In a significant step toward supporting youth rehabilitation, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development on August 28 inaugurated Yarabling Higher Secondary School (HSS), the country’s first specialised school for students struggling with substance abuse.
Located in Yonphula, Trashigang, the school aims to offer a safe, supportive and structured environment where students in recovery can continue their education while receiving dedicated counselling and peer support.
The school will begin operations in the second week of August with an initial intake of 63 students in Classes VII to X. With a staff strength of 30 including two trained counsellors, the school is well-prepared to deliver a care-focused education model. Once all ongoing infrastructure developments are completed, it will have the capacity to accommodate up to 424 students.
The school’s curriculum integrates national academic instruction with therapeutic programs including personalised counselling and evidence-based recovery strategies aimed at building resilience, discipline and hope. Once students complete their recovery journey, they will transition back to their original schools.
According to the school principal, Yeshey Dorji, the school will adopt a holistic learning approach focusing on six key areas of personal growth including intellectual, emotional, spiritual, physical, social and ethical conduct.
Unlike regular schools, they will reduce traditional classroom hours placing greater emphasis on counselling, mentoring, mindfulness practices, physical activities and skills-based programs that support both personal healing and meaningful learning.
This initiative aligns with the government’s long-term and compassionate approach to addressing the growing concern of substance abuse among youth through supportive and rehabilitative efforts.
The launch was graced by the Hon’ble Lyonpo for Education and Skills Development, Dasho Dzongda of Trashigang and Directors from the Ministry along with invited guests.
