Nepali politicians are still squabbling about power, more than 2 years after peace was struck, so parliament isn't sitting and the country still has no democracy, after more than half a century of struggle.

At Thrangu Rinpoche's school, it's different. The children have an active voice in their school. Since 2004, the Student Council has participated in the management of SMD. They make frequent presentations to the Management Group, and often cook up great ideas that we Senior Administrators love! Oftentimes, their ideas help us to improve the standard of instruction at SMD.

Among some of the improvements made by Student Council:
1. Adoption of two street dogs
2. Banning of plastic bags
3. Purchasing of recycling bins

The Student Council, along with SMD Roots and Shoots (Dr. Jane Goodall's group) and the Eco club have taken it upon themselves to teach the whole school about plastic, and about recycling.

Student Council elections are held at the beginning of each school year. Candidates design their own logos for the ballots (a majority of Nepalis are illiterate, so symbols are used to represent parties/candidates in national elections). Student Council candidates have to design their own platform and speak to the entire student body. When the actual elections are held, the polling station is closed so kids can cast their votes in secret.

Lining up to cast votes	Explaining the ballot paper to the teachers
Collecting a ballot paper on the way into the polling booth. The thumbnail is marked with permanent ink to prevent double-voting	Marking a ballot paper

STUDENT COUNCIL

In our school, the Student Council was formed in the year 2004 at the suggestion of our Director. The Student Council is organized by the Seniors and our Head Teacher, Mr. Dewan.

The Student Council works for the betterment of SMD, co-operating with the school management and as well as with the school staff. This club works as a bridge between the students and school management. We solve the arising problems in the school and share our good ideas.

This club is the medium from where we all get chance to learn, share our bright and helpful ideas and our views, working towards the betterment and success of the students as well as the whole school itself. This is a really good way to brighten the future of all the students and the whole SMD family. It’s a kind of kid power where kids participate for the betterment of the school for example: students choose the best candidate for the Executive Members of the Student Council. The Student Council is very helpful for the whole school.

LIST OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE MEMBERS SINCE 2004:

2004-2005
Tashi Phuntsok Sherpa B218
Lhakcho Dolma Sherpa B319a

2005-2006
Urgen Dorje M153
Dawa Gyaltsen B177
Karma Yangu N162 (nun)

2006-2007
Lhakpa Dolma B334a
Migmar Sherpa B08
Tashi Sherpa B220

2007-2008
Lhakpa Sonam Sherpa B348a
Younten Lhundup M377 (monk)
Tashi Dolma B260

2008-2009
Gyaltsen Norbu M195 (monk)
Karma Yangchen B016
Dorje Thinley B012

Dorje Thinley B012, Executive Member	Exec Members: Gyaltsen Norbu M194, Karma Yangchen B016, Dorje Thinley B012
The teacher is Mr. Milan Dewan. Milan supervises elections and attends Student Council meetings when the kids inivite him. Facing camera: Ugyen Khandro B238 & Tseing Lhazom B424a