Madam at School

Margaret is now volunteering two days per week at the Changzumtag School, our neighborhood Pre-K to Class 10 school. She is assisting students struggling a bit to attain English reading skills. She is enchanted by the students, especially the girls. I visited today to observe and take photos. They are quite obviously enchanted with her as well.

An Introduction to the English Curriculum

“We remain grateful for the wise policy of His Majesty the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, to take full advantage of the English language which is in fact the international language–the language of the sciences, technologies, trade, and international relations. His Excellency the Prime Minister Lyochen Jigmi Y Thinley. July 2004

“Like many other happy developments, the advent of the English language to Bhutan was a matter of choice. When the veil of self-imposed isolation was lifted, Bhutan looked beyond its borders and began to prepare to modernize and join the community of nations. Which language to use to interact with the international community was one of the many decisions that had to be made.

English was seen as the most advantageous language to assist Bhutan in the articulation of its identity and the elevation of its profile in the many organizations to which it would belong. That choice has served Bhutan well, as it has undertaken to become a full charter member of the United Nations and has established bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements with other countries. English has enhanced its capacity to participate more effectively and purposefully in the global community.

The flexibility, versatility, and richness of English allow it to be used in a variety of circumstances and to be used by the Bhutanese people to meet their own goals.. As His Late Majesty envisioned, Bhutan has been able to access and share in the knowledge and wisdom of the different peoples of the world in diverse spheres of human endeavor. The discoveries of science and mathematics, medicine and information technology, much of which uses English as the language of publication, are now available to Bhutan.

The need for people in Bhutan to be competent in English has led to the decision to use English as the language of instruction for many of the subjects taught in school. Along with Dzongkha, it is one of the official languages of communication. In all likelihood it will continue to play this partner role with Dzongkha in the foreseeable future.” Introduction to English, Class V, Reading and Literature.