Japanese volunteers from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are helping highlander students bridge the gap between remote village life and urban realities. Through a five-day Highlanders Winter Camp in Punakha, JICA volunteers are equipping students from Laya Middle Secondary School with vital life skills, starting with road safety awareness.
For students from Laya in Gasa, where there are no motorable roads, navigating traffic-heavy towns can be overwhelming. This winter, 40 students are learning how to stay safe on the roads before stepping into urban spaces.
As part of the camp, officials from the Department of Surface Transport in Lobesa conducted interactive sessions on traffic rules, pedestrian safety, and road signs, knowledge that many of the students are encountering in depth for the first time.
14-year-old Kinley Zam says the session changed how she looks at roads and traffic. While she had visited towns before with her parents, she now understands the rules behind safe movement.
“After attending this session, I understood traffic signs and how to cross safely at zebra crossings. I learned that we must be careful and observe the road before crossing,” said Kinley Zam, Student, Laya MSS, Gasa.
Another student, Zangmo, says the awareness is especially important for children from remote communities who temporarily move to Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang during winter.
“As we live in remote areas without roads, traffic rules are very important for us. When we come to town, accidents can happen if we are not careful. From this session, I learned about road signs and safe ways to walk on the road,” said Zangmo, Student, Laya MSS, Gasa.
Beyond road safety, the Winter Camp focuses on Health and Physical Education, teamwork, creative expression, and cultural exchange. JICA volunteers are facilitating activities designed to boost confidence, communication, and personal growth.
“We encourage students to step out of their comfort zone, explore and experience and confidently express their ideas and happiness in a supportive environment. So, I am very happy to see students becoming more confident, interactive and open, creating a great space for JICA volunteers to share skills and exchange cultures,” said Chihiro Nitanai, HPE Teacher, JICA.
The camp also helps keep highlander students positively engaged during the nearly four months they spend away from their homes due to harsh winter conditions.
Following a similar programme held last year at Lingzhi Gewog in Thimphu, this year’s camp in Punakha is preparing students for urban life and safer journeys ahead
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Kipchu
