KP Sharma

The government’s announcement to establish a Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) school in Tama has reignited excitement and hope among the people of Zhemgang.

Their renewed hope stems from the government’s plan to convert a long-idle facility into a vocational education centre, finally resolving the uncertainty about its future use.

The facility, formerly the Prince Namgyel Wangchuck Academy, was acquired by the government for Nu 64.977 million.

The previous government had proposed converting the facility into a vocational centre or general school after the Parliament approved starting a college under the 12th Plan.

Following the purchase, the government carried out renovations in 2022, spending an additional Nu 16 million on water supply maintenance and the construction of extra toilets in the academic blocks and girls’ hostel.

However, despite the school’s readiness, the plan did not materialise due to an insufficient number of students in the area.

Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa said that the ministry is currently finalising the courses and overall details of the school. She also said that Tama was chosen to support the future workforce of the Gelephu Mindfulness City.

A former Member of Parliament acknowledged that while the idea is sound, it is crucial for the government to introduce new courses that are relevant to current and future needs to ensure the school’s relevance and sustainability.

He highlighted the importance of avoiding course duplication and instead focusing on high-end programmes that would attract youth interest, thereby helping to revive the perception of TVET among young people.

“The general perception among the youth about TVET needs to be changed with newer courses,” he said.

Nangkor Gup Singye Wangchuk said that while the school would greatly benefit the dzongkhag, it would also create market opportunities for farmers and boost economic activities in Zhemgang and the neighbouring gewogs of Sarpang.

He credited the outcome to consistent follow-up by the Dzongkhag Tshogdu. Singye Wangchuk emphasised the importance of good road connectivity, given that the school will link Gelephu and Zhemgang.

He assured that the local government would support efforts to improve the highway for the benefit of the people.

Although the infrastructure has been repaired and is ready to host the school, some facilities may still require minor renovations and other improvements to fully accommodate the new institution.