Classroom shortages and ageing school buildings have long been a concern for students and teachers in Thimphu. In response, the Thimphu Thromde has started a project to upgrade and expand classrooms in several schools. This is expected to ease overcrowding and improve learning conditions.
Loselling Middle Secondary School has been facing a shortage of classrooms for the past several years.
This is set to change with the construction of 17 new classrooms, expected to be completed within the next two years.
Each class currently has over 40 students, significantly above the recommended student-teacher ratio. The ideal class size according to the education ministry is around 25 for primary classes and around 32 students for middle and higher secondary classrooms.
Teachers say overcrowded classrooms make it difficult for students to concentrate and for teachers to provide individual attention.
Sonam, the principal of Loselling Middle Secondary School said, “Compared to last year, student enrolment has increased by a total of 114 this year. However, with limited classrooms, accommodating the growing numbers has become difficult.”
Jungshina Primary School is another school that has been facing difficulty in accommodating an increasing number of student enrolments. The school has been earmarked by the Thimphu Thromde for upgradation.
Sangay Dorji, the principal of Jungshina Primary School said, “Due to an increase in settlement, students’ enrolment comes from Pamtsho, Hejo, and Taba as it is convenient for them here. Currently, we are facing classroom shortages, and we are not able to give an opportunity to everyone who wants admission in our school.
Babesa Primary School and Babesa Higher Secondary School are also included under the Thromde’s classroom expansion initiative.
Yangchen Dema, a teacher at Babesa Primary School said, “Some classrooms have damaged walls, and despite our efforts, these cannot be fully repaired due to the age of the buildings. We strive to provide the best quality education, but it would be far more effective if the learning environment were conducive, with larger, well-maintained classrooms.”
Tshering Tashi, the vice principal of Babesa Higher Secondary School said, “Six classrooms have been deemed unsafe and are advised for dismantling. Currently, four temporary classrooms have been built for the students, while the remaining two classes are being conducted in tents”
For now, the Thimphu Thromde is carrying out upgradation and classroom expansions in six schools, along with improvements in sanitation and water facilities.
Loselling Middle Secondary School, Babesa Higher Secondary School, Babesa Primary School and Lungtenphu Middle Secondary School will have new classrooms, while Jungshina Primary School and Sherabgatshel Primary School will undergo grade upgradation.
With the number of students in the city growing every year, the Thromde emphasizes that improving school infrastructure and upgrading it is crucial to ensure quality education.
According to the Thromde, they plan to upgrade and expand most schools under the Thromde before the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan.
There are a total of 35 schools under Thimphu Thromde.
However, they admitted that limited budget and shortage of manpower remain major challenges.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
