All the students and staff of the three sections of the school assembled in the Gmeiner Academy Hall, Gharipatan to bid final goodbye to Mr. Tsering Thondup, the school’s first Principal who has closely seen the school grow from its initial primary days at Chhorepatan to its present fruition as a higher secondary school. The event was especially arranged for a formal farewell to the beloved Principal, yet, it was also an occasion to pay homage to the man who had spearheaded the school over the last 25 years with his earnest dedication. Mr. Shankar Pradhanaga, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nepal, graced the function as the guest of honour and opened the programme by unfurling the farewell banner. Also at the programme were the Project Director of SOS Children’s Village Gandaki, Mr. Bhagat Shreshtha, senior coworkers of SOS Children’s Village Gandaki as well as SOS Children’s Village Pokhara and a host of special invitees from the local Tibetan communities.
The Principal received a warm farewell starting with a standing ovation from everyone present for his years of dedicated service. Welcome speech by the academic coordinator, Mr. Nabaraj Adhikari, was ensued with series of heart touching speeches from the National Director himself, the Vice Principal, Mr. Gyatso, teacher representative, Mr. Kunden Gyatso and a student representative. It was an emotional and nostalgic moment for everyone present, especially when the speakers recounted fond memories of the days they have shared with the outgoing Principal. Songs of tribute and farewell were presented by students of all three sections of the school, which apparently left Genla as well as many choking with emotions.
Mr. Tsering Thondup, in his final speech, thanked everyone for the years of support he had received. He acknowledged his gratitude to everyone from the National Director to all his co-workers and community leaders with personal tokens of appreciation. He hoped that they would continue lending their full support to his successor and the school in the years to come. Mr Tsering Thondup received a letter of commendation from the National Director amidst loud cheers and Genla was also handed a joint farewell gift on behalf of the entire staff of SOS Hermann Gmeiner School Pokhara. The vote of thanks by the chairman of the school management committee, Mr. Ngawang Dorjee, was then followed by offering of traditional scarves and mementos to the Principal by the school captains and all the special invitees.
The farewell programme was concluded with tea and refreshment for the guests and staff. Students were dispensed snacks with the help of the school captains and prefects. Finally, a simple farewell dinner party was hosted in honour of the outgoing Principal that once again culminated in exchange of traditional scarves and best wishes. Genla left his legacy to be carried forward by the then Vice Principal, Mr. Gyatso while Mr. Kunden Gyatso will be taking over the junior school as the Teacher in Charge. As per the hopes of Mr. Pradhananga, Genla and Pala, the school will continue to move forward to reach newer heights and glory under their able leadership.