With only two Dzongkha teachers teaching more than 70 students at Wolathang Primary School under Toedwang Gewog in Punakha for almost a month now, parents are raising concerns. Parents are worried about the quality of education. The two Dzongkha teachers have been managing five classrooms by teaching all the subjects.
Unlike other schools, the two teachers in the school do not have time to teach and guide the students for the whole period in one specific class. Most of the time, the students are left to themselves. And with one of the teachers expected to be transferred, the problem is only expected to worsen.
“A teacher is an important person in the school and it’s almost two months that we have a teacher shortage. We have two teachers today but both of them are Dzongkha teachers. On top of that one teacher is going to be transferred. So, parents of four chiwogs are worried about our children getting a qualitative education,” shared Zati, a concerned parent.
“Because we are located remotely, our children have a tough time learning even with more teachers. Now with only two teachers and one going to be transferred soon, it’s only going to be difficult. We are concerned. Today, parents are sacrificing their works and staying with their children nearby the school area in the hope to get a good education,” said Tshoki, another parent.
“We are concerned about the quality of education our children are going to get with this trend. Moreover, we are worried about what if the school gets closed when the government has spent a huge expenditure,” added Tshering Wango, the Kewanang_Tshachhuphu Chiwog Tshogpa.
There were five teachers earlier but two teachers resigned on their extra-ordinary leave while another one is pursuing his study abroad.
“We have to reach all five classrooms for six periods. We go to the classes and give them class works but since all the children are small, they do not do as per the instruction and spend their time playing,” said Namgay Thinley, the officiating principal of the school.
“We give them class activities and try to monitor them from time to time. But I know it’s not effective as we do not get time to be and monitor them closely. In the past, we had to take more than 36 periods a week even when there were four to five teachers. And today with just two of us, it has been difficult,” added Dawa Phuntsho, a teacher in the school.
Students from the senior classes have been going around and helping the teachers monitor the classes.
“We go to the junior classes such as PP, I, II & III to monitor and help them learn,” said Tshering Lhazin, a senior student.
“Though we have only two teachers, they are doing great by visiting every class and giving class activities. And we go after the teachers to make sure the students learn,” added Tshering Choki, another senior student.
The teacher shortage is expected to solve with the Dzongkhag Education Sector deploying two new teachers to the school earlier this week. And another two teachers are expected to join the school soon.
“One teacher will be reaching the school within 16th of this month. Right now, we are following necessary selection procedures, which is why it’s taking some time. And the officiating Principal who is leaving soon on transfer is still there in the school today. We are ready to send his substitution as soon as we get one,” said Rinchen Samdrup, the deputy chief education officer in Punakha.
Besides the teacher shortage, the school also has a classroom shortage. A few of the students study in the library room and storeroom today. The Dzongkhag education office has plans to construct a school office and an ICT classroom in this financial year.
Wolathang Primary School was established in 2002.
Changa Dorji,Wangdue Phodrang
