In an ongoing effort to strengthen educational equity across Bhutan, the Honโble Lyonpo is currently in Samtse visiting some of the remote schools and chiwogs. On April 17, she visited Denchukha Lower Secondary School which has 257 students, Gawaling Primary School with 78 students and Dorokha Primary School with 407 students. The following day, she continued her tour to Jaringay Primary School with 54 students, Mindruling Primary School with 165 students and Sengdhyen Lower Secondary School with 391 students.
The visit served as a valuable opportunity for Lyonpo to interact with students and teachers while gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by rural schools and explore ways to enhance holistic development for all students.
At each school, the meeting began with a presentation outlining the school details, progress, innovative practices and efforts being made to create an enriching learning space.
Addressing the students, Lyonpo stressed the importance of living with strong moral values and maintaining self-discipline. She encouraged them to avoid unhealthy habits and focus on both academic success and personal well-being. She urged them not to hesitate in seeking help during challenges or asking questions whenever they feel uncertain.
Speaking to the teachers, Lyonpo acknowledged the crucial role educators play in nurturing Bhutanโs future. She spoke of the Ministryโs efforts to improve working conditions and professional growth opportunities through initiatives such as the Cambridge curriculum alignment, immersion programs, the National Teaching Service and continued professional development. She added that these are designed to bring about positive and sustainable changes for educators.
Lyonpo also touched upon the Ministryโs policy on central schools and school consolidation, a strategic move to enhance educational quality and access. While recognising concerns from parents about sending children to boarding schools, she urged teachers to help families understand the long-term benefits of such initiatives.
She further emphasised the importance of creating supportive and inclusive classrooms free from fear where emotional well-being is valued alongside academic achievement. She reminded educators to be role models in both their personal and professional lives and to guide their students with empathy.
The Director of the Department of Education Programmes, who accompanied Lyonpo on the tour shared insights on the special curriculum and the importance of integrating mental health support and physical activity into daily school life. She stressed the need for stronger communication between schools and the Ministry noting that many critical issues from schools often remain unreported to the Ministry.
Following the meeting which also addressed the issues raised, Lyonpo visited key facilities in each school including classrooms, ICT and science labs, kitchens, staff rooms and libraries. She expressed concern over the poor and inadequate infrastructure observed in some of the schools and assured school management of the Ministryโs commitment to explore feasible strategies for improvement. She commended the schools for their effective management despite the challenges.
