Tibetan Education Symposium Addresses Declining Enrolment and Quality Challenges

A two-day symposium on enhancing Tibetan school education began in Dharamshala, focusing on addressing challenges in the Tibetan education system and aligning it with exile community goals. Tibetan education, which receives 30% of the Central Tibetan Administration's budget according to Education Secretary Jigme Namgyal, faces challenges like declining enrolment, which dropped from 23,684 in 2012 to 13,035 in 2024, as noted by Education Kalon Tharlam Dolma. Former Kalon Tripa Samdong Rinpoche stressed integrating Buddhist principles into education, emphasizing teacher-student collaboration. Education Kalon also highlighted concerns over emigration, reduced birth rates, and special-needs support. Experts deliberated strategies for improvement during the event.