Community Outreach Program: Nonviolence Educational Training for Tibetan Children
From July 9th to 22nd, 2024, Ms. Tenzin Choezin, Executive Director of the Active Nonviolence Education Center (ANEC), embarked on a significant work trip to Australia as part of ANEC’s Community Outreach Program. The initiative focused on Nonviolence Educational Training for Tibetan children in Sydney and Newcastle, alongside meetings with supporters to discuss ANEC’s future endeavors.
Arrival and Initial Meetings
On July 12th, 2024, Ms. Choezin arrived in Sydney, where she was warmly welcomed by the Sydney Tibetan Community’s executive members. She was then escorted to her accommodation at the Mercure Sydney Manly Warringah hotel. The same afternoon, Ms. Choezin met with Mr. Chozen Ngawa, President of the Sydney Tibetan Community, and Ms. Migmar Dekyi, co-facilitator of the training program, to discuss the upcoming sessions. This was followed by a two-hour meeting with additional co-facilitators, Ms. Tenzin Moenkyi and Mr. Tenzin Dhargyal.
Photo of ANEC’s Executive Director, Ms. Tenzin Choezin with program co-facilitators
Training in Sydney
On July 13th, Ms. Choezin and her team arrived at the training venue at 8:00 AM to prepare for the day’s activities. The training session was attended by approximately 50 participants, including Tibetan children aged 7 to 18 and Tibetan language teachers from weekend schools in Sydney and Campbelltown. The session featured introductory rounds, storytelling, song sessions, and interactive activities centered on the theme of nonviolence. At the conclusion of the event, ANEC announced the free distribution of its latest publication, an illustrated children’s storybook titled Phuntsok Nyidron, which highlights a nonviolent figure within the Tibetan movement.
Later that day, Ms. Choezin and Ms. Migmar held further discussions with Mr. Chozen about potential future collaborations. Mr. Chozen expressed strong support for ANEC’s educational initiatives and their expansion within Tibetan communities across Australia.
Photo during the program conducted by Ms. Tenzin Moenkyi and Group photo after program with participants from Sydney and campbelltown
Community Engagement and Future Projects
On July 14th, the Sydney Tibetan Community hosted an official dinner in honor of ANEC’s contributions to the Tibetan movement. Ms. Choezin also had a productive meeting with Dr. Gyal Lo, a renowned Tibetan activist and sociologist, where they discussed future ANEC projects, including a planned children’s storybook on colonial-style boarding schools in Tibet. Dr. Gyal Lo provided valuable insights to further strengthen ANEC’s vision and programs.
Photo of ANEC’s Executive Director, Ms. Tenzin Choezin meeting with Dr. Gyal lo, Tibetan activist, educational sociologist and leading expert on China’s assimilation and education policies in Tibet, particularly the chinese-run colonial style boarding school system inside Tibet
Outreach in Newcastle
On July 15th, Ms. Choezin traveled to Newcastle, where she was warmly received by Mr. Lhubhum Thar, Vice President of the Newcastle Tibetan Community. They discussed the significance of the training program and explored future collaborations. Unfortunately, a planned mid-week meeting with MP Sharon, a strong supporter of the Tibetan cause, had to be canceled due to a scheduling conflict.
On July 19th, Ms. Choezin met with Mr. Tashi, President of the Newcastle Tibetan Community, to discuss the upcoming training and introduce ANEC’s vision. This was followed by an official dinner hosted by the community, where ideas for developing programs to strengthen Tibetan weekend language schools were exchanged. Ms. Migmar Dekyi later joined the team, having flown in from Melbourne to lead the training program.
The training session in Newcastle was held on July 20th and saw the enthusiastic participation of over 40 individuals, including Tibetan children, their parents, and language teachers. The community’s executive members hosted an official dinner for the ANEC team, expressing their gratitude for the initiative and voicing their support for future collaborations.
Photo during the program conducting by Mr. Tenzin Dhargyal and Group photo of program facilitators with the participants from Newcastle
Program Conclusion and Future Plans
On July 21st, during a final meeting in Newcastle, Ms. Migmar Dekyi was appointed ANEC’s Coordinator for Australia. As a gesture of thanks, she was presented with a traditional Tibetan scarf. Similar acknowledgments were given to Mr. Dhargyal and Ms. Moenkyi for their contributions to the program.
Ms. Choezin returned to Sydney on July 25th and departed for New Delhi, concluding the successful training program, meetings, and the distribution of children’s storybooks.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the final leg of the training program in Melbourne has been postponed. Ms. Migmar Dekyi will lead the training once new dates are confirmed.
Acknowledgements
ANEC extends its heartfelt thanks to the funding partners, the Tibetan communities of Sydney, Newcastle, and Melbourne, as well as all collaborators, facilitators, and participants who contributed to the success of this program. We warmly welcome Ms. Migmar Dekyi as an official member of ANEC’s team in Australia.