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Ecole Internationale Tibétaine in Himalaya, Siliguri, Inde
Saturday 16 March 2013, by , , , ,
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The project has been initiated and is carried out through a partnership of two non†governmental organizations – The Enlightened Vision Association and Sherig Phuntsok Ling Bon Society – based in Switzerland and India respectively. This partnership is founded on the understanding of the uniqueness of the Himalayan Tibetan heritage and of the importance of its preservation for the countries in this region. The congregation is now asking assistance from A&D for the development of the urban and architectural project of the educational complex.
This project aims to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Himalayan Tibetan heritage and cultural values through the construction of a school for children of Tibetan origin from countries in the Himalayan region (India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibetan inhabited areas of China) in Siliguri, northern India. Upon completion of the construction phases, the school will provide education to 300 children from age 6 to 18 years old.
By providing high†quality education in a recognized school, the project aims to improve the education level of Tibetan children from the region and enable students to pursue higher†level education, specialized vocational training and eventually enter employment. Ultimately, this will enable the young generations to know and understand their own culture, traditions and values and to master the Tibetan language and crafts, instilling them with a respect for and interest in protecting the human values inherent to the Himalayan Tibetan culture.
The project places a strong emphasis on the preservation of the Himalayan Tibetan heritage by acknowledging the diversity of the cultural Tibetan traditions across the four countries in the region.
In addition, environmental awareness and the importance of caring for the environment will be an intrinsic part of the children’s education to ensure that local communities including students will be engaged in ongoing ecological and energy conservation activities.
Acknowledging the importance of preserving the Himalayan Tibetan heritage and cultural values through the promotion of traditional and modern education, the Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama endorsed this project in July 2011.
Specific objectives :}
The project entails the following elements:
- Construction of a fully functional school compound comprising buildings destined to serve as class and study rooms, a library, recreational spaces, dormitories, offices and annexes (kitchen, laundry, etc.), including necessary amenities and equipment;
- Development of school curriculum adapted to the cultural tradition of the Himalayan region;
- Appropriate staffing with a headmaster, teachers (up to 3 in the first phase and up to 6 in the second phase) and support staff;
- Admission of students of Tibetan origin of 6 to 18 years old (up to 40 students of 6 to 8 years old in the first phase, and up to 150 of all ages per year in the second phase).
