𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

…𝑨𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒂’𝒔 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆…𝑨𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒂’𝒔 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆

By Rinzin Norbu

In the remote village of Khatoeykha, Lokchina Gewog, Chukha Dzongkhag, a small primary school stands as a beacon of hope for 115 students. Against a backdrop of rugged terrain and challenges, the school symbolizes the resilience and determination of families prioritizing education for their children.

This story follows 11-year-old Anisha Raini, a Class IV student at Khatoeykha Primary School, as she navigates a typical day filled with trials and triumphs.

Anisha’s day begins long before sunrise. At 4 a.m., she sets out with her younger brother, accompanied halfway by their father. For Anisha, the one-and-a-half-hour trek to school is more than just a commute; it’s a journey toward her dreams.

“My name is Anisha Raini, and I am eleven years old. I can’t go to school alone, so my parents or friends accompany me,” she said. “By the time we arrive, we’re exhausted, but I never want to give up studying.”

The rugged footpaths through forests and ridges test students’ physical endurance. Teacher Sangay Dorji observes, “The distance is our biggest challenge. While a few use transportation, 90 percent of students walk daily.”
He added, “Summer rains make it even harder to arrive on time.”

Anisha often appears tired in class, a direct result of her early mornings and exhausting routine. Despite her enthusiasm for learning, the daily grind sometimes affects her focus.

Once at school, students are greeted with warm meals provided twice daily. These meals sustain their energy, allowing them to make the most of lessons.

Sonam Rinchen, Anisha’s class teacher, said, “We tried introducing morning study sessions, but the children were too exhausted to participate. Instead, we maximize their learning during class hours.”

The school day begins with morning prayers and assembly. Amid challenges, the students’ community spirit shines, evident in their collective efforts to keep the school surroundings clean.

On special occasions, the school organizes cultural events that bring the community together. Parents, local officials, and students celebrate with performances that highlight unique talents.

During one such event, Anisha took the stage, captivating the audience with her performance. Despite heavy rain outside, the warmth of the gathering filled the air, contrasting with the challenges of a late-night journey home.
The trek back is fraught with risks such as wild animals, landslides, and slippery paths during the monsoon. Anisha’s father, Thamb Bir Rai, explains, “We used to take shortcuts, but stopped due to wild animals. Now, we accompany the children as much as possible.”

Anisha’s mother shares their daily anxieties: “We worry until they return safely, especially in winter when it gets dark early.”

Back home, Anisha assists with household chores, her energy undimmed by the day’s trials. Her hands are busy, but her heart remains steadfast in its pursuit of knowledge.

For Anisha and her peers, education is a journey of resilience, where every step, no matter how challenging, brings them closer to brighter futures. Through grit, determination, and unwavering support from their families and school, they transform obstacles into stepping stones for success.

This article is based on the 10 minutes documentary film showing the challenges faced by the students represented particularly by Anisha Raini following her for a day.