The integration of sports into the education system is taking a new turn with the launch of the Vibrant Sporting Culture Programme. The programme is currently being piloted in three schools. The initiative aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue diverse opportunities in sports.
The Bhutan Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development launched the Vibrant Sporting Culture Programme in March this year. It is currently being piloted in Woochu Lower Secondary School and Khangkhu Middle Secondary School in Paro, as well as Chundu Armed Forces Public School in Haa.
The project will be piloted for two years, and if successful, it will be expanded nationwide.
While Health and Physical Education, or HPE, has long been part of the school curriculum, the project goes beyond existing PE classes. It introduces students to structured sports education and industry-related training, offering pathways into roles such as sport commentator to event manager and photographer.
By expanding the scope of sports in schools, the programme not only promotes physical fitness but also supports career development by cultivating skills relevant to the sports sector.
“So first of all, the need for this pilot project is that our schools, traditionally, have only focused on the physical aspect of sports. Through the Vibrant Sporting Culture pilot, we’re offering students the chance to explore wider opportunities within sports, like photography, event management, and even entrepreneurship,” said Tshering Penjor, the project coordinator, BOC.
So far, more than 14 School Sports Instructors (SSIs) and Health & Physical Education (HPE) teachers have been trained.
Although the project is still in its early stages, it holds promise. It aims to shape not only better athletes but also more dynamic and capable individuals.
To learn what sets apart the Vibrant Sporting Culture Programme from the existing Health and Physical Education curriculum, our reporter Sonam Yuden spoke with Tshering Penjor, the project coordinator of the programme.
