Accomplishments
Throughout it’s nine years of existence, Sengdruk Taktse School has shown that the model for education it uses is working. While there is still so much more that a school such as this can accomplish, below is a list of some of the accomplishments it has already achieved.
- Highest standardized test scores out of any school in Golok in 2008
- Jigme Dawa, Sengdruk Taktse class of 2008, had highest standardized test scores out of any student in Golok
- Jigme Trodral, Sengdruk Taktse class of 2008, had third highest standardized test scores out of any student in Golok
- 5 students from class of 2008 are attending University in Beijing
- 26 out of 30 students from class of 2008 have gone on to college
- Students have published books of Tibetan poetry that have gained renown throughout Golok for the high quality of writing
- Home of the youngest Tibetan author to have published work in all of Golok (age 13)
- Created the first astrological calendar in Golok. This is not simply a “calendar” in the western sense of the word. Click here for more info.
- In 2008, over 500 people applied to be admitted to Sengdruk Taktse School, not only from Golok, but from all three Tibetan regions. Only approximately 30 students could be accepted however.
These accomplishments have been made possible for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:
Quality of Teachers
The teachers of Sengdruk Taktse are well educated and have years of experience teaching. However, it is not only their education that makes them great teachers, it is also their dedication to helping these students to improve their conditions. In addition to the teachers, the founders of the school, such as Khenpo Kunzang, are really some of the brightest scholars currently living in Eastern Tibet. They are the cream of the crop of a generation of scholars the likes of which hasn’t been seen in Tibet for many years.
Visiting Teachers
Sendruk Taktse School often hosts visiting teachers, some of whome are the greatest living Tibetan scholars in alive today. These visiting scholars teach the students subjects that they can’t get from a standard curriculum. These subjects include traditional Tibetan sciences such as medicine, art, astrology, and dance. These teachers also often lecture the students about the importance and value of education, and also how one should apply oneself to one’s studies. Teachings such as these often provide the students with a fresh perspective and a greater sense of appreciation for the education they are receiving.
Quality of Students
The majority of students at Sengdruk Taktse School have faced great hardship in their lives. They appreciate the education they are receiving at Sengdruk Taktse School and don’t engage in bad habits such as smoking and drinking. They are taught from a very young age the importance of education, and they take their studies very seriously.
Living at School
Due to the fact that most of these children have no home to go to, the school itself becomes their home, the teachers, staff, and other students become their family. This family-style of living creates an atmosphere of support and encourgament that often doesn’t exist at other schools. These students are fully immersed in a learning environment for 365 days a year, from 1st through 9th grades. The day begins and ends with education in the forefront of the students’ minds.
Sacred Ground
Some people may disagree with this point, and that is fine, but it should be noted that Sengdruk Taktse School is built on what could be called “sacred ground”. The specific location for Sengdruk Taktse School was chosen by HH Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, who is one of the most influential Tibetan spiritual teachers of the last 100 years. HH Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok chose the site where Sengdruk Taktse was built because he had a vision in which he recognized that the legendary Tibetan King Ling Gesar, once had a palace there. Ling Gesar is a semi-mythical king who is also seen by Tibetans as an enlightened being. As the students study all day long, there are monks chanting in a nearby temple day and night, infusing the land with blessings.