The Canadian Parliamentary Friends of Tibet (PFT) Launches Second Parliamentary Internship Program

In front of Ottawa’s Parliament building (from L-R): Front row: Yeshi Lhamo, Tsering Asha Leba, Tenzin Nawang Tekan, Tenzin Lama, and Rinchen Lama. Back row: Rignam Wangkhang, Tenzin Obum, Jigme Duntak, Tenchoe Dorjee, and Wangdu Duntak.

Following up on the success of their first internship in 2007, the Parliamentary Friends of Tibet have launched a second internship program for young Tibetan-Canadian students hoping to familiarize themselves with the workings of Parliament.

The importance of involving young Tibetans in the parliamentary process was echoed at the November 2009 World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet held in Rome where parliamentarians from all over the world gathered to discuss parliamentary initiatives that could be adopted by the different parliaments around the world in order to move towards a solution on the Tibet issue. One of the key strategies that was proposed by parliamentarians from all over the world was to “involve young Tibetans in the political system” in order to develop a “greater Tibetan understanding of local political conditions.”

From the results of the Canadian PFT’s first internship program in 2007 it was seen how this sort of initiative can really benefit young Tibetans. Of the four Tibetans who were selected for the internship, all went on to find employment in a parliamentary office or other governmental organization. Reports were also submitted by the interns at the end of their internship describing their experience. All were favorable and thankful for the opportunity to participate in the internship program and viewed their experience as valuable to their future.