Students at Khamdang Lower Secondary School in Trashi Yangtse are now learning in a cleaner and improved environment, thanks to new infrastructure and digital tools introduced this year. With support from a German NGO, the school has installed interactive smart boards in classrooms and upgraded its campus with a concrete footpath and tiled assembly ground.
The school’s surroundings are usually dusty during the dry season and become marshy and slippery during the monsoon.
With the construction of a concrete footpath and tiling of the assembly ground, the area is now drier, cleaner, and more hygienic. These improvements have also reduced the risk of accidents during rainy days.
Students and teachers can now use the assembly ground for various gatherings and outdoor activities.
In addition to these outdoor upgrades, the school has installed three interactive boards to enhance classroom learning.
Nima Dendup, a student said, “Cleaning the chalkboard often caused us to develop coughs and colds. Before we had the interactive board, we had to purchase chart paper for presentations, which was challenging at times due to our limited financial resources. Now, with the interactive board, we no longer need to make those purchases, helping us reduce expenses.”
Likewise, Jigme Jangchub Choden, another student said, “Previously, whenever we needed to browse the internet or prepare a presentation, we had to use the IT lab. But now, with the interactive board, we no longer need to do that separately. Even our teachers benefit because earlier, they spent a lot of time preparing lessons, but now they can browse content directly and teach us using the interactive board.”
Principal Sonam Dargay said, “During the rainy season, classrooms and even the office used to get muddy, and it was difficult to keep them clean. But now, with the tiles in place, both the classrooms and our academic office stay clean. There was also a risk of slipping before, but now we can all walk safely using the footpath.”
PRO Bhutan Germany, a Germany-based non-governmental organisation, supported the project worth Nu 1.7 M after the school administration sought their assistance. The district administration provided the technical support.
The project was carried out between June and August this year.
The school was established in 2005 and currently has around 250 students, including those enrolled in its ECCD centre.
Sonam Darjay, Trashi Yangtse
Edited by Kipchu