357 Government School and 25 Private Schools in Leh to implement SEEL curriculum in their classrooms : Flowering Dharma in association with Lamdon Sr. Sec School Leh unveiled Emory’s international SEE Learning (Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning) program in Leh on 7 Sep 2019.
The program, which is available in 12 languages including English and 6 UN languages, was formally launched by the Sh. Gyal P Wangyal, Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor and Sh. Konchok Stanzin, Hon’ble Executive Councillor Education, Ladakh Autonomous Hills Development Council Leh, Ven. Geshe Lakhdor, Director, LTWA / Co Director Emory Tibet Partnership, Smt. Konchok Angmo, Principal, District Institute for Education and Training on Saturday in the presence of more than 500 participants including principals and teachers from various schools of Leh.
SEE Learning provides educators with a comprehensive framework for the cultivation of social, emotional and ethical competencies that can be used in K–12 education as well as higher education and professional education. The program is part of Emory’s newly established Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics.
Addressing the gathering of, Geshe Lhakdor la delivered keynotes on the contributions of the Dalai Lama Trust Foundation and Emory University in the project, SEE learning Curriculum is one universal at the same time open for local adaptation. Emory University has long relationship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and SEE Learning is the culmination of this association of the past 20 years.
He asserted that modern scientific and technological development has certainly brought in development in infrastructure and communication but only to the extent of physical comfort and convenience. True happiness and contentment he said are yet to be attained. In today’s time education system need to shift its mere focus from development of intellectual capacity and should also incorporate the development of compassion and warm heartedness. So, he noted the importance of bringing curriculum like SEE Learning into the schools to develop compassion and loving-kindness based on common humanity.
He clearly mentioned that “Most of the problem that we see today is the sign of starvation of mind”. The mind that is predominantly ruling us is ignorant, short sighted and foolish.
The solution confirmed lies in the conviction and envision of His Holiness’s approach for a balanced education and thus urged the gathering to partake in the vision and the commitment of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in creating a better, peaceful and harmonious world.
The Ladakhis and the people of India has already rooted compassion and kindness is in their blood. So, it will be easier for people to follow the curriculum and growth in developing compassionate society.
Miss Lobsang Wangmu from Flowering Dharma introduced the SEE Learning Curriculum to audience. She explained the SEE Learning framework of Curriculum in which one can be educator by going through 101 Online Educator Course and one can be facilitator by going through six months training. Till the date Curriculum contains module for early elementary, elementary and middle and companion book for educator.
Flowering Dharma expressed profoundly elated and grateful to have had this opportunity to be part of this historic movement.
Flowering Dharma pledged to take the SEE Learning to schools and institutes across Himalayan region stretching from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh Launch of SEE Learning is small effort in that direction.
While delivering congratulatory remarks on the Ladakh Launch of SEE learning project, Honorable CEC Gyal P Wangyal, once again celebrated the glorification of His Holiness’s enlightened approach to a better education and work for the betterment of whole society.
He assured that he would provide all the necessary help and support towards implementation of SEE Learning Curriculum in 357 Government school, as these Schools has big contribution in the society, its reach is in every corner of Ladakh. Under Ladakh UT he promised to support Flowering Dharma-Emory partnership on behalf of the LAHDC.
Hon’ble Shri Konchok Stanzin, Executive Councilor, Education, expressed his happiness to have had the SEE Learning Launch in Ladakh when Ladakh is in brink of writing a new history and how the SEE Learning can be one of the major source of inspiration and he congratulated Flowering Dharma for taking the responsibility for this Launch and he thanked Lamdon Model Sr. Sec. School for the support. As in the field of infrastructure of schools he mentioned that the Department of Education is already working on it and assured to support to bring about the Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning.
Mr. Tashi Namgyal, Director of Flowering Dharma expressed his blessedness to be a part of the launch of a remarkable work. He commended the framework and curriculum of SEE learning for its practicality, academic rigor, and its application and thanked the team of Emory University, Geshe Lhakdor La, all the esteemed guests.
He further lauded the vision and wisdom of His Holiness for a compassionate and ethical world for all and expressed his sincere gratitude.
Talking about the program in the Global Launch in April 2019, The Dalai Lama said, “The main reason (for the introduction of SEE Learning) is because of the existing education system, which is not adequate and does not guarantee happiness. Children from the kindergarten stage should be taught about basic human values, which are grounded in common sense, common experience and scientific evidence to which everyone can relate to.”
The spiritual leader also said he was looking forward to the discussions about the program over the next few days and was hoping to get “practical ideas”.
While answering a question as to why India was chosen for the global launch of the program, the Dalai Lama said, “India is a special country and its ancient knowledge deals with inner emotion which helps retain mental comfort and inner peace.”
