As part of her tour to Samtse, the Hon’ble Lyonpo visited Gangthok Primary School on April 21, followed by visits to Chongzhu, Soeltapsa and Dzongsar Primary Schools on April 22. Despite being located in some of the remote areas of Samtse, these schools have shown a strong commitment to providing quality education amidst geographical isolation and infrastructural limitations.
Lyonpo concluded her school visits on April 23 with engagements at Tashicholing, Namgaycholing and Ugyentse Primary Schools. Throughout the tour, Lyonpo engaged closely with students and teachers receiving briefings on each school’s best practices and achievements.
Lyonpo emphasised the importance of instilling moral values, self-discipline and healthy living during her interactions with students. “Never hesitate to ask questions or seek help during difficult times,” she encouraged the young learners.
Lyonpo also held meaningful dialogues with teachers stressing the importance of nurturing inclusive, fear-free classrooms that prioritise emotional well-being alongside academic excellence. She reminded teachers of their crucial role as professional and personal role models in shaping the future of their students.
Recognising the dedication of educators, Lyonpo highlighted the Ministry’s strategies aimed at improving their work environment and fostering professional growth through initiatives such as the Cambridge curriculum alignment, immersion programs, the National Teaching Service and continued professional development.
Particular emphasis was placed on the immersion program which exposes educators to international best practices to enhance their professional skills and global competence. “All teachers will have access to such transformative training under the 13th Five-Year Plan,” she added.
Addressing concerns about school access in remote areas, Lyonpo spoke on the Ministry’s central school and school consolidation policy. She acknowledged the hardships faced by students who walk long challenging distances to school due to a lack of hostel facilities. She urged teachers to help families understand the long-term benefits of enrolling their children in central schools. She explained that such institutions offer improved resources and learning opportunities that smaller, isolated schools may struggle to offer.
Updating further, Lyonpo highlighted the “One Egg Per Child” program designed to address nutritional deficiencies in schoolchildren, especially protein intake. Under this initiative, every child enrolled in 292 primary schools, 50 ECRs and five special institutes receives one egg daily. She also shared news of an increased monthly food stipend to ensure wholesome and nutritious meals for students.
Additionally, the meeting addressed teacher concerns related to the Individual Work Plan, moderation exercise and the Bhutan Professional Standards for Teachers. Teachers were assured that the Ministry has introduced more flexible and teacher-friendly approaches to ease administrative burdens and better align with classroom realities.
The visit provided Lyonpo with firsthand exposure to the challenges and successes of rural education while offering a platform to explore strategies to support both learners and teachers. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering dedication to building a more equitable, nurturing and future-ready education system.
Additional pictures online at https://www.facebook.com/SherigBhutan/posts/1158775822955462
