𝐓𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

…𝑨 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒂𝒔𝒎 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒛𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒉𝒂 𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉

By Kezang Choden

In a significant move to bolster Dzongkha literacy among students, Tsangkha Middle Secondary School, in collaboration with the Tsangkha Gewog in Dagana organized a comprehensive one-day training session on Dzongkha formal letter writing This initiative aims to equip students with essential writing skills necessary for their academic and professional futures, reflecting a growing need for proficiency in formal Dzongkha writing amid increasing official correspondence requirements.

The training session introduced students to the fundamentals of formal writing, including letter structure, appropriate language use, and etiquette in correspondence. The school administration noted an overwhelming positive response from students, many of whom have shown increased interest and confidence in writing formal letters since the session. The training emphasizes that understanding Dzongkha is not just an academic requirement; it is crucial for effective communication in various sectors.

“This training is vital as it addresses a critical gap in our students’ skills,” said a school representative. “They are realizing the importance of Dzongkha in official communications, both within the school and in broader contexts.”
This training is part of a broader annual initiative by the school and Gewog Administration aimed at enhancing students’ Dzongkha writing capabilities. By focusing on formal writing, the initiative strives to make students more independent and proficient in crafting various forms of formal communication, such as official letters and job applications. A teacher at Tsangkha Middle Secondary School emphasized that these skills are vital not just for academic success but also for future professional challenges.

“This initiative is expected to benefit the students well beyond their school years,” the teacher said. “Dzongkha formal writing remains a crucial skill in Bhutanese society, and we are committed to ensuring our students excel in this area.”
Sonam Tshering, the principal of Tsangkha Middle Secondary School, expressed his full support for the Dzongkha literacy program organized in collaboration with the Gewog Administration. He highlighted the program’s potential to enhance students’ interest in reading and writing in Dzongkha, skill he believes is vital for all Bhutanese citizens.

“There has been a noticeable decline in enthusiasm for learning Dzongkha among students in recent times,” Tshering remarked. “As Bhutanese, it is crucial that we preserve and promote our national language. This program aims to revitalize that passion.”

The initiative comprises a series of interactive activities designed to improve students’ writing and reading skills, providing them with a solid foundation in the language. Tshering is optimistic that the program will encourage students to take pride in their linguistic heritage, hoping that the knowledge gained will not only enhance academic performance but also instill a deeper appreciation for the Dzongkha language and its significance in Bhutanese culture.
Sonam Gyeltshen, a teacher and coordinator of the program, voiced concerns about the increasing difficulties students face in writing formal letters in Dzongkha. He observed that many students struggle with this essential skill, raising worries about the future of Dzongkha as a written language.

“I am deeply concerned that if not addressed, the ability to write in Dzongkha may gradually fade,” Sonam Gyeltshen stated. Despite these challenges, he noted that students are eager to improve their writing skills beyond the standard curriculum.

Through collaboration with the Gewog Administration, the school aims to empower students to independently write formal letters, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of both academic and professional environments. “This program is not just about teaching them letter writing; it is about empowering them to be self-reliant and confident in their use of Dzongkha,” Sonam Gyeltshen added.

Sangay Dorji Tamang, the Mangmi of Tsangkha Gewog, highlighted the Gewog Administration’s commitment to conducting an annual program to teach essential formal writing skills, particularly in Dzongkha. This program emphasizes the importance of proper documentation in official matters, preparing students for future interactions with government institutions.

“The initiative also serves to enhance students’ understanding of education’s importance and the practical applications of what they learn in school,” Sangay Dorji Tamang explained. He emphasise that formal writing is a critical life skill, beneficial in both academic and professional settings.

The program has received positive feedback from students, who have shown enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Their active participation reflects the importance of such educational initiatives, which not only promote literacy but also prepare them for real-life situations requiring formal communication.

Tshering Yangden, a Class 9 student at Tsangkha Middle Secondary School, shared her positive experience from the Dzongkha language program. “The training was highly beneficial and insightful,” she stated. “It taught me effective communication skills, especially in using the national language, Dzongkha.”

Tshering Yangden found the lessons on the formal structure of writing official letters particularly valuable, believing they would serve her well in the future. “The program has improved my ability to communicate and strengthened my skills in formal letter writing. It has given me more confidence in using Dzongkha, which I am sure will help me in the future,” she added.

Ramesh Darjee, another student, noted that prior to attending the program, he had focused mainly on his regular syllabus, leaving him with limited exposure to the skills taught in the training. “Through this program, I learned the importance of effective communication and how to write proper Dzongkha, which is crucial for my studies and future endeavours,” he explained.

Ramesh expressed gratitude for the opportunity to broaden his learning alongside his regular coursework and hopes to participate in similar programs in the future. “These skills are not just important now; they will be essential for my future,” he concluded.

The Dzongkha formal writing training initiative at Tsangkha Middle Secondary School is more than a single event; it represents a significant commitment to enhancing linguistic skills and preserving Bhutan’s cultural heritage. With the ongoing collaboration between the school and the Gewog Administration, students are not only becoming proficient in Dzongkha writing but are also being empowered to take pride in their language and culture.

As the initiative continues to evolve, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the students and the broader community, ensuring that the richness of Dzongkha language and literature thrives for generations to come. A day long training was conducted on on October 22.