On 5 October 2025, Education Secretary Jigme Namgyal of the Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), visited the Gangjong Choedenling – Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre (TCCC) in Ontario, Canada. The visit marked a significant moment for the Tibetan community in North America as the Secretary engaged with members of the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario (CTAO) and the teaching staff of the Gangjong Tibetan Language and Culture School. The weekend school, operated under CTAO, is one of the largest among nearly twenty-four Tibetan weekend schools across North America, dedicated to preserving the Tibetan language and culture among younger generations.
I am writing about this visit because it reflects the Central Tibetan Administration’s continued commitment to promoting Tibetan education, even in diaspora communities. For children growing up abroad, language and culture often fade without structured guidance. The Gangjong school plays a vital role in helping Tibetan students maintain a strong connection with their roots while integrating into Canadian society. Secretary Jigme Namgyal’s visit serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting such institutions that preserve cultural identity through education and community collaboration.
Meeting with Community Leaders and Teachers
During his visit, Secretary Jigme Namgyal met with executive members of the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario and the Gangjong Choedenling management team, led by President Deki Shukla. He also met the school’s principal, Dechen Dorjee, the teaching staff, and the President of the Parents’ Committee.
The Education Secretary took a tour of the classrooms, interacting with students and observing lessons that focus on Tibetan language, history, and cultural traditions. He appreciated the teachers’ dedication and the parents’ involvement in ensuring that Tibetan children remain connected to their heritage while pursuing their education in Canada.
Encouraging Dialogue and Collaboration
After the classroom visit, Secretary Namgyal joined the executive members, principal, teachers, and Parents’ Committee members for a lunch meeting. The gathering provided an opportunity for open dialogue on the challenges and progress of Tibetan weekend schools in North America.
Participants discussed ways to improve teaching resources, strengthen curriculum development, and enhance digital learning tools for Tibetan language education. The Education Secretary encouraged the teachers and committee members to continue their collaborative efforts in nurturing cultural values alongside academic excellence.
Supporting Tibetan Weekend Schools Abroad
There are around two dozen Tibetan weekend schools functioning across North America, each serving as a cultural bridge for young Tibetans born or raised outside India and Tibet. These schools, often run by volunteer teachers and supported by local Tibetan associations, teach language, songs, dances, and Buddhist values.
The Gangjong school in Ontario is one of the largest and most active, enrolling dozens of Tibetan students every weekend. Its curriculum focuses on creating fluency in the Tibetan language and promoting awareness about Tibetan traditions and identity. The visit by the Education Secretary reinforced the CTA’s ongoing support for such educational initiatives, which play a crucial role in preserving Tibetan heritage globally.
Promoting Tibetan Identity Through Education
Education Secretary Jigme Namgyal commended the efforts of the school community in keeping the Tibetan spirit alive among children who are growing up far from their ancestral homeland. He highlighted the Department of Education’s vision of empowering Tibetan children to maintain their language, culture, and moral values while pursuing modern education.
He also expressed appreciation for the voluntary contributions of teachers and parents, acknowledging that their continued commitment is what keeps these schools thriving.
