TCV DHARAMSHALA CANTT.
SUMMER SCHOOL
OBJECTIVES:
Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV), Dharamshala Summer School program, with a duration of one and a half months from July 01 – August 15, 2025 aims to provide Tibetan children living abroad with an immersive learning experience in TCV campus.
It focuses on teaching the Tibetan language, culture, history, and Buddhist philosophy while fostering a strong sense of Tibetan identity and understanding of the Tibetan cause. By living within the school campus during this period, the children gain first-hand experience through direct interaction with their peers and actively participate in cultural activities and community events. The program aims to preserve Tibetan heritage, strengthen the children’s connection to their culture, and empower them to become advocates for the Tibetan cause through awakening of true Tibetan spirit and understanding of the Tibetan cause.
TCV SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM SCHEDULES-(2024)
REPORTING DATE: July 01,2025
REPORT TO: Village Office, TCV Dharamshala Cantt.
REPORT TIME: 09:30 AM – 04:00 PM (Lunch: 12:30 PM–01:30 PM)
ORIENTATION: 04:30 – 05:00 PM on 02/07/2025
VENUE: Deckyi Tsering Hall
PROGRAM START: July 01, 2025
PROGRAM END: August 15, 2025
DURATION : 1 and 1/2 months
PROGRAMMES
- TCV SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT:
During the summer school program, the children participate in a variety of cultural activities and community events that help them engage with Tibetan traditions and immerse themselves in the Tibetan community.
The summer school program places a strong emphasis on learning the Tibetan language through their dedicated language classes where they learn to read, write, and speak Tibetan for both beginners and advanced groups. Through interactive lessons, language exercises, and immersive activities, the children develop their language skills and deepen their connection to Tibetan culture.
The children engage in educational sessions and discussions focused on Tibetan history and the current situation of Tibet and Tibetans. They learn about the rich historical legacy of Tibet, including its ancient civilization, Buddhist heritage, and contributions and gain insights into the challenges faced by Tibetans in Tibet and in the diaspora. These sessions foster a sense of awareness, empathy, and advocacy among the children, encouraging them to become informed and engaged global
citizens.
The children have the opportunity to celebrate and participate in Tibetan festivals such as His Holiness 14 th Dalai Lama’s birthday celebration, Mock Losar (Tibetan New Year) celebration, Saga Dawa (Buddha’s Enlightenment Day). They will engage in traditional rituals, meditation and music and dance performances associated with these festivals.
The children learn about the political structure, administration, and efforts undertaken by the CTA to represent and support the Tibetan diaspora. They will have the opportunity to visit (Central Tibetan Administration) CTA, discuss with officials and gain insights into the challenges and aspirations of the Tibetan people.
Summer School participants’ visit to various Tibetan museums provides a platform to display traditional artwork, historical artifacts, and contemporary Tibetan contributions in various fields. It offers an interactive learning experience and deepens the children’s understanding and appreciation of Tibetan heritage.
The opportunity to learn about SEE Learning (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning), the children develop essential life skills and cultivate positive values that contribute to personal well-being and social harmony.
The children learn various traditional Tibetan art forms, including painting, butter sculpture, Tibetan calligraphy. They get hands-on experience in creating their own artwork and understanding the cultural significance behind these artistic expressions.
The program includes workshops and daily classes on Tibetan music and dance. The children learn traditional Tibetan songs, instruments and Tibetan dance. They participate in group performances and showcase their talents.
The children have the opportunity to learn about and participate in traditional Tibetan cooking. They explore the unique flavours, ingredients, and cooking techniques of Tibetan cuisine, and have the chance to prepare and enjoy traditional Tibetan meals together under the guidance of a village head cook.
The Summer School program also includes visits to Tibetan monasteries and temples in and around Dharamshala, where the children can observe and engage in religious rituals, learn about Buddhist practices, and interact with monks and nuns.
These visits provide insights into the spiritual and religious aspects of Tibetan culture. The Summer School students will also participate in community service activities that contribute to the welfare of the Tibetan community. They may engage in initiatives such as environmental conservation projects, volunteering services assisting in community development efforts. These community service activities not only allow the children to give back to the Tibetan community but also instil in them a sense of
social responsibility, empathy, and compassion.
The children will take part in activities such as tree planting, cleaning up public spaces, or participating in awareness campaigns to promote environmental sustainability and conservation.
The Summer School students’ engagement to visit elderly Tibetan old Age Homes to spend time with them, listen to their stories, provide companionship, and assist with daily activities, bringing joy and support to the elderly members of the community.
The children will also be engaging in peer tutoring and a buddy system in their respective children’s Homes to help younger Tibetan students with their studies, especially reading story books. They can provide academic assistance, organize study groups, or conduct workshops to share their knowledge and skills.
They participate in health and hygiene awareness campaigns, promoting practices such as handwashing, sanitation, and healthy living. They may organize workshops or create educational materials to spread awareness within the community.
Eligibility:
The minimum age requirement is 10 years and the maximum age requirement is 17 years of age.
A valid Tibetan Chatrel Lakthep “Greenbook” for the participants. If the student does not possess a Green Book, please register for one and submit the receipt along with your application.
2 Copies of the student’s passport and visa approval.
2 copies of completed guardian forms are also required for participants.
Accommodation:
The accommodation for the participants will be arranged in different children’s family homes. This arrangement is made to facilitate students to improve their spoken Tibetan language through daily interactions with their peers.
Rain Gear and other accessories:
Since the monsoon will be in full swing during that time, the parents are requested to include complete rain gear (raincoats/umbrella, boots) in their packing list. The parents are requested not to send any electronic gadgets with their child except for a simple cell phone which should be deposited with the home mother.
Dress Code:
Students are requested to bring decent dresses during the program. We will be observing “Lhakar” (White Wednesday) every Wednesday, so kindly bring at least one set of Traditional dresses. (Chuba)
Medical assistance:
TCV health centre will handle all the minor medical cases; however major medication and referral cost should be borne by the parents.
Documents to be attached along with the Application:
1. Guarantee letter from the parent/s with 2 Recent PP Photo of Applicant.
2. Registration by online
3.Authorization Letter from the Parent/s for the child/children to be taken for weekends and outings.
4. A copy of travel documents / Travel Itinerary with Copy of Medical Insurance, if any.
5. The passports should be deposited at the TCV Office and it will be handed back at the time of leaving the school.
GETTING ADMISSION
All those parents in North America/Canada who are interested in enrolling their child/children to this summer school can contact:
Tenzin Nawa
Office of Tibet
1228 17th ST NW
Washington, DC 20036
Email: otdc@tibet.net
All the children from other countries can contact directly to :
Tsultrim Dorjee
Director
Email : summercamp@tcv.org.in