Phobrang, Feb 12: Former Executive Councillor and Councillor Chushul, Konchok Stanzin on Thursday lauded the youth-led efforts behind the Winter Tuition and Alternative Learning Programme and called upon local youth to continue working for education and social development in the border areas.
He was addressing the valedictory function of the 45-day Winter Tuition and Alternative Learning Programme, which concluded today in Phobrang for students of the Pangong border region.
The closing ceremony was attended by officers of the Indian Army, ITBP and ITBF, village head Nambardar Konchok Nurboo, Lalok LBA Vice President Tsetan Tundup, Youth President Rigzen Dorjay, former president Thinlay Namgyal, members of Village Education Committees, parents and a large number of students.
The winter tuition programme was jointly organised by the Snow Leopard Conservancy and the Education Department, with logistic and heating support provided by the Army and paramilitary forces during the entire winter coaching period.
The initiative was planned and coordinated by the Pangong Youth Cooperative for Society and Environment Care, highlighting a strong community-based approach to sustaining learning opportunities for students in remote and high-altitude villages during the winter months.
Besides covering the regular school syllabus, the programme included ice hockey coaching, wildlife exposure tours and confidence-building activities. The organisers said the aim was to combine academic support with experiential and activity-based learning for overall student development.
A notable aspect of the programme was that the winter coaching was fully conducted by senior students who have performed well academically. These students voluntarily mentored and guided their juniors throughout the 45-day duration.
It was also informed that Royal Enfield and the Snow Leopard Conservancy have been extending support for winter coaching initiatives for border students every year, while the Army and paramilitary forces continue to provide essential logistic and heating arrangements to enable uninterrupted classes in extreme weather conditions.
During the function, officers from the Army, along with the village head and the Lalok LBA Vice President, addressed the students and youth and encouraged them to take up similar community-driven initiatives for education and social welfare in the region.
The programme concluded with students sharing their learning experiences and expressing gratitude to the organisers, mentors and supporting agencies. The winter tuition and alternative learning programme has strengthened academic support systems, youth leadership and community participation across the Pangong border region.
