KP Sharma

In a move to offer more choices and build a specialised workforce, the government plans to establish five specialised schools and an international school in the 13th plan.

According to Education and Skills Development Minister Yeezang De Thapa, this initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of youth by allowing them to specialise in subjects based on their interests.

The government has allocated Nu 800 million for schools focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), music and arts, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), sports, and a rehabilitation centre.

Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa said that the ministry is concerned about the on-going decline in school enrollment. She added that these specialised schools will improve the quality and scope of the current education system.

The government plans to utilise existing structures for these facilities, instead of constructing new buildings.

Lyonpo said that consolidation of schools would be necessary due to the decreasing student enrollment.

“The specialised schools will offer curriculum tailored to students’ interests, providing hands-on training and experiences to enhance innovation and critical thinking,” Lyonpo said.

These schools will also support students with special skills who may not have had opportunities to pursue tertiary education.

As per the plan, a special rehabilitation school will be established at the erstwhile Kelki School in Yonphula, a STEM school in Drukgyel, and a TVET school in Tama, Zhemgang.

The school at Tama, previously known as the Prince Namgyel Wangchuck Academy, was purchased by the government at Nu 64.977 million and remains unused after renovations.

The location for the music and arts school is yet to be finalised.

The government has allocated Nu 20 million for the establishment of the international school in the fiscal year 2024-25.

Although the location of the international school is not yet finalised, it is expected to be established either in Paro or Thimphu. This international school aims to provide world-class education and cater to the needs of children of foreign employees working in Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Lyonpo said that having international-standard schools is necessary to keep the education system competitive and up-to-date in the 21st century.

The international school will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and serve as a model school in the future.

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