Visit by Gr 4 to Tibetan Refugee Camp on 30th Jan 2017 by Ft's Grade 4, Ms. Sonia Singh & Ms. Lily Osmond

Form 4 students visited the Tibetan refugee camp to interact and inquire into their central idea

“People migrate for different reasons with wide ranging effects”. They interacted with the Primary school head, Mr. Migmar. He spoke about the invasion of Tibet by China and the role played by India in offering shelter to Dalai Lama and the problems they faced while setting up the Tibetan colony. He also shared his little story about how he had migrated from Tibet to India via Nepal.

He apprised the students about the history of Tibet and China disturbance starting in 1959 when China took control of Tibet. students interacted with Mr. Migmar which helped them to get a better understanding of the challenges   faced by the migrants in the education system. They understood that the curriculum they followed is influenced by their country of origin to maintain their Tibetan culture. He shared the plight of the citizens as they had no freedom to their Tibetan culture, language or religion and were forced to follow the Chinese culture.

The students were amazed to learn that Mr. Migmar had migrated at a young age of 6 years leaving behind his parents and brother and migrating with a group of 23 people. Since the migration was illegal they faced a lot of hardships and had to walk in the night only. They went through the forests, streams and climbed mountains to finally take refuge in the safe India.

He also was very appreciative of the Indian Government and its support in setting up camps and monasteries for the Tibetans. They now have government aid and have set up schools here and in Dharamshala, a major Tibetan educational center, Himachal Pradesh. The school caters to the primary education and the students continue their further education at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.

The students took a tour of the school and showed keenness to help the students in their own small way. They suggested that since they did not have a library and they would like to start a drive to collect books in our school and help them set up small class libraries. They inquired from Mr Migmar about the choice of books and were informed that students start learning English from Grade 3. Our students are now determined to start a drive to collect books and help them set up a small library.

Mr. Magmar also showed a desire to have an exchange program wherein he would like some of their students to visit our school in return.

Overall, the experience was very fruitful and the students returned have gathered information about the reason forcing Tibetans to migrate and its effect on individuals and their culture.