Lower TCV school fails to attract Tibetan students living abroad, to shut down in December

Tsering Dhundup

DHARAMSHALA, Dec 6: Lower TCV School, one of the pioneering institutions in the Tibetan exile education system, boasting 40 years of operation will close its doors in December following an unsuccessful attempt to convert it into a dedicated chartered school for Tibetan children living abroad. The decision was confirmed by Tibetan Children’s Village (TCV) Head Office, citing low enrollment and operational challenges.

Earlier this year, TCV initiated the transition of Lower TCV School into a residential chartered school specifically for Tibetan children raised overseas. The project, launched in August 2024, aimed to provide these children with an immersive experience in Tibetan language, culture, and identity. However, despite significant investments of time, resources and energy, the initiative attracted only six students.

In a social media post, TCV expressed its determination to address the growing challenge of Tibetan children abroad missing out on cultural education, “With high hope and anticipation, Lower TCV School was prepared, ready, and opened…but sadly only 6 Tibetan children have enrolled… Although lots of time, money, and energy were put into this program, TCV has still not lost its hope in this pursuit, despite all odds.”

Speaking with Phayul, TCV General Secretary Choeying Dhondup said that Lower TCV School will close after the winter vacation on December 18, 2024. 54 students from India currently enrolled in the school will be transferred to other TCV schools of their choice.

The six foreign students will integrate with students at Upper TCV School starting March 2025 but will reside in a separate hostel with enhanced facilities, including internet access. To encourage more participation, the annual parental contribution for overseas students has been reduced to $100 USD.

Choeying Dhondup elaborated on the decision, “There are only 64 students in Lower TCV School, supported by 24 staff members. The operational expenditure is high, and the infrastructure is deteriorating. Therefore, it was decided to transfer the children to other schools.” He also hinted at potential future plans for the Lower TCV School campus, stating that the administration is considering “greater use” of the site, though no specific details were disclosed.

The closure of Lower TCV school reflects broader challenges faced by Tibetan schools in exile. Declining birth rates, ongoing migration to Western countries, and reduced numbers of Tibetan children arriving from Tibet have contributed to diminishing enrollment. Similar struggles have led to the recent closures of other Tibetan institutions, including STS Poanta Sahib and STS Dalhousie.

CTA President Penpa Tsering, during an earlier interview with Phayul, highlighted the need for systemic integration of Tibetan schools to ensure their long-term sustainability. He proposed consolidating schools to streamline administration, reduce costs, and enhance facilities.

“In terms of integration of schools, there are lots of questions on how we have to do it,” Tsering said, emphasizing the complexity of balancing efficiency with the impact on staff and local communities. “One idea is to integrate schools zone-wise, starting with the Northeast, where most schools are under Sambhota. In Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, many schools are TCV. We must resolve this issue collectively to sustain these institutions over the long run.”