Winter vacation is a time when students in urban centres engage in various extra-curricular activities. But for children in remote schools, they resign to their homes, in service to their parents. The story is different this time around for 50 remote school students. They are in Thimphu as part of the Bhutan Football Federation’s Bridge the Gap programme.
From football coaching to tournaments, the federation has arranged several programmes for remote students who are aged below 16.
The students are from the Merak Primary School and Sakteng Lower Secondary School in Trashigang, Tsamang Primary School in Monggar, Rangtse Primary School in Haa and Sengdhyen Lower Secondary School in Samtse.
“This is my first time visiting Thimphu and I have learned many new knowledge. This is also a good time to make new friends. We also went on trips,” said Pema Choki, a student at Tsamang Primary School.
“After coming here, I have seen things that I have never seen before. We also went on exposure trips. I would like to participate again if given the opportunity. I have gained courage and when I go back to school, I will share my experience with my friends,” said Sonam Penjor, a student at Sakteng Lower Secondary School.
“We do not get an opportunity like this at our place. So, I am very happy that I got this chance. I would like to participate in such a programme if given the opportunity,” said Phurpa Tshering, a student at Merak Primary School.
“I am very happy that I could come to Thimphu. I also made new friends and learned new skills. I am thankful for this opportunity,” said Nim Deki Sherpa, a student at Rangtse Primary School.
“I would like to thank the federation for giving us such an opportunity. By participating in this programme, I got new knowledge and also made new friends,” said Ram Kumar Rai, a student at Sengdhyen Lower Secondary School.
Through such a programme, the Bhutan Football Federation hopes to change the lives of those living in remote villages through football.
According to the federation, the programme is an annual event that provides opportunities to students of five remote schools.
The five-day programme ended, today.
Deki Lhazom
