Neten Dorji

Lhuentse—Dungkar School, the only primary school in Kurtoed Gewog, Lhuentse, is grappling with inadequate infrastructure, posing major challenges for students, teachers, and caregivers alike.

The school was relocated to protect nearby historical and cultural sites of the majestic Jigme Namgyal Ngatshang (ancestral home of the monarchs) at the request of the dzongkhag administration, but the move has led to mixed results.

While the first phase of construction—comprising eight academic blocks, three hostels, a kitchen, student toilets, and a storage area—was completed at the cost of Nu. 63.403 million, the lack of essential facilities continues to strain the institution.

Key infrastructure, including an administrative block, dining hall, staff quarters, science lab, and the principal’s residence, remains unfinished. Teachers have resorted to using a refurbished toilet as a makeshift staff room.

“Without proper cubicles, it is challenging to manage our schedules and maintain productivity,” a teacher said.

Caregivers also face severe challenges, living in converted hostel rooms due to the lack of standard residential facilities.

Basic amenities like strong network connectivity, sufficient computers, street lighting, fencing, and handwashing stations are missing. Even library books are stored on verandas, where they risk damage from roaming cattle.

Dungkar Tshogpa, Tashi Jatsho, expressed concern over the impact of incomplete infrastructure on students and teachers. “Without basic facilities, both teachers and students are struggling,” said the tshogpa. “We can’t handle it on our own due to limited funds, and we need the government’s help.”

Parents and local residents have built a temporary shed to serve as a dining hall, but the stopgap measure is far from ideal.

Despite the dzongkhag education sector’s request to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESd) for additional facilities, the construction of the remaining facilities was not approved for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Further delays could jeopardise the school’s functioning, and students will have to suffer until the facilities are provided.

“Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful that the construction will begin within the next one to two years,” said a teacher. “These facilities are key to achieving excellence and improving the learning environment.”

Currently, the school serves 96 students from five chiwogs in Kurtoed gewog and one chiwog in Gangzur gewog. With the establishment of a Royal Bhutan Army wing in a nearby chiwog, enrollment is expected to increase, exacerbating the need for adequate infrastructure.

An official from the MoESD acknowledged the delay, attributing it to budget reprioritisation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are committed to improving school infrastructure under the 13th Plan, prioritising essential needs like dining halls, toilets, classrooms, sports facilities, and staff housing in rural areas,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of rationalising schools to optimise resource allocation and addressing critical gaps across the country’s 567 schools.

With 50 kilometres away from the dzongkhag administration, Dungkar’s school’s location compounds its challenges.

Despite temporary measures to sustain academic activities, the community and staff urge the government to prioritise the construction of the remaining facilities to provide students with a conducive learning environment.