March 3rd: A significant day in Tibetan educational history
March 3 holds a special place in the history of Tibetan education in exile. On this day in 1960, the Tibetan Refugee Educational Institute (TREI) was opened in Mussoorie, India. This event marked a turning point and marked the beginning of educational opportunities for Tibetan refugee children who had fled their homeland due to political unrest.
Here are some important key points about March 3rd and its significance:
March 3, 1960: The TREI opens its doors and welcomes the first 50 students between the ages of 13 and 35. This was the beginning of a dedicated effort to ensure the educational and cultural continuity of Tibetan children in exile.
Establishment of the Council for Tibetan Education: Following the success of TREI, the Tibetan government-in-exile set up a special body to look after the education and welfare of refugee children. This led to the opening of two more boarding schools in Simla and Darjeeling in 1961 and 1962 respectively.
Beyond March 3rd: A Chronology of Major Developments in Tibetan Education in Exile:
- May 17, 1960: The arrival of 51 children from the construction camps in Jammu necessitates the establishment of the Tibetan Refugee Children's Nursery.
- 1960: Collaboration between the educators of TREI and the "Literacy House" in Lucknow leads to the publication of the first Tibetan textbook in exile.
- 1960s: The Council of Tibetan Education allows children and senior students to study abroad. The first group traveled to Switzerland in October 1960.
- September 1961: The "Tibetan School Society" (TSS) takes over the administration and financing of Tibetan schools, including the TREI. This also marks the introduction of English as the medium of instruction, with continued focus on the Tibetan language, religion, literature and history.
- 1960s: The increasing number of students led to the establishment of three transitional schools in Dharamsala between 1962 and 1968.
- April 23, 1963: Establishment of the "Tibetan Homes Foundation" to care for the welfare of Tibetan children in exile.
- March 1964: A teacher training school was set up in Kangra to equip teachers with modern pedagogy and knowledge.
- 1969: Graduation of the first eight students from CST Mussoorie marked a milestone in the new education system.
Over the years, the commitment and dedication of individuals and organizations have ensured the continuation and improvement of educational opportunities for Tibetan children in exile. From the founding of TREI on March 3, 1960, to the ongoing efforts of various institutions, the story of Tibetan education in exile is one of resilience, hope and cultural preservation.