Monks of Thukten Chokorling Shedra in Kanglung will have English syllabus starting next year.
For the first time, monks of the Shedra took part in an English Extempore Speech. Nervous but excited, the monks took turns to express what they have learnt so far. The program was organized to honor their teachers who have been teaching English, mathematics and translation.
Members of Social Service Unit of Sherubtse College have been voluntarily teaching the monks for the last 10 years. They teach English, Mathematics and Translation. So far they have been teaching without any prescribed syllabus. But a third year student of Sherubtse College has now come up with a syllabus and textbooks for the monks.
“We have been completing all these things since 2012 and finally we compiled syllabus for class PP to class VI,” said the Coordinator, Kelzang Lhendu. He said the Shedra wasn’t following any system like the ones in secular schools. “We thought it is also important to introduce the class system. So now we are happy that we have the syllabus.”
Apart from learning their religious text, the monks have been taking keen interest in learning English.
“English has become important and we have been stressing the need to learn English. So with their support, the monks have been able to read and write in English,” said Khenpo Kinga Penjor. He said the initiative has benefited the monks.
In appreciation to their efforts, the Sherda presented the student volunteers with certificates and gifts.
Over two hundred monks of the Shedra are today learning English.
