Resources

The Dalai Lama and Tibet

Aims:

To introduce the students to the life of the Dalai Lama, one of the most famous refugees in the world. An Assembly outline is provided to introduce the topic. From the background information or their research, students could draw a timeline of the most important events in the life of the Dalai Lama.
To provide contextual background information about the Tibetan situation.
To highlight useful resources (web-based and in book form) for the students to conduct further research
To provide an activity to enable students to investigate why the Dalai Lama was given the Nobel Peace Prize. Ages 12 and above.
To suggest activities which could help students investigate concepts of peaceful co-existence and conflict resolution: See activities 'Talking Glasses', Secret Friends' and 'Co-operation is better than Conflict' on pages 18-20 of 'Global Communities: Learning about Refugee Issues (Primary Schools)' available from http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/InfoCentre/global.htm
To provide a series of activities to enable students to investigate Buddhism in Tibet:

NB: The material contains information which is critical of the actions of the Chinese government. Teachers should be aware of the feelings of any Chinese students in their class, and be prepared to counter any backlash that they might suffer.

It might be helpful to note that the Dalai Lama still talks warmly of his 'Chinese brothers and sisters', and is respectful of and to the Chinese leadership, while still making the case for a more just and humane treatment of Tibet.

He also recognises how many Chinese people have also suffered under Communist rule over the years:

'I pay tribute to our brave Chinese brothers and sisters who have also made tremendous sacrifices for freedom and democracy in China' - The Dalai Lama in 2001.