If everything goes as planned, a calculator with Dzongkha numbers will be made available soon. Two class ten students from Khangkhu Middle Secondary School in Paro are developing a Dzongkha calculator app. They are using their coding skills and online materials to develop it.
To develop their app called as Druk Digit, 16-year-old Jigme Wangyal and 15-year-old Unish Ghalleay are currently in the process of coding programmes for the app.
They said they use ChatGPT and online materials to code and find information.
Once developed, it is expected to benefit those who can only read and write Dzongkha.
In pursuit of their goal, the students dedicate their time after school and off hours to develop the app. However, the duo is in need of financial support to be able to fully develop the app.
“To develop it as an app, it would take time as we need authorisation from Play Store. Firstly, we make drafts and learn the basics. Then we study how it functions and modify it. That’s why we try to make it better,” said Jigme Wangyal.
“We were introduced to coding through Code Monkey when we were in class eight. We then started coding. In class ten we are learning Python. Python is a higher version of coding. We are developing the app through Python today. Coding came as a gift to us and with the help of ChatGPT and AI apps we are able to work on it smoothly,” said Unish Ghalleay.
They added that the idea of developing a Dzongkha calculator came from their experiences and to promote the national language.
“My mother is a shopkeeper. I often see her struggling with calculation. She did not go to school so she can’t use the calculators. I thought if we can make a calculator using Dzongkha numbers, then it might benefit people living in the rural area,” said Jigme Wangyal.
Meanwhile, they have also developed a room heater prototype with a cooling function.
The duo also developed a portable fan which functions when connected to mobile phones with a USB cable, and a model of flood early warning system.
These young minds are not only undertaking coding challenges but are also contributing to coming up with practical solutions using technology.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
