Bhutan has made significant progress in achieving the universal right to education but more can be done to strengthen its education system, said Kishore Singh, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to education.
He commended the Educating for GNH initiative. Mr. Singh said the initiative recognises that education is more than a means of achieving employment. He said the emphasis on supporting the needs of children with disabilities also deserves appreciation.
He also praised the Bhutanese government for making education a high priority in national development.
Mr. Singh, however, said there are many areas where Bhutan can take additional measures to strengthen its education system. One was the need to adopt a legal framework, which sets a minimum floor for spending on education. This, he said, is to ensure that education remains a high priority even as the governments change.
He expressed concerns over students being well versed in English than Dzongkha. He said English is important but warned it would be a national setback if English overshadows Dzongkha.
Mr. Kishore advised the government to consider bilingual education, with English, Math and sciences taught in English and the rest subjects in Dzongkha to preserve the National Language.
He also noted the need to focus on the quality of education particularly at the primary level.
Presently the vocational training is seen as a programme for low performing students, which Mr. Singh said is cause for concern. He called upon the government to enhance investment in technical and vocational education and training for the country’s development.
He said privatisation in education is a growing trend but said the government must make efforts to ensure private schools are not driven solely by profit.
During his nine-day mission, Mr. Singh visited schools, technical colleges in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha and the Royal University of Bhutan and spoke with academics, teachers and students.
He also met with the Prime Minister and other high level government officials, parliamentarians and the representatives of civil society and international organisations.
Mr. Singh will prepare a detailed report to be presented at the UN Human Rights Council in June next year.
