Recognition: Zilnon Namgyelling Primary School in Thimphu was awarded the best amongst schools in the country for reading the highest number of books during the national reading year 2015.

On Friday, Royal Education Council awarded the school a rolling trophy and a certificate of merit for the achievement.

The gold-plated trophy bears a logo of the 6th birth anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo with citation: “Dedicated to the Birth Anniversary of The Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, National Reading Programme 2015.”

Lyonchhoen Tshering Tobgay signed on the certificate of merit.

The school, during the national reading year, has read 76,452 books – the highest amongst more than 500 schools in the country that took part in the reading programme.

All 948 students of Zilnon Namgyelling participated in reading books on short novels, magazines, short stories, poems, plays, fictions and drama. The students read whatever book was available in the school library. The books were both in Dzongkha and English written by local and as well international authors.

The principal of the school, Kuenzang Thinley, said that although the school incorporated reading habits long time back, but following the introduction of the national reading programme, the school dedicated certain amount of time for reading.

“Besides, one period in a week for each class was dedicated for reading the school also adopted reading session during the morning assembly,” said Kuenzang Thinley.

He added that the students were also encouraged to read books at home. They were allowed to borrow books from the school.

Kuenzang Thinley said that the award belongs to all students and teachers. It was combined efforts of all. “We celebrate this achievement this day.”

And Kuenzang Thinley added: “The award came as a surprise because we never thought we would top in the programme. The award will further motivate and inspire us to put additional efforts in focusing on reading.”

The second price of The Reading Year 2015 went to Changzamtog Lower Secondary School that read 52,403 books. Jigme Namgyel Lower Secondary School that read 46,992, and bagged the third price. The certificates were awarded to top ten schools that read the largest number of books.

The National Reading Year was dedicated to His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo as part of His Majesty’s 60th birth anniversary celebrations.

The reading mission of the education ministry began after His Majesty The King launched the National Reading Year, 2015 in December 2014.

During the State of the Nation Report on June 19, 2014, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said that developing a national reading strategy would be one of the educational initiatives of the government to inculcate a healthy reading habit.

Tenzin Namgyel

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