As thousands of Bhutanese settle in Australia, a growing concern is how the next generation will stay connected to the language, values and traditions of their homeland. In Canberra, the Bhutanese community is responding in a unique way by teaching children about Bhutan every Sunday.
For children growing up thousands of kilometres from Bhutan, staying connected to their roots can be a challenge.
In Canberra, one community initiative is trying to make sure distance does not mean disconnection.
Every Sunday, Bhutanese children come together to learn the language, culture and values of their homeland.
The Bhutanese Language and Culture School was formally launched in August 2024, building on earlier community-led efforts to teach Bhutanese children.
The idea grew from concerns among Bhutanese parents, religious leaders and community members that children raised in Australia could gradually lose touch with their heritage.
The school goes beyond language. Children are also introduced to Bhutanese etiquette, traditions and values including Tha Damtsi and Ley-jumdray.
Buddhist prayers, mindfulness and compassion form another important part of their learning.
And the lessons are not confined to the classroom. The children are given opportunities to experience Bhutanese culture themselves. Last year, the school held its first Bhutanese Heritage Concert giving children a chance to perform and celebrate their culture in front of the community.
In March this year, the school also launched textbooks for all grades, strengthening its structured approach to teaching. And the response has been significant. From about 100 students two years ago, enrolment has more than doubled this year, with children attending classes across two campuses.
With 18 teachers and classes held every Sunday, the school is now one of the community’s key spaces for passing Bhutanese identity to the next generation.
For parents, the hope is simple that their children can grow up confidently in Australia without losing the connection to where their families came from.
And for these children, Bhutan is no longer just a place they hear about from their parents. It is something they can speak, practise and experience.
As the Bhutanese diaspora continues to grow across Australia, the school is trying to ensure that the journey to a new home does not become a journey away from home. The Bhutanese Language and Culture School has grown rapidly since it was formally launched two years ago and is now helping more than 260 children stay connected to their roots.
Thinley Dorji, Canberra, Australia
