KP Sharma

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) has announced a revised curriculum and a National Education Policy 2024 that focus on mindfulness and well-being.

The initiative aims to align Bhutan’s educational standards with the needs of the society in the evolving times.

Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa highlighted that these reforms reflect Royal Kasho’s vision for an education system that nurtures both academic excellence and holistic well-being.

The curriculum review builds on consultations with Cambridge International, which highlighted the need for improving teaching and evaluation methods during the National Education Conference in August 2024.

As per the ministry’s plan, it was supposed to launch a professional development programme for curriculum developers, teacher education leaders, and officials from the Bhutan Council for School Examinations and Assessment in October this year.

This programme aims to enhance skills in curriculum alignment, teaching strategies, and student assessment, with Cambridge’s support being crucial.

A central component of the revised curriculum will be the integration of mindfulness and well-being practices.

This change will focus on integrating emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and compassion among students, supporting the goals of promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH) and addressing students’ mental health.

In addition, the curriculum will also include global and local themes such as technology, environmental sustainability, waste management, and renewable energy.

The focus on green education will aim to instill a sense of responsibility for environmental conservation.

Further, the curriculum will encompass Bhutanese cultural heritage and civic education to foster national identity and encourage community engagement.

On the other hand, the National Education Policy 2024 will cover all educational sectors, including early childhood education, vocational training, and lifelong learning.

It will set standards for curriculum development, assessment reforms, governance, and educational infrastructure, aiming to improve both quality and accessibility.

The policy will promote critical thinking, self-discovery, STEM education, and skills related to technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

According to the minister, student well-being will be a major focus, with provisions for health, nutrition, and mental health support, ensuring that students receive the necessary assistance throughout their learning journey.

An action plan will guide the effective implementation of the policy, while a National Education Skilling Roadmap will work to integrate skill-building directly into the education system.

This comprehensive approach, according to the ministry, seeks to prepare students for the challenges of the future while honoring Bhutanese values and culture.