The process of merging education systems in Bhutan
UNLIKE other novices, 12-year-old Choni Tshoki carries a backpack filled with English, science, social studies and mathematics books and leaves the nunnery everyday for school. She is in class six.
At a time when monastic and secular education is construed as separate forms of schooling in the country, 15 nuns from Karma Drubdey nunnery in Kuenga Rabten, Trongsa, are proving otherwise. Kuenga Rabten Primary School is probably one of the few schools in the country where students share the classroom, playground, teachers and friends with novice nuns.
The nunnery has chosen 15 novices to pursue their education in Kuenga Rabten Primary School. Making the nunnery proud, Karma Yangzom topped the mid-term examination. “Others are equally capable,” one teacher said.
Dechen Drolma, 13, who is in class four, had studied until class two when she joined the nunnery. She returned to school two years ago. She stood 10th in her mid-term exams. “I enjoy English and social studies,” she said.
Except in class five, the school has nuns in every standard, a teacher, Tshering Namgyel, said.
Tenzin Drolma, 12, travelled from Laya in western Bhutan to become a nun. Laya is situated at an altitude of 3,800 metres above sea level and is accessible only by a three day trek along mountain trails.
She never imagined that she would be provided with an opportunity to go to a modern school. “My sister is also a nun in the drubdey and she encour- aged me to be a nun too,” she said.
Tshering Namgyel said that the nuns are doing well in school and are well disciplined. “They are good in Dzongkha because they are taught in the nunnery,” he said.
Principal of Karma Drubdey Anim Yeshey Choden said that educating the nuns is essential. “This is a must in today’s world. I have encouraged them to learn taekwondo for self defense,” she said. “We expect the school going nuns to share their knowledge with others.”
There are 176 nuns in the nunnery helping the school-going nuns with their pack lunch and studies.
By 3:30pm, Choni Tshomo and Zepa Choden of class six head back. “We enjoy the class and life back at nunnery is even more satisfying,” Zepa Choden said.