More schools across the country are engaging students in meaningful activities during winter breaks. In Samdrup Jongkhar, students of Dewathang Primary School in Samdrup Jongkhar are using their vacation not just as a break from classes, but as an opportunity to build life skills. A twenty-day basic tailoring programme is helping children develop creativity, independence, and sustainable living practices from a young age.
11 students are spending their winter vacation learning basic sewing techniques, proper use of sewing machines, and simple clothing repair, skills rarely taught in classrooms.
“In the future, we can sew Tego to earn income. Apart from education, skills like this can help us sustain ourselves,” said Yangchen Pema, a student of Dewathang Primary School.
The hands-on training is encouraging students to learn by doing, while building patience, focus, and confidence.
Choeyouen Sonam Dolkar, a student attending the training, said, “If we are unable to do well in education, I think learning these skills will be helpful for us to earn income.”
“To sustain ourselves, education alone is not enough; we need to learn additional skills, and this training is helpful for us. I am confident I can do tailoring work,” added Karma Choden, another student of Dewathang Primary School.
Sonam Zangpo, a teacher at Dewathang Primary School, trained in tailoring, is organising the training. To run the programme, a nominal fee of 300 ngultrum is collected from each participant to purchase tailoring materials and tools.
“I think we will be able to continue this as a club activity in school, as three teachers are being trained to teach students throughout the year. We are also planning to conduct the same programme during the next winter vacation.”
The students will also provide basic tailoring services to other students at the school during club hours and off-hours.
As the training continues, students are expected to walk away with practical skills that can support them beyond the classroom.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
