Choerig Zinkyong’s Jamyang Lophel Sunday school celebrated the 33rd anniversary of noble peace prize day cum Children’s Cultural Evening event on 7 January 2023 in Brussels.

The organisation runs 6 schools with over 372 Children in Belgium namely Antwerp, Brussels, Leuven, Ostende, Gent and Bruges.

Chief guest Representative Genkhang Rigzin Choedon and special guest Dzogchen Ranyak Patrul Rinpoche from Dharma City offered mandrel to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s portrait followed by scarf offering by representatives from various Belgium based Tibetan associations. After singing the Tibetan national anthem by the students, a minute’s silence was observed to pay tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their life for Tibet and Tibetans.

Education Officer Tashi Delek of the Choerig Zinkyong School in his opening remark said that the sole purpose of this cultural school is to preserve and impart the unique identity of the Tibetan language and culture to the younger generation. The event was meant to showcase and teach the children through various activities such as dance, music, and poetry recitation etc. He thanked the parents, teachers, and students for their tireless efforts in making the event successful.

Patrul Rinpoche in his speech applauded the children who would be the pillars of future Tibet. With the deep karmic connection of all Tibetans in this and previous lives, we have all been the true followers of His Holiness Dalai Lama. In exile, His Holiness has helped us to keep our culture and language alive. We need to be united and teach the younger generation our culture, language, and good moral conducts. He thanked all the teachers, parents, and students for their tireless efforts to success the school activities and donated thousand Euros to the school.

Chief guest Representative Genkhang in her brief message reminded the gathering of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s tireless and invaluable contribution to Tibet and Tibetan people since his young age. She consequently urged the public to always remember it and heed to His Holiness’ advice of unity and work together towards fulfilling his vision.

She also lauded and thanked the efforts of the board of Choerig Zinkyong and that of the teachers for their contribution in the preservation of our language and culture to the younger generation who are the future seeds of Tibet. She also emphasised the role of the parents in bringing up their children to be good human beings.

The day-night long event was followed by number of Tibetan traditional dances and songs performed by the students and parents of the six schools. The event was also attended by various Tibetan Associations in Belgium, children, and parents.

Secretary Thinley Wangdue and accountant Tenzin Nordhen, Office of Tibet, Brussels, also attended the event. The duo took opportunity of the gathering to conduct the demography survey and travelled to Antwerp on Sunday, 08 January, to do the same.