Gyalsung programme launches with hope and positivity in Mongar

Neten Dorji

Gyalpoizhing—In a historic moment towards shaping the future of Bhutanese youth, His Royal Highness Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck graced the inaugural ceremony of Gyalsung programme at Gyalpoizhing Academy yesterday.

His Royal Highness was accompanied by Ashi Yeatso Lhamo, alongside His Eminence Tshugla Lopen Karma Rangdol, Minister of Education and Skills Development Yeezang De Thapa, and other government and dzongkhag officials.

The launch of this groundbreaking programme has ignited excitement among parents, who are eager to see their children grow into capable and responsible citizens.

A father from Lhuntse, Kinzang La, said that although his son got the opportunity to study at the College of Science and Technology, he chose the Gyalsung Programme.

“It offers invaluable opportunities for personal growth and skill enhancement, preparing our children for the 21st-century world,” he said.

Kinzang added that the programme will not only benefit his son but also the future of many other young Bhutanese.

The three-month Gyalsung programme for 2024 and 2025 batches includes basic military training, national education lectures, and life skills courses.

The Royal Bhutan Army will conduct the military training while the Royal Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies will offer leadership courses.

The Zhung Dratshang will offer Choeshey Larim (religious teachings) and experts will teach Driglam Namzha, Bhutanese history, and national security, among others.

Another parent, Namgay from Paro, expressed his gratitude to His Majesty the King for the opportunity. “When I heard about the Gyalsung project, I was filled with excitement to enroll my son for the Gyalsung programme.  I am hopeful that this programme will help him develop into a productive citizen.”

A mother from Pemagatshel, Sangay, said that the Gyalsung programme will equip her daughter with essential skills and prepare her to serve the nation effectively. “I have witnessed widespread enthusiasm among the youth to join this transformative programme.”

A relative of a trainee, Tashi Phuntsho, said that the Gyalsung programme will foster positive changes in attitudes and behaviour of youth.  “I have heard so much about what the programme offers. It is a pivotal moment for our youth, and I am encouraging my brother and other relatives to participate.”

Thanking His Majesty the King for initiating the Gyalsung programme, a retired civil servant expressed that the programme will instill a strong sense of discipline, order, and structure. “The programme will help develop crucial life skills and the ability to become a productive citizen.”

The first cohort’s training began yesterday and will conclude on December 3, 2024. The second cohort will start on December 16 and end on March 15, 2025. For the second batch of the following year, training will commence on April 1 and end on June 30, with a subsequent session starting on August 1 and concluding on October 30.

The Gyalsung programme is provided at the four Gyalsung academies: Khotokha Gyalsung Academy in Wangdue, Jamtsholing Gyalsung Academy in Samtse, Gyalpoizhing Gyalsung Academy in Mongar, and Pemathang Gyalsung Academy in Samdrupjongkhar.