Some students of Rittey village in Sarpang have been living in temporary sheds near their school because of the long walking distance to school. But thanks to a private education consultancy firm, they now have a new hostel.
Rittey is one of the remote villages under Jigme Chhoeling Gewog. It is officially four days walk from the nearest road point to the village and back.
Students studying at the school come from places like Khari Gaon, which is at least four hours walk. And the journey to school is grueling, especially, during the summer, as students have to risk their lives crossing swollen rivers several times.
They also face the threat of encountering wild animals and snakes, which are a plenty as they walk through leech infested forests.
As such some students live with their relatives living near the school, while the thirteen of them, who have no relatives, live in temporary sheds near the school.
The sheds are in a pathetic condition. But the students will not have to stay there anymore as they have a new hostel now.
The two-room hostel was constructed by a private education consultancy firm based in Thimphu.
The principal said it will benefit the students immensely, especially, those who come from far flung villages.
The hostel was handed over to the school recently. Parents and students celebrated the occasion with traditional songs and dances.
The school was started in 2002 and has over 50 students and five teachers.