KP Sharma

Students in five pilot Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools in the country will soon get to learn pottery as vocational skills.

Selwa, with support from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), will introduce pottery training in the SEN schools. The handing over of the equipment for the SEN schools was held in Thimphu yesterday.

Selwa, established in 2019 under Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen’ office,  supports persons with disabilities to lead integrated, independent, and meaningful lives.

Guided by Her Majesty’s vision for inclusive development, Selwa seeks to ensure that individuals with special needs are included in Bhutan’s development path and in the pursuit of Gross National Happiness.

Selwa aims to not only equip children with disabilities with the tools they need to explore their creativity but also to create an environment where they can express themselves, build confidence, and develop new skills.

TIKA will support Selwa in implementing a train-the-trainer programme to enhance trainer capacity and ensure the sustainability of a high-quality training programme.

The executive director of Selwa, Peldon Tshering, said that TIKA’s commitment to supporting inclusive initiatives exemplifies the true spirit of community and cooperation

She said that pottery was chosen as the skill for training for several reasons. “It is more than just a craft; it serves as a medium through which children can communicate, connect, and find joy.”

Peldon Tshering said that the tactile nature of working with clay offers therapeutic benefits, which enhances fine motor skills, and encourages self-expression in ways that words sometimes cannot. “This opens the doors to new possibilities, nurturing the talents within each child.”

The executive director added that pottery also has market potential and environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon footprints and replacing plastic products. “Beyond economic and environmental aspects, pottery offers therapeutic benefits that can calm and focus the mind—a particularly valuable asset for individuals with ADHD and other disabilities.”

Scientifically, for many children, working with clay can be profoundly soothing and can help improve focus and patience.

She said that such developments create a space where every child, regardless of their abilities, can come together to learn, create, and inspire one another. “This initiative represents a commitment to inclusion and empowerment.”

According to the National Health Survey 2023, there are over 48,000 persons with disabilities above the age of five.

With cases of children born with Down syndrome reported each month at the national hospital, experts say there is an urgent need for the country to develop programmes for children with disabilities, enabling them to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives within society.

The chair of The Pema Secretariat Board, Dasho Tobgay, said that in Bhutan, where opportunities for individuals with disabilities have been limited, Her Majesty’s advocacy serves as a source of hope. “Her Majesty’s sustained efforts have inspired new programmes, resources, and services that support children with special needs in schools and communities.”

He added that from vocational training to therapeutic support, these programmes not only improve the lives of children but also contribute to building a more compassionate and inclusive society for all Bhutanese.