The National Institute for Zorig Chusum in Thimphu currently offers seven courses to students. However, the popularity of these courses varies significantly. While painting and wood carving attract a large number of students, gold and silver smithery struggles with low enrollment. The institute is now making strides to address this disparity by revamping its curriculum and incorporating innovative training methods. A similar trend is observed at the College of Zorig Chusum in Trashi Yangtse.
The Institute for Zorig Chusum in Thimphu provides courses such as painting, sculpting, wood carving, tailoring, embroidery, smithery and weaving.
Every year, the institute attracts a greater number of students in painting and wood carving courses compared to others. Students learning painting said they can help preserve the culture while pursuing something of their interest.
Tshering Chophel, a painting student at National Institute for Zorig Chusum said “Painting is an important part of our culture. After I graduate, I will pass this knowledge on to younger generations, just as the teachers here do. I can also start my own business while preserving our culture.”
In contrast, smithery has the lowest number of students. Currently, only five students are learning gold and black smithery.
20-year-old Sonam Wangdi is one of them. He took the interest to learn smithery from a relative who practises it. He shared that youths do not take interest in learning it because they do not know much about it.
“Today, many young people do not participate in learning smithery because they are unaware of the craft and the potential income it can make.”
The training coordinator at the institute said that they are planning to introduce some new aspects of smithery to stimulate interest among students.
Dorji Khandu, the training coordinator at National Institute for Zorig Chusum said “The institute is planning several upgrades to improve the skills of the students. For example, students learning smithery were only taught general smithery works until now. We are now going to initiate training on carving ornaments and jewellry items. We will hire international tutors to set a good example for the youth.”
He added that the education and skills development ministry’s Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development is going to conduct an advocacy programme on 13 traditional arts and crafts in Thimphu, Monggar, Samtse and Zhemgang by the end of this month. The programme will provide opportunities for interested youth to get more knowledge on the various trades and potentially enroll in them in the future.
The institute is also providing short-term courses to interested individuals. It also introduced a diploma course in painting last month to give an opportunity for the students to upgrade their qualifications.
Today, the Institute has over 180 students and 26 teachers.
Phub Dorji and Dechen Choden
Edited by Kipchu
