Tibetans and supporters celebrated the 40th anniversary of Rikon Tibetan weekend school on 15 April 2023. The Tibetan weekend school in Rikon is the first ever Tibetan weekend school aimed to inculcate Tibetan language and culture to Tibetan children in Switzerland.
Celebrating the milestone, members of the community gathered to express profound gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the elder Tibetan generation for their untiring efforts in preservation and protection of Tibetan language and cultural identity despite unforeseen challenges.
Hon’ble Mario Fehr, Vice President and cantonal head of Security Department of Zurich, along with Representative Thinlay Chukki of the Tibet Bureau joined the members of the community during the celebration. While addressing the gathering, Representative Thinlay thanked all Tibetans and supporters who have facilitated Rikon Tibetan weekend school for all these long years and successfully marked the 40th anniversary with a sense of pride and joy.
Furthermore, taking the opportunity, on behalf of all Tibetans, Representative Thinlay congratulated Hon’ble Mario Fehr on winning the national election held earlier this year. He is re-elected and currently serves as one of seven government councillors of the canton of Zurich. She presented an autobiography of His Holiness the Dalai Lama “Freedom in Exile” along with a traditional white scarf to Hon’ble Mario Fehr.
In his remark, Hon’ble Mario Fehr applauded the collective efforts of Tibetans to protect Tibetan language and cultural identity, and urged Tibetans to continue with the same perseverance. He assured his continued support for Tibet and Tibetans.
Students and parents of the Tibetan Weekend school performed various Tibetan songs and dances, showcasing the richness of Tibetan traditional and contemporary songs.
