Applied Sciences should be introduced as the fifth stream in schools in the country according to the draft 21st Century Economic Roadmap. This recommendation comes in view of mainstreaming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the education system as a whole. At present, the subject choice in high schools is limited to Science, Arts, Commerce, and Rigzhung.
The draft roadmap states that given the weak linkages between vocational education and mainstream education, it is critical to have the Applied Science stream. It says Applied Science stream graduates can opt to go out into the job market or pursue higher education in tertiary institutions as opposed to the current system.
As per the report, the current practice of supporting all class X passed students to progress to higher secondary school should also be reviewed. This is to channelise at least 40 to 50 per cent of those children to pursue the TVET stream.
The draft further states that TVET related institutes should be given full autonomy for the implementation of their mandates in a manner similar to that of the Royal University of Bhutan. It proposes to establish the Bhutan Innovation and Technical Education Council, which will provide autonomy and flexibility for the TVET system. Currently, the TVET system is under the labour ministry and has no linkages with industry or the education system.
Inspired by His Majesty The King’s vision, the draft 21st Century Economic Roadmap provides strategic direction for the country’s economic development priorities for the next 10 years. The works to formulate the draft by a National Task Force began a year ago. It was submitted to the government through the Gross National Happiness Commission on 21st February.
Tshering Zam
