The Students of the Jamyangling Castle Academy

Students of the Jamyangling Academy
studying Thanka painting with monks.

Although the restoration of the Jamyangling Castle was not yet completed, the Jamyangling Castle Academy (JCA) opened for classes in September 1999. It was started with 15 students, 10 boys and 5 girls ranging in age between 14 and 17. All of the children have either lost one or both of their parents. They were admitted to the school on the basis of their applications in which they stated their reasons for wanting to study one of the three subjects of our present curriculum.

The first group of students was drawn from Katsel Middle School, a school created nine years ago by Soenam Jamyangling and the the Swedish-Tibetan Society for School and Culture. That school now has 250 students and is considered a model school in Tibet. Soenam graciously donated his family castle for the purpose of establishing the Arts and Crafts Academy.
		JCA student creating traditional wood craf



*"Thangka painting is a form of art that I have always wanted to learn. I admire those who are masters, like my teachers, and hope to become one myself .* *"It is by the love and care our teachers have given us that has made it possible for me to learn this skill. I thank them for all their help."*
			Sonam Thargay Thangka Painting, Age 16
	"When I was younger, I saw how people put together tents, Chubas (Tibetan dress), and other objects with sewing and now I hope to be able to do the same. "I'm very happy that I am given this opportunity so that I may further my education. I'm grateful that I will soon be able to help not only my own future, but of my family's as well."
Yangchen Sewing, Age 17
TThe next group of students will enter Jamyangling Castle Academy in 2001, a most propitious year on the Tibetan calendar. These students will be recruited in open competition from schools all over Tibet
Since September 1999 Tibetan students have begun to acquire the skills they need to make a living in their own country and to help sustain the ancient Tibetan traditions of Thangka painting, ornamental woodcarving, and working with textiles.