gave a brief introduction and the background information about this year’s Inter House Tibetan Opera competition. After that, he introduced the three judges namely Mrs. Tethong Kalsang  Chuki,  Tsering Paldon la and Mr. Phuntsok Tsering la, all musical legends and teachers. Soon, the first group of performers brought the idol of Thangthong Gyalpo, the founder of the Tibetan Opera, followed by the actual presentation of the four houses.

A Glimpse of the Inter House Opera Competition (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

Students on the floor mesmerized by the performance (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

The four houses were allotted half an hour to present the summary of the lengthy Tibetan opera, which was quite tough. Nevertheless, the four houses did their best in presenting the gist of their respective operas while providing the full entertainment for the audiences during both the final and the first show. The first show was presented on 26th May for the Junior section. On the very outset, Trisong house presented “Sugki Nima“, similar to Shakuntala by Kalidas, followed by Triral house who presented “Pema Woebar”, followed by Songtsen house who presented “Jetsun Melarepa” and finally Nyatri house who presented “Nangsa Woebhum”. Around 200 students were directly and indirectly involved in this mega event, making it one of the major events in the school calendar. Their month long preparation bore a good result as they received a word of appreciation from everyone plus a big round of applause from the audience. The mass visit at Shoton this year had also encouraged and motivated both the students and the house masters for presenting such an exceptional performance. By the way, it was the first time after 2016 that the school had decided to perform Tibetan opera this time instead of the usual song and dance to commemorate His Holiness’ birthday.

A moment before the declaration of the results. Sherig Kalaon with the school director, games committee chairperson and the secretary (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

Nyatri House accepting the most coveted trophy from the chief guest, honourable Sherig Kalon (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

After a little more than 2 hours of successive performances by the four houses, finally the result was out and the judges had unanimously chosen Nyatri house, which performed Nangsa Woebum as the winner. Both the students of Nyatri house and the house masters Gen Tsering Chokey la and Gen Bhuchung la breathe an air of relief. The chief guest, Education Kalon, escorted by the school director, Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee la, presented the trophies to the winners and the consolation prizes for all the houses. The chief guest expressed her heartfelt gratitude to committee for inviting her for the event. She praised the TCV institution for the great contribution in educating thousands of Tibetan children and being the forerunner in major initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “We all should be proud because even after more than 60 years in exile, we have successfully preserved our rich culture and tradition. We still have such rich culture and we must preserve these from generation to generation.” The chief guest also presented scarves for the three judges, the two volunteer teachers from TIPA, the house masters and their helpers, the mike in charge, videographer etc.

Nyatri House, the winner performing Nangsa Woebhum (Photo@TCV Facebook)

One of the audience said, “I really enjoyed the 2 hour opera and not even once did I feel bored. Some of the main characters in all the four houses were awesome. I realize, there isn’t anything our children can’t do; they can do anything provided that they are given opportunity. I want to thank the house masters and the participants”. One of the participants said, “I really enjoyed the whole processes from the beginning to this final day. Although, it was tedious but I feel proud because this is what His Holiness wants the young generation to inculcate and preserve our rich culture”.

Trisong House artists performing “Sugki Nima” (Photo@ TCV Facebook)

The eventful night came to an end with the vote of thanks speech by the games committee chairperson, Mr. Dorjee la, the senior section assistant headmaster. He thanked the chief guest, Mrs. Changra Tharlam Dolma la for her presence and the valuable talk, other guests, the house masters and the participants, the games committee members, the kitchen department and without naming each and everyone, all those who had made this event successful. All is well that ends well.

 

 

Farewell Lunch for the Outgoing Class X

Outgoing class X students posing for the final group photo with the school principal Mrs. Nawang Lhamo la (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

24^th May 2022: A farewell lunch was arranged in Dekyi Tsering hall for the outgoing class X students  and their teachers in the wake of their preparation for the most awaited exam holiday. Just like the previous year, the class X term 2 exam had been extended till end of may this year and obviously they were longing for their most deserving exam break. In this view, the farewell lunch had been lovingly arranged by the school the very next day they had their final paper, that was IT(Information Technology) exam. As usual, the decorations of the hall and the servings had been done by the present class X students with the help from the school captains and prefects.

The school Director and the Principal trying the delicacies (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

Mr. Ngawang Sangpo la, the former headmaster of the senior section was the chief guest, along with the school Director Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee la, the school Principal Mrs. Nawang Lhamo la, the headmasters, the subject teachers and the hostel mothers invited for the class X farewell lunch at 1:30 pm. They were all seated on the stage and a group of around one hundred and nine students were seated on the floor.

A moment of Farewell Lunch captured by the lens of Gen Tenzin Lhawang la

The program began with the school principal welcoming all, both the students and the members on the stage for the farewell lunch. On the very outset, the lunch was served. Starting from the chief guest, both the teachers and students queued up for the lunch. There was a sumptuous lunch displayed on the table and the serving team served the delicacies one by one on the plates. There was a lovely sweet music going on creating a very special and festive mood in the hall.

Students enjoying their lunch with their classmates (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

A Farewell Lunch hosted by the school for the outgoing class X students and their subject teacher (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

After the lunch, the school principal congratulated all the students for successfully completing their very first milestone in their life and wished them all a colourful result. The students were called on the stage one by one and offered traditional scarf by the school philosophy teacher Geshe Ahten la. Right after that, she made a series of important announcement for the students about their choice of stream, reporting time etc. She also read out the names of the students who had been selected for the prestigious TCV Selakui school. Apart from the announcements, she gave her final pieces of advice for the outgoing students. “From today onwards, each of you has become an ambassador of Upper TCV school. As such, wherever you go, please be an exemplary student and a person. Always feel the gratitude and try to become the good human being His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama has hoped and expected”, said the principal during her address. She also thanked all the teachers, the home mothers, the headmasters for their unwavering support and guidance for the students. She also made the students realized the sacrifices from the teachers’ side during the long lockdown in providing the timely online lessons. In nutshell, although it was a long talk yet, each and everything she said was necessary and need of the hour. The students acknowledged her talk by giving a huge round of applause.

The school Director, the Principal, the headmasters and Riglam Genla graced the occasion (Photo @ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

Finally, the teachers left the hall one by one for their other engagements and the stage was provided for the students for sharing their final messages. They posed for a final group photo with the school principal, which would go down into their memory lane. The outgoing students shared their final parting messages, they shared their feelings and some entertained everyone with their songs. They all had a short crispy farewell lunch. They were the lockdown class X batch who had survived through the long pandemic. There were one hundred and nine students including both boys and girls. They gave their first term examination carrying 50 marks in 2021 and they successfully concluded their last paper of term 2 on 23^rd May 2022. Out of the 109 students, majority students would be joining the Humanity stream, followed by Science and Commerce stream. The students would be joining their respective school for their +1 class on 30^th June 2022, until then they would be having their long exam vacation. The whole school wishes them restful holiday and prays for a colourful result. The class XII farewell ceremony is on the way.

A Visit by German Aid for Tibetan (GAT)

A delegation of German Aid for Tibetans (GAT) being welcomed by the President of TCV (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

19th May,2022: A delegation of German Aid for Tibetans (GAT) visited the school on19th May, 2022 at 11.30 a.m. right after the visit of another delegation. It was an honor for the TCV managerial committee and village management committee to welcome the delegation to the school.
GAT has been one of the key donors for Tibetan children for a long time. They not only generated funds for major projects and but also sponsored eighty students.

Collage showing the memories captured (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

There was a brief function arranged by the school in Dicki Tsering auditorium. The master of the ceremony Mrs. Tsering Dolkar gave a warm welcome speech and introduced the members of delegation.
On behalf of the staff and students of the school, Mrs. Dolkar expressed hearty gratitude to the organization for all the financial aid, especially for sponsoring fund for renovating Dickyi Tsering auditorium. With their generous assistance, the auditorium got a new look with the installation of new sound system and projector for presentation.

A glimpse of GAT Delegation’s visit (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

The function was attended by TCV Head Office managerial members headed by both former and new president, Mr. Thupten Dorjee la and Sonam SIchoe la, village management body and students of class IX as special audience. The delegation was delighted to see eighty destitute students hailing from Nepal and Arunachal Pradesh, who are all under their financial care. Some of them offered their thank you note to the delegation. There were traditional song and dance presentations by students of junior section and staff members for a short entertainment.

GAT Delegation interacting with the children (Photo@ TCV FB)

After the main function, the delegation had an informal interaction with the former
President, Mr. Thupten Dorjee la and the HO managerial staff for almost an hour. The delegation expressed their willingness to continue support the school financially, as it goes a long way to educate Tibetan children and preserve Tibetan Culture in exile. Mrs. Heide wished Mr. Thupten Dorjee la a healthy retirement and gifted him a book. The delegation was on a quick tour around the school campus escorted by the village director Mr.Tsultrim Dorjee and Mrs. Nawang Lhamo, the principal before the lunch was served in the hall at 1.30 p.m.

Delegations led by US Special Coordinator for Tibet Visit TCV

US Special Coordinator Ms. Zeya accompanied by the Education Minister, CTA being welcomed at Upper TCV School by the President (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

19^th May 2022: US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issue, Ms. Uzra Zeya, and members of the high-level US delegation Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Patricia Lacina, and USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Ms. Änjali Kaur along with the education Kalon, CTA Dharamsala, paid a loving visit to Upper TCV school and interacted with the children. The delegations were given a grand

Staff and children extending a rousing welcome to the Delegation led by the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issue Ms. Uzra Zeya (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

welcome by more than 1000 people comprising of both the staff and students all carrying various national flags along with the school band and opera group presenting their welcome songs and dances. Ms. Uzra Zeya and her delegations were received with traditional white scarves by the president Mr. Sonam Sichoe la, the head office staff, the school Director and the Principal, who then took them to Dekyi Tsering hall.

A lovely group photo with the school dance troupe (Photo@ tibet.net)

After a brief refreshment and formal welcome speech which was arranged in the school hall, the delegation led by Ms. Uzra Zaya visited Junior school library where they interacted with a group of students who had come from Tibet. The school Principal and the Director orally presented all the projects and programs fund by USAID, especially the children’s book. Then, some of the students shared their personal feelings and extended their gratitude for the US support one by one. “First of all thank you so much for coming here and spending time with us. I am very happy in our school. Here I can preserve my culture because we have cultural programs in our school. I also learn my own language here. I want to become a doctor and contribute to my society”, one of the students said. Ms. Uzra Zeya was highly impressed and praised the students for their good education and their future aims. ” Thank you so much for sharing all these. You all are great and you speak very good English and you all have good aims. I am sure you will achieve your aim“, said Ms. Zeya. Finally, she advised the students about the importance of pursuing higher studies through Tibetan Scholarship Program (TSP) fund by the US. After that interaction, the delegations met the primary school children present in the library that time.

US Special Coordinator speaking in the school hall (Photo@ tibet.net)

There was an air of happiness and celebration on the basket ball ground as the delegations led by Ms. Zeya came out on the ground from the library. A few cultural items from both the staff and students’ group were presented one after the other in succession for the delegations on the basketball ground. The delegation loving paid lots of interest and

The school Principal presenting the publication to the US Special Coordinator (Photo@ Gen Tenzin Lhawang la)

love for all the programs the school had arranged. They also interacted and clicked photos with the staff and students who had all carried colourful national flags of US, India and Tibet. Before the delegation left for their next destination, they paid a quick visit to the Infant section where Montessori classes are conducted.

Ms. Uzra Zeya with the school Director Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee la and the Principal Mrs. Nawang Lhamo la (Photo@tibet.net)

In spite of Ms. Zeya’s tight schedule here in Dharamsala, she lovingly paid a visit at our school. And it is a great honour for the school to receive Ms. Zeya and her delegation here in the school. The school congratulates her for being appointed as the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issue under the Biden administration. The school also extends its gratitude for all the support given by the USA government through USAID. Uzra Zeya also enjoyed visiting the school especially the children. Finally, both the staff and children gave her a grand farewell.

Interaction with a group of students in the library (Photo@ tibet.net)

Under Secretary Ms. Zeya was appointed as the US special coordinator for Tibetan Issues on 20^th December 2021 by Secretary of State, Mr. Anthony Blinkin. Just after the appointment, our Sikyong Mr. Penpa Tsering la sent a congratulatory message and welcomed the appointment of Zeya as the US special coordinator for Tibetan Issues.

Books fund by USAID (Photo@tibet.net)

She is the seventh US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues after Mr. Robert Destro. This appointment showed the president Biden administration’s true support for the Tibetan people and their causes. Ms. Zeya has been committed to promoting human rights and democracy worldwide and has decades of experience.

The US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues is on a two-day visit to Dharamshala from 18-19 May. Yesterday, she visited the Central Tibetan Administration and had discussions with the 16th Kashag led by Sikyong Penpa Tsering. She also visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), the Tibet Museum, and also met with members of the Tibetan civil society.