The Hon’ble Minister for Education and Skills Development met with more than 1,350 education staff from Thimphu Thromde over three sessions held at Changangkha MSS. The sessions brought together principals, vice-principals, teachers, and school counsellors.
The engagement began on August 3, with Lyonpo meeting teachers from Zilukha MSS, Lungtenphu MSS, Lungtenzampa MSS, Babesa HSS, Babesa PS, Changrigphel PS, and Loselling MSS. On August 4, the meeting continued with educators from Yangchenphu HSS, Jigmelosel PS, Kuenselphodrang PS, Dechencholing HSS, Taba LSS, Sherabgatshel PS, and Jungshina PS. The final session, August 5, saw participation from Mothithang HSS, Jigmenamgyel LS, Changzamtog MSS, Changangkha MSS, Rinchenkuenphen PS, and Zilnon Namgyelling LSS.
Addressing the gathering, Lyonpo outlined the Ministry’s strategic priorities under the 13th Five-Year Plan including professional development, curriculum reform, infrastructure enhancement, and governance. She added that these efforts are aimed at improving the overall quality of education and strengthening the learning environment in alignment with the Royal Kasho.
Emphasising the importance of professional development, Lyonpo highlighted the ongoing immersion programme designed to expose Bhutanese teachers to international best practices. She added that many teachers have already benefited from the initiative and assured that all teachers will be provided opportunities for such transformative training. She also highlighted the establishment of the Teacher Professional Council, which is expected to further strengthen the teaching profession.
Lyonpo also emphasised student safety and wellbeing as a priority, with plans to strengthen systems that safeguard the rights and welfare of every child.
Additionally, Lyonpo shared about several ongoing initiatives, including the per-child financing model, provision of laptops for teachers on a cost-sharing basis, ICT enhancement, establishment of STEM and international schools, and developments at Yarabling HSS. Concerns regarding teacher registration, bullying, and textbook distribution were also addressed.
During the sessions, Lyonpo commended the dedication of educators in shaping the future of Bhutan and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a resilient and future-ready education system with improved access to resources. The engagement served as a valuable platform for Lyonpo to interact directly with teachers and listen to their concerns.
Thimphu Thromde currently has 35 schools with a total student enrollment of 26,414. The Thromde also hosts 48 ECCD centers serving 2,272 children, along with 18 Non-Formal Education and Continuing Learning Centers catering to 192 learners. The total education workforce in the Thromde stands at 2,031.
