Milieu of Special and Inclusive Education in Bhutan

Special Education or widely known as Inclusive Education has been introduced in our country in early 2000. This mission was started with vague idea on special needs. Few schools were selected as pilot schools to render expedient learning to those differently able students. As of now, we have 10 pilot schools and two special schools. My school is one of the pilot schools since 2011.This system demands lots of specialist and realistic framework. Bhutanese are hardly into this line. Most of us are directly introduced into the system without proper training. It’s like carrying 100s of tons on our back.

The system has been a mandate for a teacher to teach special children without knowing the concept of special and inclusive education. It is said that, if we want to become a great leader, first we have to become a great person. Teaching differently able children oblige various skills and strategies.We come across different students with different special needs. Some of the disabilities are autism, impairment, delayed mental growth, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia) etc. We need different skills to teach those disabilities. Most of the time, we employ foreigners to work with us and set meticulous policy. I feel it is high time for us to become skilled and well trained teachers. 

Pilot schools are given at least 4 workshops in a year demanding around 4 to 5 participants. If we really calculate the amount for these short-term training, it will come around Nu.1500000 to 2000000. The participants will go back home with handful of cash and inadequate knowledge. I know the organizers are doing for the betterment of the program but I feel the training doesn’t achieve the goals of GNH in depth. Instead of having those short–term training or inviting foreigners, it would be very momentous to provide at least long-term specialized course in developed countries with that amount spent in short-term training. A specialized Bhutanese will make a difference in students learning as well as provide aid to his/her colleagues and the specialized skills will remain in the country forever.

It is high time for us to make a call, a call for a change and a call for a good cause.  

         This write up doesn't intend to go against any policies. It is a personal view.