Education in Bhutan

Education in Bhutan

Introduction of Western Education in Bhutan

Before the introduction of a western style of education in the 1950’s, monastic education was the only formal education available in Bhutan. “While monastic education continues to be an important part of the national culture, western education has been promoted and expanded since [the] first Five Year Plan in 1961 to address the basic educational needs, and develop human resources required for the socio-economic development of the country.” (Ministry of Education, 2004, par.1)

In 1963, the Royal Government of Bhutan invited Father William MacKey, a Canadian Jesuit, to establish a secular secondary school system in Bhutan. Father Mackey dedicated more than 30 years of his life, until his death in 1995 at the age of eighty, to the development of education in Bhutan.

Number of schools and institutes

From 11 schools before 1961, the public education system now encompasses 497[1] schools and institutes from community primary schools to tertiary institutes, 777 non-formal centres and 362 monastic schools. (Ministry of Education, 2007, p.4)

Growth in enrolment numbers

The enrolment of students has also increased significantly as a result of the government’s commitment to education. From about 400 students in the early 60’s, the enrolment of students has increased significantly at all levels of education. In 2007, 151,236 students are registered from community primary school to tertiary institutes. 14,694 people are attending non-formal education and 9,287 children are enrolled in monastic institutes. (Ministry of Education, 2007, p.4)

The average annual growth rate of primary enrolment since 1995 is 4%. Despite this significant increase, about 16.3% of primary age children are out of the formal school system which represents about 16,500 children. The increase in enrolment at the secondary level is even greater. From 1995 to 2007, the average annual growth rate for secondary education (class VII to X) stands at 13% and for class XI and XII it stands at 29%. A total of 38,911 children are attending class VII to X whereas 8,816 are attending class XI and XII. (Ministry of Education, 2007, pp.18, 21, 22)

References

Ministry of Education. (2004). Education System in Bhutan. Thimphu: Educational General Statistics. Retrieved December 2, 2007, from http://www.education.gov.bt/Edn%20System/Education%20System.html

Ministry of Education. (2007). General Statistics 2007. Thimphu: Policy and Planning Division. Retrieved December 2, 2007, from http://www.education.gov.bt/

[1] It comprises 249 community primary schools, 83 primary schools, 87 Lower Secondary Schools, 37 Middle Secondary Schools, 22 Higher Secondary Schools, 3 special institutes 10 tertiary education institutes under the Royal University of Bhutan and 6 vocational training institutes.