In Logchina, Phuentshogling, residents are urging the government to upgrade their local school to a central school. They say it is a necessary step to ensure quality education for their children, especially as more families struggle to afford sending students to distant schools.
Established in 1991, Logchina Middle Secondary School has long been a source of pride for the community, with many of its children, once students here, now thriving in life. Yet, beneath this pride lies a deep concern. Without a central school beyond class ten, the future of countless children hangs in uncertainty.
People said, for families who depend entirely on farming, the cost and challenge of sending their children to distant schools is difficult. In the hope of getting a central school, the public has also given acres of land to expand the school area.
“For the sake of school, our people have given our lands. Many people here cannot afford to send their children to distant schools to continue their education after class ten. There are a few people who can afford it, but the majority cannot,” said Aita Singh Tamang, a resident of Logchina.
“In the four gewogs under Phuentshogling Dungkhag, there is currently no central school. As a result, we have to send our children to distant schools such as Pakchina. Upgrading Logchina School to a central school would greatly benefit not only our community but also neighbouring gewogs like Dungna, Maedtekha, and Phuentshogling,” said Jit Bdr Rai, another resident of Logchina.
Karna Bdr. Mongar, a resident of Logchina said, “Students from schools such as Lingden, Chimuna, Chongaykha, and Khateykha come here, but they can only study up to Class X.”
Logchina Gup Tham Bdr Rai said, “In the hope of upgrading the school to a central school, local residents have generously donated over six acres of land free of cost. While there are central schools in other parts of Chhukha, they are too far, and many families here cannot afford to send their children to those distant schools.”
He said establishing central schools was one of the pledges of the current government. But there are no plans as of now for this school.
Meanwhile, residents say the uncertainty continues as they wait for the government to act. They worry about what future their children face if no path beyond class ten is built in the village.
Kinley Dem, Chhukha
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
