Ask Xizang: Can Tibetan kids learn their language and culture?

Voices in the West accusing the Chinese government of "erasing the Tibetan language and culture" have persisted over the years and have often been amplified by several mainstream media outlets. What's the reality? CGTN Digital reporter Li Jingjing visited the No.8 Middle School in Lhasa, capital of Xizang Autonomous Region, to get to know the staff and students' life on campus.

Not only does the school offer the same number of Tibetan language classes as Mandarin Chinese classes, but students can also freely choose their language track based on their preferences. Moreover, education here extends beyond textbooks, with Tibetan calligraphy, Tibetan opera, art, science and music all playing a role in nurturing students' all-round development.

Xizang witnessed significant improvements in education conditions, thanks to a national policy that has been in place since 1985 – China's "Three Guarantees" policy. It covers food, accommodation, and basic school supplies for kids in Xizang, helping ease the financial burden on rural and pastoral families. The result? Students don't just get to attend school; they get a quality education. This policy has been a cornerstone in advancing educational equity and raising the overall quality of the population across the region.