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Bhutan's Education
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Until
the 1950s, monastic education was the only form of education available
in the country. While, monastic education continues to play an important
role in Bhutan, modern, western form of education has been promoted and
expanded and is now available throughout the country. Since its introduction,
within a period of four decades, the government was able to create a modern
education system spanning from primary to tertiary level. |
Enrolment
at all levels had grown at an impressive rate from approximately 400 students
prior to 1961 to 1,26,718 students in 2001, spread over 382 schools and
institutes. The gross primary enrolment ratio was estimated to be 72 percent
in 2001, and is increasing annually at the rate of 6-7 percent.
The
increase in enrolment had been attributed to the awareness on the value
of education amongst the public, the population growth as a result of improvement
in the health services and the priority being accorded to Education services
by the government. Furthermore, the Education Department has since 1993
begun an Adult Literacy Program. Another major policy shift in recent teims
had made secondary education more relevant by introducing a basic skills
training program within the curriculum.
Sherubtse
College, the National Institute of Education in Paro and Samtse, the Institute
of Language and Cultural Studies, the National Institute of Health Sciences
and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, offer higher education
in Bhutan.
The
tradition of entitlements and welfare in the country has emphasized free
education even in the medieval period when the state supported free monastic
education. Similarly, in modern Bhutan, education is accessible to everyone.
Students are provided with free tuition, test books, sports equipment,
meals and boarding facilities required. Students in rural schools are provided
with even free stationary. This free provision is balanced by appropriate
contributions from the parents to engender a sense of participation amongst
the communities.
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