The comprehensive child-centred package of services is provided towards making monastic schools child -friendly and to meet the holistic needs of children
Punakha, 20 November 2024: Bringing together the foundational needs of children in health, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, education, protection and play into a comprehensive child-centred package of services, the Central Monastic Body and UNICEF today launched the Integrated Child-Friendly Intervention (ICFI) in monastic schools to mark World Children’s day today.
The package was put together in consultation with children in three pilot monastic schools including a nunnery across the western, central and eastern regions. During the consultation, children shared their ideas of a child-friendly school and how such a school would help them realize their hopes and dreams.
At Phochu Dumra monastic school, one of the three pilot schools, about 300 child monks, representatives from the Central Monastic Body, the Government, local government and UNICEF came together to celebrate the Day themed, “Listen to the future.”
One of the students at the monastic school, Dorji Norbu, 8, said he wants to become the Head Monk of his district while Ngawang Nidup, 10, wants to be one of the five eminent lopons of the Central Monastic Body. Some aspire to become expert mask dancers and spiritual leaders while others shared of becoming artisans, traditional medical doctors, and teachers.
“When we listened to these children’s aspirations during a consultation earlier this year, it was for the first time that they had been heard. And it was also the first time that the teachers and students had come together to discuss their aspirations to make their school better,” UNICEF Bhutan Representative Andrea James said. “UNICEF marks 50 years of partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan this year. We mark this occasion with a new renewed approach to converge our work so that every child in every part of Bhutan has every opportunity to grow into their full potential.”
His Eminence the Mahchen Zimpon at Punakha Dzong, Lam Namgay Wangchuk graced the celebration along with the Cabinet Secretary and Chair person of the National Commission for Women and Children, Kesang Deki.
“Everything works wonders when we all have the same passion, same commitment and when we work together. I would like to thank UNICEF for always being there in partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan,” the Secretary said. “As we celebrate World Children’s Day, let us remember that every child deserves to be cherished, empowered and given the opportunity to reach their full potential. On behalf of the government, let us today aspire to work together to build a brighter future for the children of Bhutan and beyond.”
The World Children’s Day celebration this year, held away from the capital in Punakha was organised with the Central Monastic Body to mark the launch of the ICFI and celebratethe50th anniversary of UNICEF’s partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Punakha Dzongdag Thuji Tshering said, that ensuring children’s wellbeing is not only their right, but a collective responsibility to ensure a responsible global citizenry. “We need to invest in the future, which means investing in our children and improving the wellbeing of all children. We in Bhutan are fortunate because we have great support from the highest authority.”
During the celebration, UNICEF and the Central Monastic Body distributed reusable water bottles to the children to support the school towards reducing the use of plastic bottles and inaugurated the school’s new futsal and volleyball grounds. As part of the pilot programme, the school’s toilets and bath areas were renovated and the teachers and students re-oriented in child safeguarding and protection measures. The school also teaches English and digital skills through the Akelius project.
Staff Reporter
