The Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) School in Leh has launched a week-long educational exchange program on May 19 to mark its Golden Jubilee—50 years of dedicated service—and to express heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India and the people of Ladakh for their unwavering support to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan community.

As part of the celebrations, ten students each from nine different schools across Ladakh are participating in the exchange program, which focuses on the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, including Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning, Riglam (logic and debate), Buddhist philosophy, and environmental responsibility.

Participants will reside on the TCV campus, engage with Tibetan students, experience hostel life, and share educational journeys to promote mutual understanding and personal growth. The program is designed to inspire young minds to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

This year also commemorates the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, adding greater significance to TCV School’s golden milestone. Since its establishment in 1975 by Jetsun Pema, the sister of His Holiness, TCV Ladakh has played a vital role in educating children, caring for the elderly, and supporting underprivileged families in Sonamling Tibetan Refugee Settlement and the Changthang nomadic region. To date, over 9,164 students have been educated at the institution, including both Tibetan and Ladakhi children.

Tsering Angchuk, Deputy Chairman of LAHDC Leh, applauded the initiative and underscored the importance of SEE Learning and the Bhoti language in the holistic development of students. He emphasized that Buddhist philosophy fosters compassion, ethical conduct, and critical thinking—skills essential to navigating the challenges of modern life. He also expressed interest in reviewing feedback from the students following the program, stating, “Every student will take away something valuable from this experience.”

Tenzin Rabten, Village Director of TCV School, spoke about the school’s humble beginnings and its mission to serve the Tibetan and Ladakhi communities. He dedicated the school’s achievements to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as well as to the people of India and Ladakh.

Tashi Dhondup, Chief Representative Officer of the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration, calling 2025 a “year of celebration and gratitude.” Welcoming the participants, he referred to the students as “seeds of the nation’s future,” and quoted John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”