Located nearly 3,000 metres above sea level, Sakteng in Trashigang experiences cold weather for much of the year. For decades, students at Sakteng Middle Secondary School relied on firewood-fed Bukharis to stay warm during the long winter months. That is now changing. The school has been equipped with a new heating system, providing students with a safer, healthier, and more comfortable learning environment.
The school’s academic block, administration building, library, and hostels have been equipped with the new heating system.
In addition, classrooms have been fitted with wall panelling, soft flooring, and aluminium doors and windows to help retain heat.
Before the upgrade, the school used around nine truckloads of firewood annually for heating and cooking purposes.
Pema Yangdon, a student said, “While using Bukhari, some parts of the wooden planks were damaged due to fire. During classes, the smoke from the fire often distracted students, making it difficult to concentrate properly. But with the new heating system, we feel warm and focus better on our studies.”
Another student Sonam Tenzin said, “Being in a remote area, our classrooms earlier had wooden plank flooring. But after the planks were damaged, they were replaced with cement flooring, which became very cold during winter. Now, our classrooms have thick floor mats, and this has made us stay warm.”
Today, there are almost 340 students in Sakteng Middle Secondary School.
The Ministry of Education and Skill Development funded the renovation and installation of heating system worth over 11.3 million ngultrum.
Besides improving learning conditions, the upgrade is expected to significantly reduce the firewood consumption.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
