By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Aug 5: Chinese authorities in Ngaba (Ch. Aba) County, Sichuan Province, in the Tibetan region of Amdo, have reportedly seized Kirti Monastery School in July, following the closure of the Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery School, which had over 300 students enrolled in China’s state-run boarding schools, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA). The authorities have mandated that over 200 students out of 900, aged 6 to 14, enrol in state-run boarding schools. The remaining students, who were sent home, were also instructed to enrol in state-run schools instead of monastery schools.
Since May, authorities have prohibited the reopening of Kirti Monastery School and Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery School. Additionally, more than 300 students from Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery School were forcibly enrolled in state-run boarding schools.
A source inside Tibet told RFA that some parents, who avoid sending their children to monastery schools due to health issues, have been assured by officials that the state-run schools will provide assistance for their children’s livelihoods and health problems. However, officials have also forcibly taken children from their parents, claiming they were only being taken for health check-ups.
On July 8, the Educational Development Conference was held in Bharkham, Ngaba, where local officials, including Shu Zhiwen, emphasised the necessity of reforming Ngaba’s education system. They advocated for a strategic closure of more monastery schools to increase enrolment in state-run boarding schools. A message circulated in social media groups underscored this directive, highlighting that Tibetan children aged six and above must be enrolled in state-run boarding schools to comply with compulsory education laws. The message warned that parents who fail to fulfil their responsibilities under Article 16 of China’s Law on the Protection of Minors would face punishment.
Since 1994, Kirti Monastery and Taktsang Lhamo Kirti Monastery School in Ngaba offered classes on Tibetan Buddhism. However, in 2003, these institutions faced interference from the Chinese government, which led to the closure of Tibetan Buddhist studies. Subsequently, the government introduced joint textbooks into the curriculum of monastery schools. As part of the current sinicisation of Buddhism initiative, officials have banned monks from enrolling in monastery schools. Additionally, officials frequently attend religious events to deliver political education, continuously creating obstacles during classes.
