Following her participation in the 21st National Education Conference in Trashiyangtse, the Honโble Lyonpo travelled to Zhemgang Dzongkhag to visit schools, engage with school management, and assess learning environments and existing facilities.
On January 31, Lyonpo visited Panbang Primary School (PS), the former Tama High School and Zhemgang Central School. She was accompanied by the Director General of the Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development, with Dasho Dzongdag also joining the team.
At Panbang PS, Lyonpo visited facilities including the multipurpose hall, kitchen, staffrooms, library, hostels and classrooms, some of which were found to be in poor condition.
As one of the largest PS in the Dzongkhag, the school caters to 390 students with 20 teachers but currently lacks a proper dining hall and multipurpose hall. The school has submitted proposals for the construction of new hostels, an internal footpath and a multipurpose hall.
Lyonpo then visited the Tama High School site to gain first-hand information on the status of the existing infrastructure including the academic block, WASH facilities, library, hostels, kitchen, guest house and staff quarters. She explored opportunities for repurposing and optimising available facilities for effective use.
As part of the Ministryโs nationwide initiatives to enhance educational infrastructure, Zhemgang Central School is receiving a significant facelift through renovation and new construction. Lyonpo visited some of the construction sites including hostels, WASH facilities and the academic block.
Additional infrastructure planned for the school includes a multipurpose hall, dining hall, integrated academic block, SEN block, sports facilities and other maintenance works.
The school currently has 316 students including 148 boys and 168 girls with a staff strength of 26.
On February 1, Lyonpo visited the Rural Development Training Center (RDTC), where she met with staff and trainees and received a briefing on the centerโs profile and programs.
While interacting with trainees, Lyonpo highlighted the potential of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in providing lifelong, livelihood-oriented skills. She also addressed common concerns related to TVET graduates and shared the Ministryโs commitment to strengthening the TVET sector through diverse strategies and clear pathways for long-term growth.
Following the meeting, Lyonpo toured the centerโs technology park and observed ongoing agricultural activities.
Previously under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the center now with the Ministry offers various courses related to agriculture, livestock and capacity building to students, youth and farmers. Currently, 25 youths are enrolled in barista training while 18 youths are undergoing landscape training at the center.
This marked the Lyonpoโs first visit to Zhemgang, providing her with valuable insights into the academic setting and the challenges faced by schools. She reaffirmed the Ministryโs commitment to enhancing education standards and addressing priority needs in line with national education goals.
According to records, Zhemgang has 28 schools with a total enrollment of 3858 students supported by 269 teachers.
