Grant: The Germany’s Ambassador to India, Dr Martin Ney yesterday handed over training equipment worth Nu 890,000 to Draktsho Vocational Training Centre.

The equipment includes machineries, furniture and other supplies to Draktsho in Thimphu.

“We have supported the school because skilling and training is important for the development of this country in the future and it is important not to forget special needs of special children,” Dr Martin Ney said.

Draktsho’s deputy director, Deki Zam, said Draktsho has been lacking adequate and appropriate training gears. With the German government’s contribution, the children and youth at the centre will have access to proper training materials and will be able to study and train in comfort.

A majority of the furniture and equipment will be used in Draktsho’s first branch, Draktsho East Centre in Rongthong, Trashigang. Currently, the east centre has 67 special needs students while Draktsho in Thimphu has 55 students.

All students at the east centre are provided boarding facilities.

Deki Zam said the east centre expects more than 150 special needs students after the completion of an academic block and a hostel next month. The embassy of Japan in New Delhi funded the construction of the two buildings.

The centre hopes to cover eastern districts in providing special education and vocational training to those with disabilities, giving equal opportunities to all, added Deki Zam.

A parent of a boy with learning disabilities, Jigme Wangmo established Draktsho Vocational Training Centre in 2001 and it became a Civil Society Organization (CSO) in 2010.

By Dechen Tshomo