Reported and Translated by Kelsang Jinpa
Edited by Kelsang Jinpa
Permission has been granted to reopen Ragya Gangjonq Sherig Norbuling School, though reports indicate the school’s curriculum has been changed to a Vocational school.
Today, Ragya Jigmey Gyaltsen, the founder of Ragya Gangjonq Sherig Norbuling School, gathered students and parents near the school and publicly announced that permission has been granted to reopen the Ragya Sherig Norbuling School.
In a related video sent by a Tibetan from inside Tibet, Ven. Ragya Jigmey Gyaltsen stated: “We have received all the documents and permissions allowing this school to reopen very soon. Therefore, from our side, we will teach everyone how to use mobile phones. We cannot open the school right now, but when the school opens, my hope is that everyone will focus more on developing technical skills to keep up with this era. Thank you.”
Additionally, a Tibetan from inside Tibet commented on Wechat (Chinese social media) that Gangjonq Sherig Norbuling School is to be reopened, but the direction of the school’s curriculum has been changed into a Vocational school.
Led by its director Ven. Jigme Gyaltsen, along with the Professor Vajra Tsultrim Gyatso, Prof. Sherab Tendar and Prof Dhong Yonten Gyatso, there were about 58 teachers and staff, and almost 1400 students in the school. As a specialised vocational school, the institute offered seven specialised classes; Tibetan language, English language, Computer, Engineering, Medicine, Videography and Physical Education.
At least 2300 students have graduated from the school since 1994. Among its graduates, the school has produced at least 800 university students, 50 research students, 90 doctors, 110 government employees, 250 university teachers,13 headmasters,110 monastic workers and 260 specialised professionals.
Ragya Gangjong Sherig Norbuling School was formally established in August 1994 after receiving permission from the so-called Golog Local People’s Government. It was the first privately operated school in all of Qinghai Province.
On 14th April 2001, the Golog Local People’s Government approved its conversion to a special high school. In 2002, the Jigme Gyaltsen Private School changed its name to Jigme Gyaltsen Phende School. The Qinghai Civil Affairs Department officially selected it as one of the organisations contributing to public welfare in 2003. On 7th March 2006, the National Association of Vocational Education in China turned it into the Qinghai Experimental School. The school is considered one of the most reputed schools in Tibet for specialised Tibetan language studies.
