𝐋𝐡𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

…100 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉

By Kezang Choden

Lhuentse Rabdey, in collaboration with the Dzongkhag Education Sector, successfully conducted a 10-day Attitude Improvement, Education, and Skills Development program aimed at supporting students who need additional academic and personal guidance. The initiative, held from December 19 to 28, 2024, saw the active participation of 100 students, including boys and girls from various schools in the dzongkhag.

The program, led by Lam Neten and managed by the Rabdey, was specifically designed to provide targeted support to students who required extra help to improve their academic performance and personal development.

Through a holistic approach, the program aimed to build positive attitudes, instill self-discipline, and enhance essential skills among the participants. The curriculum combined activities focused on education, life skills, and values-based learning. Students took part in sessions that emphasized time management, effective communication, and goal setting, alongside academic tutorials in core subjects. The initiative also included spiritual guidance, with monks from the Rabdey leading mindfulness and meditation exercises to foster mental well-being and resilience among the students.

This collaborative effort between the Rabdey and the Education Sector highlights the importance of community-based interventions in supporting youth development. It is hoped that similar programs will be expanded to reach more students across the country, contributing to a brighter future for Bhutan’s younger generation.

Kunzang Tobgay Namgyel, Lam Neten of Lhuentse, highlighted the critical need for initiatives that shape the attitudes, education, and skills of young people. Speaking at a recent event, he emphasized the lifelong benefits of such programs, particularly their role in fostering positive thinking and personal growth. “The most important aspect of this program is to improve the way our youth think and perceive the world around them,” he stated.

Lam Neten expressed his deep appreciation for the students’ enthusiastic cooperation and eagerness to learn. Reflecting on the program’s success, he announced plans to extend it to one month next year, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to youth development. He emphasized the significance of focusing on young people, who are at a crucial stage of growth and development.

“It is during these formative years that they must be guided in an excellent manner,” he said. Without early intervention, he warned, there is a risk of the country’s religious and cultural traditions fading and youth potentially facing challenges that could derail their future. He stressed that cultivating the right mindset and values among the younger generation is pivotal, not only for their personal success but also for the preservation of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage. Lam Neten urged educators, parents, and community leaders to work together to nurture young minds and equip them with the skills and values necessary to navigate life effectively.

Lhuentse Dzongkhag Education Officer Rinchen Samdrup highlighted the significance of the program in fostering emotional resilience and moral strength among youth. Addressing a growing concern about students struggling with domestic challenges, he stressed that while students may appear uniform in attire, their inner struggles often remain invisible.

“Many students face emotional and psychological difficulties due to challenging home environments. These issues often go unnoticed as students are hesitant to share their struggles with others,” said Rinchen Samdrup. He emphasized that the program provided a safe space for students to express themselves and develop coping mechanisms to navigate these difficulties. Tailored to address the needs of students facing domestic turbulence, the initiative aims to boost their confidence and equip them with the tools to overcome various challenges. According to Rinchen Samdrup, the program’s objectives include helping students build emotional resilience and self-assurance.

“Today, many children are raised by grandparents, single parents, divorced parents, or guardians, which can result in feelings of neglect or trauma. These circumstances make such programs crucial in providing them with the support they need to heal and grow stronger,” he added. By focusing on emotional and moral development, the program also incorporates skill-building activities that empower students to face adversity with confidence. As the program continues, stakeholders are optimistic about its long-term impact in shaping a resilient and empowered generation.

Rinchen Samdrup expressed hope that similar initiatives would be implemented across the country to ensure that no student faces their struggles alone.

Rigpey Yeshey Norbu, a Class 10 student at Lhuentse Higher Secondary School, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, which focused on personal and academic development. Reflecting on his experience, Rigpey shared that the program was highly engaging and provided him with valuable insights into self-motivation and the importance of confidence in expressing oneself. “I learned to be more confident in speaking about life and the challenges we face,” Rigpey said, emphasizing how the program encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone.

He noted a marked improvement in his Dzongkha reading and writing skills, attributing the progress to the program’s focus on practical and productive activities. The initiative also highlighted the importance of self-discipline, a skill Rigpey believes is essential for personal growth. “Self-discipline is something I now understand better and will strive to apply in my daily life,” he added. Such programs play a crucial role in nurturing well-rounded individuals by fostering life skills alongside academic achievements. Rigpey’s experience highlights the positive impact of structured initiatives that inspire students to unlock their potential and prepare for future challenges.

Norbu Dorji, a Class 12 student at Lhuentse Higher Secondary School, expressed his appreciation for the program, which focused on emotional well-being and the practical use of religious tools. During the event, Norbu shared that the program provided him with unique opportunities for meaningful experiences. “I learned how to handle emotional challenges and trauma through productive meditation practices. These sessions have helped me develop a deeper sense of calm and focus,” he said.

Norbu emphasized the importance of such initiatives, noting they are essential for young people who face academic pressure and emotional struggles. He found the practical sessions on religious tools particularly enlightening, as they allowed him to connect with his spiritual side while addressing personal challenges. He expressed his eagerness to participate in similar programs in the future, saying, “If given the opportunity again, I would be happy to join. These programs are truly enriching and can have a lasting impact on our lives.” The program aimed to promote mental well-being, equip participants with practical coping mechanisms, and foster a sense of spiritual growth.

Pema Choki, an eighth-grade student at Minjey Middle Secondary School, shared her gratitude for the valuable insights gained from a recent meditation program. Raised by her single mother, who is uneducated and unemployed, Pema often faces emotional challenges stemming from her difficult circumstances. The program, which focused on mindfulness and mental well-being, provided her with tools to navigate these struggles. Pema shared that she learned various meditation techniques to calm her mind and find inner peace amidst her daily challenges.

“Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed and disturbed because of my family situation,” she admitted. “But this program taught me how to center myself and manage my emotions through meditation.”

Pema emphasized that the program not only gave her hope but also instilled a sense of empowerment. She now feels better equipped to handle the pressures of her studies and personal life. “If I get the chance again, I would definitely take part. It has been a life-changing experience for me,” she said with a smile. The program has proven to be a beacon of hope for students like Pema, who face adversities in their young lives.

Dema, a tenth-grade student at Minjey Middle Secondary School, reflected on her transformative experience participating in a recent religious program. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to deepen her understanding of prayer, the use of religious tools, and meditation practices. “As a student living in a religious country, learning these skills is very important,” Dema remarked, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of the lessons she gained.

The program not only introduced her to meditation but also provided her with practical tools to foster inner peace and resilience. Dema’s journey is particularly inspiring, as she is being raised by her single parent, a situation she described as both challenging and emotional. “It has been difficult at times, but this program taught me how to be strong and self-motivated,” she said, reflecting on the personal growth she experienced during the sessions. The program also highlighted the importance of building emotional strength and self-confidence, enabling participants like Dema to navigate life’s challenges with a renewed sense of purpose. By engaging in such initiatives, students are not only preserving spiritual heritage but also learning essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being and development.