Sambhota Tibetan School, Tenzingang, is situated in one of the remotest regions of the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The land on which the school stands was generously provided by the local Monpa community, known as “Domkho,” as a gift to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to support Tibetan education.
Recognizing the importance of education, the Tibetan community established the school in 1972 with an initial enrolment of 50 students. Subsequently, the institution came under the administration of the Central Tibetan School Administration (CTSA). As the number of students increased, the Tibetan settlement office decided to expand and relocate the school to a presently location.
Infrastructure Development and Expansion
In 1987-88, Ven Kunchok Paksam, the Head Abbot of Drepung Monastery, initiated a project alongside Mr. Sonam Dhondup and other colleagues constructed a hostel block for students coming from distant regions such as Tawang and Dirang. Funding for this initiative was secured through public donations. As student enrolment continued to rise, the Department of Education later provided additional financial support to construct a second hostel block.
Between 2004 and 2005, significant infrastructure improvements were undertaken to enhance educational facilities. This included the establishment of a library, computer room, science laboratory, and drawing room, as well as the development of a school ground to enrich students’ learning environment. Additional classrooms were also constructed to accommodate the increasing student population.
To further support students arriving from distant regions, the settlement office, with assistance from the Department of Education, CTA, facilitated the construction of an additional hostel with a kitchen and a crèche.
Administrative Transition and Current Status
In July 2016, the administration of the school was transferred from the Central Tibetan School Administration (CTSA) to the Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society (STSS). Under the management of STSS, the school has placed a strong emphasis on students’ education, health, and overall well-being, ensuring comprehensive academic and personal development.
At present, the school serves a total of 198 students, comprising individuals from both local villages and the Tibetan community. The faculty and staff include 26 members, with 19 teaching staff and 7 non-teaching staff, all dedicated to providing a high standard of education and support. The primary mission of Sambhota Tibetan School, Tenzingang is to provide holistic education guided by four fundamental principles:
Freedom, Altruism, Heritage and Innovation.
These core values are embedded in the school’s educational approach, fostering intellectual growth, cultural preservation, and personal empowerment among students. The Government of Arunachal Pradesh had constructed 50 boarders boys and girls hostel with Kitchen & dinning hall for STS Tenzingang. The hostel was handed by PWD Shergaon to Tibetan Settlement Office on 30th October 2024. The hostel is being run and look after by the Tibetan Settlement Office, Tenzingang.