My Finger Chips Story

Out of blue, my 4-year old daughter asked me for finger chips early morning, signaling that she was hungry. 

As I was frying the chips, unusual melancholy feelings ran down through my spine like a cold ice tea I had in Busan. I had all the fresh memory of how my mother used to fry and sell the chips around the locality. For 10 small rings, she used to sell at Nu. 5. Since, besides cardamom there wasn't another source of family income. It used to be arduous for my family to end meets with many young and hungry mouths to feed on. With that little hard-earned money mostly through the sale of chips she spends the money very carefully on our education expenses. 

We had our education, through the little money my mother had gathered out of such hard labor –by selling finger chips and few other grocery items like Parle-G, chocolate, etc…carrying on her back going from village to village on any occasion. She is a woman who really cares about money and has the courage to earn it and knows the value of every single buck she has in her pocket. 

Occasionally, my father used to assist her when he didn't need to attend any fieldwork. My brother and I had the opportunity to go to school, while many of my village mates who dared so much for education couldn't – some due to endless family obligations while few due to labor issues. My brother and I are lucky amongst many back then although our parents had to undergo tough financial burden to support our education besides manning village work to keep everything going and making sure other siblings don't go hungry and unattended. 

Let me share Nu. 55, and a Bata slipper story. When I get time, I share this incidence with my science students just to connect two different times. 

I was in grade three. It used to be absolutely hard those days to enjoy good meals, forget about good clothing and footgear. My brother and I completed our primary education mostly in a makeshift bamboo hut nearby the school campus. For the food supply, we go home on Saturday after school and return back on Sunday morning carrying all the rations and vegetables needed for the week or so. It was during one of the Sundays. I requested my mother to give me some cash to buy a Bata slipper, which cost Nu. 55. I saw some of my schoolmates wearing it. It was beautiful. The long-lasting nature made this slipper so attractive and ideal to me. Nevertheless, I wanted to surprise my feet that only saw Gambot with brand new Indian made bata slippers. Before she was convinced thoroughly, I had to cry bitterly hard for several hours before I departed on the long journey back to school. After several hours, she assured me the money but came with a heavy warning that I will never be asking her for any money in future. It used to be extremely hard with money those days. She has to be careful of any bucks she spent on children and for the household. Otherwise, things would turn out ugly and unkind with nearby landlords with multiple interest rates on borrowed money. 

However, these days it has become easy with everything. Money comes easily and goes easily as well. Like no other times, money these days has lost its complete virginity. Therefore, lessons on financial management must be taught in school and at home well. 

The finger chips have always held a special place in my heart and in my family. Every time I see these chips, it takes me back to my mother.  It was the great savior to my family and our education. Our education came so costly with the sacrifice of our parents and our sweating. Perhaps, I have learnt that there is no free lunch in life! 

My father's constant advice and support have made all these differences in my life. In the companion of little drinking, he has the vessel of stories to tell. More importantly, unfailing love and care of my parents have made all the differences in life. 

Talking Tourism

"…entry to Bhutan was limited to around 3,000 well-off tourists, preferably in pre-organized groups, each year. The fees paid up front are set at $200 a day –for which someone could survive for a month in India or Nepal. But it is precisely to discourage mass tourism or low-spending backpackers that the Royal Bhutanese government has adopted this policy of controlled tourism. 

 

The rationale of this highly controlled approach was explained to me later in the capital, Thimphu. Look at what’s happened in Nepal. We don’t want to sell out to tourism and ruin the country, as they have, without drawing any benefits. 

 

A fair enough point; but this control syndrome…"

 

As I was reading a book by Jonathan Gregson on 'Kingdoms belong the clouds', I came across this very important piece of information laid by the author on the tourism sector of Bhutan. I was amazed but at the same time intrigued by the fact of one-sided tourism manning. With such an extraordinary Royal Vision for the industry we've somehow failed to promote our local tourism. Knowingly we've dug our own graveyard for such unprecedented times. 

With "high value, low impact" or "control tourism" policy, knowing the impact and the limited space to roll out we're horrible misguided by the fact that one day our domestic tourism would ultimately benefit the industry like no other backpackers. 

However, this pandemic has sunk the tourism industry globally, but not like ours, countries with strongly held local tourism in place may not have felt the pain and the risk. Besides the important role-played by local tourism, it is sustainable and reliable.

Should we have stronghold based domestic tourism in the country, we may not have faced this kind of acute breakdown of revenue and jobs. 

My Dream School Hostel

One thing that has always bothered me is the "school hostel." During this lockdown, I finally had the chance to share my vision of an ideal hostel. 

Everyone talks about the declining "quality of education," and I believe one contributing factor is our poorly equipped hostels. To me, the design and environment of a hostel are crucial in shaping young students' attitudes and behavior. Unfortunately, this issue is often ignored, and the blame is shifted to our curriculum and teachers.

My experience with hostel rooms was terrible. I don't even want to recall the toilet conditions from my school days. Constant water shortages threatened our health, and we often went months without proper bathing. My school days were absolutely horrible, and I feel pain when I remember the cold winter months spent in hostels without proper doors and windows. I used to dread nightfall. Beyond quality issues, the well-being of young and fragile students was never considered. Learning goes far beyond classroom teaching, and we've failed to use millions of government funds and foreign aid wisely.

While improving hostels may initially be costly for the government, it's worth the investment. Boarding students spend almost 10 months a year studying and learning various aspects of life, so school hostels should be as welcoming and safe as home. If my concept for school dormitory design resonates with planners and the education department, it could be a game changer. I'm sharing my personal experiences honestly, both as a former student and as a current teacher.

 

My design for the hostel features a cozy environment. Given the unpredictable nature of natural disasters, my dormitory is a two-storey building with ample space between two apartments. Designers need to pay close attention to the height of the stairs or steps, room height, and ceiling, which are often overlooked.

 

My dorm design required practical information, such as the maximum number of boarding students over the past 10 years. I've thoughtfully considered the needs of future generations. Each room can accommodate 8-10 students and is well-furnished with wall-mounted bunk beds, cubicles for books, cupboards for storage, study tables in the center, two toilets, one bathroom, two washbasins, and a mirror. Essential features also include accessible laundry facilities, proper lighting, and an ideal hostel location.

 

Therefore, I strongly believe that if these improvements are implemented, not only will the quality of education improve, but it will also help reduce school dropouts and instill a sense of ownership in students from the very beginning.

Toilet Gift On 113th National Day

On purpose I escaped the 113th National Day celebration just to spend my day upgrading an old, unused toilet at Zhemgang Central School (ZCS) with a SATO pan, as a gift to our girls on the day.

Perhaps, the Bhutan Toilet Organization (BTO), has their hand in this project providing free SATO pan, training and educating me grossly on sanitation. 

The toilet—a damaged aqua-privy—had been abandoned for years. I had noticed it long ago, but without the right resources, all I could do was hold onto the hope that one day I would be able to change it. Each time I made my rounds to check on toilet cleanliness, a quiet sense of guilt lingered, knowing this one remained unchanged, despite having raised the issue with school management.

Eventually, I took it upon myself. I spent a long, cold and exhausting half-day working alone in the girls’ toilet, an unusual space for a man, but I did it with purpose and pride. I played music as I worked, not just to keep my spirits up, but to avoid awkward surprises.

Though it was chilly, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the effort. I was doing it for our girls and for the greater cause of nation-building. On such a special day, there’s nothing more fulfilling than changing the face of an old toilet pot, and adding up one more safe toilet space for our girls.

I have always felt deeply committed to helping our girls feel secure and valued. Beyond science lessons, I take time to talk to them about the importance of financial independence for women and girls.

Today, toilets are slowly gaining the attention they deserve across the country. The shift is happening. It shows how essential sanitation is for everyone. Yet in schools, the need for safe and sufficient toilets is even more urgent.

From my experience working with various organizations to improve sanitation and access to clean drinking water, I know that change is slow which is held back by limited resources, outdated infrastructure and deep-rooted mindsets. But I also see signs of progress, however small.

One major challenge is what I call the mentality mania. The belief that quality facilities are only necessary once a child reaches adulthood, which I feel needs an immediate change.

We must begin providing quality resources and environments for our children right from home and in school, so they grow into responsible, confident citizens.

How can we expect our children to thrive when they are surrounded by broken classrooms, cracked walls, shattered windows and dysfunctional toilets?

Until we prioritize safe, functional and engaging school environments, we will continue to face challenges stemming from outdated mindsets and neglected infrastructure.

With this small change—a new SATO pan—I hope our girls will now have a cleaner, safer and more dignified toilet experience.

Thank you BTO for sharing my dream project!

https://www.bhutantoilet.org/category/blog/

Japanese Made Bridge to Remember – Part IV

Regional Office, DoR Trongsa, on 14th December 2020 have happily updated on the completion of "Telegangchhu Bridge" (2 km from Trongsa town towards Zhemgang) that was undertaken by DNC (Dai Nippon Construction, Japan) and DoR (Department of roads, Bhutan). 

This same stretch of road has troubled me like any other traveller and especially the drivers must have fond memories of the road being so erratic and sexy throughout the year. When nothing seems to work out, even our best engineering skills have failed; I've heard some Divine intervention was pursued. But, nothing has worked out, until the Japanese hand was pushed in to perform the miracle. They have impregnated the site with a handsome baby boy. After almost two years of their hardship, they had their baby boy for Bhutan to adopt legally –we are finally happy to receive this long-awaited beautiful baby boy.

"Arigato gozaimasu" –the people of Japan for the continued support.

I have been following every work they undertake in Bhutan because I like their working "attitude" and the "finish line" of their work. Japanese Made-Bridge has always been an example of development for us and has saved us in many ways. I'm the secret admirer of their work. I always make a point to stop by the DNC made bridge. It simply gives me a different kind of happiness and satisfaction, but at the same time it makes me feel sad for not being able to learn anything from them in more than 20 years of their dedicated services to Bhutan. 

It is high time to change our working mentality and shift development paradigm modality. Since, the strength of a country is determined by the quality of "public work" each individual performs without being judged by someone. Japanese people are known for being so careful and work addicts, which is clearly shown by how they keep their streets and fashioned themselves. 

I've been eyeing them for monitoring and engagement they undertake both at home and away. Their working attitude and quality has never changed that was deeply rooted through a vibrant education system and high-end social culture. Their quality of work and finish line has always been a testament to the world. Their presentation of the body is the work they perform on the ground. For the past two years, I have been constantly following the work progress of this bridge. I made a point to stop –I simply love their working sites for being very carefully mining their labors. Everyone has their own role to play. Safety for both laborers and traveller is always given the utmost priority. Also Engineers in the DNC plan their daily work like a teacher planning their next day's lesson. DNC Engineers execute the same work plan on the day of work. If this "work culture" had gotten in our system, we'd have become richer and stronger centuries ago? Therefore, undertaking every bit of planning is necessary and important for the nation. These very qualities and preciseness has made them the best hand in the world –most trustworthy and reliable people. 

 We shouldn't feel happy about the foreign AID received so far. Since we haven't realized the importance and understood their objectives. We should feel bad about our inability to learn their work culture in our project. They may be feeling horribly bad with our poor work attitude. Their work culture is the indirect message for us to learn, or an example to use in our project. Had our engineers copied their working culture we would have become an "Armoured Limousine" by now. We should use them, when their hands are still around, when they are still working in our soil. I am afraid that at the end of the Japanese help, we would have learnt nothing. Whatever gain was all the beautiful bridge structures made by Japanese themselves. 

It is with such a strong mentality, Japanese are known as the finest people in the world. They have many things to credit for their hardship. Japanese are known for having built the most complicated or best toilet system in the world. Friend of mine said this to me "english people often get angry with Japanese people for making complicated toilets, because they are unable to operate their toilets". 

There is so much to learn from Japanese in Drukyul. 

Eight Years in Kheng (Zhemgang)

For the last eight years, Zhemgang has become my new home. The eight defining years have made me a more wholesome man altogether. 

 

Honestly I do not have any plan beyond Zhemgang CS. This just happened because of some unavoidable circumstances. I wouldn't have left this place for anything, but sometimes we've to make important choices that are more important than beautiful places. I never thought I'd spend eight long years in this place that others call it "least developed dzongkhag".  

 

Indeed, eight years was a hell of time. I had eight fulfilling years in Zhemgang. One can do many things. So many things have changed around the places and within me. My first batches of science students have already started earning and most of them would have become parents or started families or some have their kids ready for Kindergarten and few to abroad. People came and went. I'm among the few who came and stayed for eight years and started a family and had many golden opportunities. Perhaps, eight years have slipped so quickly keeping each moment just like a distant memory.  

 

I have packed all my belongings to Tsirang. Some call it a vegetable bowl –it's my hometown. There is nothing exciting since I had all my upbringing and 13-year of education in this place. If everything favors, I would be going back to my old school, indeed in the same old classroom of Damphu CS. I would be toiling the same path, which I've trodden thousand times as a student. 

 

Last few weeks were busy and different –packing and clearing bills. I've made great friendships with people of all walks of life hidden behind the Black Mountain and great Mangduechhu. However, on the other hand, I'm quite sure I may have disappointed some friends and colleagues, but it was never intentional. In my eight years in Zhemgang, I tried everything within and beyond, some worked well and some still in pending. Everything I did was to benefit my school and the community nearby. Toilet thing was great but I could do just little, the waste thing didn't rise well in the community, filter water was enormous and large, the reading thing did well only with a few gangs, but I could put up my timing culture well to the class I've taught if not for the whole school. 

 

I hope someday I'll find time to come back to finish my long overdue project of writing a book on "Birds of Zhemgang", exploring rich Khengpa forest and pursuing my photography passion. However, opening up a book café in the town was my long awaited dream but couldn't start. For the last eight years it came out of my mind and I secretly ruined myself. I shared my dream with a few of my friends. However, I couldn't make it. Perhaps, I'm going out with many regrets and shame. But I'm happy that I could at least plant some trees and some flowers. The plan for "Orchid Garden" was all in vain. This place has taught me a lesson –beyond the call of an ordinary teacher. I'm happy that I'm going out with many memories of my lifetime. 

 

Many of my friends, including my own parents used to frequently ask me –in deed so often this question –Why am I so glued to this isolated and least developed place for so long? My reply used to be very simple and straight –"Bhutan is almost very same whether you live in Thimphu or in Laya –development, people and landscape are almost the same." Therefore, I don't find any difference living at Zhemgang or at Thimphu. So I love Zhemgang like any other place. 

 

My love and passion for this great learning institution (zcs) will never change. The institution and the wonderful people, lovely students made all the difference in my life. However, my teaching career has to go on elsewhere. I will dig and start all over again in a new place with new people, management and young pupils. I have done it in Zhemgang and I will do it in other places with utmost loyalty and dedication. 

BTO: The Real Game Changer

I was used to a stone top and a pit latrine to relieve myself, and I'm now used to high quality toilet pots. I've immensely surprised my butts who'd had the bad experiences of smelly open-air toilets.

 

However, being a teacher, I had the privilege to change things on the ground since I already had enough bad toilet memories from my primary school to university. Similarly, I was aware of how bad the toilets are in our communities. Back in my mind, I always want to change the toilet thing especially for young school children who would become the future leaders. I have shared my bad toilet experiences with them. I've also shared the benefits of "clean and safe" toilets in some open forums and during the Morning Assembly. Other than sharing my personal experiences, I couldn't do much to change the toilet thing, as it comes down to a question of money and expertise. However, BTO came as a blessing to me. Nothing was going right until 2015, when I got a chance to become a BTO member and soon after, I was chosen to become a BTO Ambassador of Zhemgang. 

 

The real twist happened only after I joined to work for BTO. Since then, BTO was at its initial phase, however the organization was mainly formed to change the toilet mentality and to improve the sanitation of school children and so far they have done many good jobs in keeping intact with their objectives and mission –Clean Toilet For All.

 

With Save the Children funding and the BTO expertise, my school and schools across Zhemgang got several training on how to upgrade dysfunctional toilets, supply of SATO pan and advise whenever required. I made a significant change in the existing toilets at school and across the public places with the help of the BTO office. 

 

The 2-day conference came as a blessing for all the BTO ambassadors working across the dzongkhags to know each other personally, upscale the toilet knowledge and to share and showcase the experiences and way forward in combating toilet challenges. It was also a platform to clear our doubts and know about the roles and responsibilities of BTO ambassadors. Discussing on the ToR, plan of action, fundraising programs and keeping records of funds have greatly motivated and enriched our knowledge on toilets.   

 

Now with training, I was fully equipped, motivated and inspired to work even more for the cause of toilets, which ultimately would benefit the organization I am working with and the community around. Now I am equipped to build toilets for big public gatherings and gained enough knowledge on how to effectively manage toilets.

 

I have been working with BTO as a Zhemgang Ambassador from the birth of BTO. However, without formal training and clear-cut roles, I was unaware, but kept working on various public gatherings like –annual Tshechu, Monlam Chenmo, Bazaguru Drungdrub. Now with ToR in hand, I became fully aware of my roles. I can take this mission forward in all my capacities and dedicate my service to the people of Bhutan at all times.

  

As we reach wide in the communities everyone feels the need of "cool looking toilets". With the help of BTO, toilets have become an easy-talk thing for every household. BTO is an incredible organization, I'm really proud to be part of it. 

 

GNH philosophy has earned us a "green spot" in the world and with MoH new mission of 100 percent pours flush toilets by 2022 in the country –would double our strength. 

 

The Talking Mountains

Category: Mountain and Water

 

 

One of the inseparable combinations of nature –clouds and the mountains making secret love giving birth to rainwater and snow, which ultimately transpires plants and animals living downstream. So let us save our Mountains to save our Mother Earth. This photograph takes me back there spiritually and emotionally and connects me so deeply with nature. Therefore, I promised to love and protect mountains forever. 

#FollowBlogSpottitle: the talking mountains

I grew up seeing different sizes of mountains. "In fact, I was born on the mountaintop" is what my mother narrates to me when she has a good mood. 

 

In my high school, my geography teacher taught me about the importance of mountains –mountains are the crucial factors of water cycle. The warm water vapor goes up, condenses and drops in the mountains as snow and rainwater. From there most rivers of the world emerge. Therefore, it is believed mountains are the water towers of the world.

 

A mountain supports a wide variety of ecosystems like plants and animals that live in the lap of mountains. It is also the source of herbal plants and fresh air. Mountains are the religious places, since many believe that god and deities lived by the mountainside. Therefore, mountains are the symbol of purity.

However, with globalization, unfortunately mountains are under threat from the impacts of climate change, land degradation and overuse. Records also show that glaciers in mountain ranges around the world are disappearing faster than ever due to global warming affecting water supplies for people and animals living downstream. 

School Of My Dream

"Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck became the first hereditary King of Bhutan after a huge unprecedented internal struggle of power amongst the powerhouses of different regions. Despite huge challenges, he opened the first school in Haa in 1914. This marked the beginning of Modern Education in Bhutan".

 

Since then we came a long way, we passed unprecedented times in the struggle to unify country for a good and common education system. However, there is still much to do to improve our schools across the country. We'd be happy to see a common standard made for all schools that would ultimately benefit every section of people –rich and poor, bright and dull. 

 

My dream school is something very simple in design with a good set of teachers around. The teacher not only grabs the students' attention but also keeps them inspired through a holistic learning approach and warm like a caring home. A school should have new and quality infrastructures designed to meet the demand of future generations. Our school buildings need serious thinking and redesigning of engineering work with the future in view –with the idea that our future will be interconnected with complex challenges. Sometimes just looking at the building structure we don't feel like going to school or we don't feel attached or connected with the school environment. Therefore, good infrastructure plays a vital role in learning aspects without much to worry. It also gives a great sense of connectedness and liveliness to be around and learn in full capacity. Such schools would definitely ignite the spark of excitement that opens receiving minds to wider rage of realization. 

 

My dream school is a school with a SMART classroom setting for teaching learning. The use of technologies and robotics would be encouraged for greater learning of the subject matters.  

 

My dream school would be complete with amazing facilities namely classroom, labs, football pitch, pools, toilet facilities, safe drinking water and gyms. A smart library, attached health service room and counseling centre. In addition, the cafeteria serves healthy food prepared by trained cooks to encourage young kids on a balanced diet, which is vital for students who spend long hours actively engaged in various school activities. 

 

My dream school would be integrated with foreign exchange programs, which would create more understanding and respect for diversity. Such a program would greatly enhance and instill multiple and intercultural awareness beyond their home and school. Exchange programs for students would better their understanding of the world around them that would make them truly global not only, but also better them in every aspect of life. 

My dream school emphasizes sports like academics under the guidance of trained professionals. After all, education is not only for the mind, but also for the body. Since sporting activities would greatly instill a healthy lifestyle for young pupils to be physically fit and mentally strong. Through sports, they learn to build team spirit and encourage individuality and even help them build their self-esteem, bigger circle of friendships, morale and respect for the games. 

My dream school emphasizes academic subjects that focus on life after school. The syllabus would include value-based learning –environment, waste management, politics, civic sense, self-care and economy. 

While school is the best thing that ever has happened to humans, there is still yet more to do.  We must know that "if EDUCATION fails, nothing will succeed and if education succeeds nothing will fail".

Door For Tradesmen-ship

 

Caption: Door is one of the most important parts of the house. It provides not only safety and maintains privacy to people living inside but also it gives light and ventilation to different rooms. However, with modernization the new roles of the doors have changed beyond the norms –it is used for hanging things like brooms, sack, dust collectors, etc. 

Global Schools and SDGs Mandates

Q.

 

Have you ever conducted any lessons or projects on the SDGs or ESD within your school community? 

a.    Classroom lessons or activities

b.    Long-term projects in the classroom

c.     School-wide campaigns

As a classroom teacher, I have been educating students of various grades on some applicable SDGs goals through daily teaching or lessons. SDG goals like "no poverty, good health and well-being, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, life on land, life below land and climate action" all begin with individual action is what I always embed into teaching-learning activities. 

 

To overcome the "clean water and sanitation" challenge, I have taken various initiatives within my organization and beyond. Through the "Rotary Club of Thimphu" I have installed SkyHydrant water filter, which has the capacity to filter around 12,000 liters of "safe and clean" drinking water for school kids. As a BTO (Bhutan Toilet Organization) ambassador, I've also worked closely to uplift the sanitation (clean toilet challenge) within and outside the school campus and in recent few years the sanitation around school campus has improved a lot. Working everyday with young individuals of below 20-year gave me a lot of space to work beyond my actual role as a teacher to improve 6th SDG goal to the grassroots level.

 

 

Q.

Describe your interest in Global Schools and why you want to be an Advocate. (Please answer with bullet points and not in paragraph form. 250 words max.)   

 

a)    Self interest to eliminate some pertinent SDGs goals

b)    Know the mission, vision and objectives of SDGs and beyond

c)     Interest to share the common problem, if possible want to get some funding from different organizations like international or local organization

d)    Get ideas and doable ways to over these challenges in an effective ways

e)    I want other people to know and understand that all these challenges are man-made that can be solved easily. 

f)     Impart and instill the collective and moral responsibilities to every individual human being

g)    To let the world know that every one of us has the power to change our lifestyle. 

h)    To make this world a better place not only for present times, but also for the future generations

i)     To come up with some local ideas to this global problem

j)      Make a strong and a vibrant network among different leaders to address these challenges

k)    To instill a civic sense to the grassroots level on some important SDGs

l)     To build a strong and reliable network among educators of various regions and country

Q.

If you were tasked with creating a movement in your school around local and global issues, what steps would you take to inspire students and other teachers? (Please answer with bullet points and not in paragraph form. 250 words max.)

 

a)    I'd take some SDGs with daily lessons to teach and impart the knowledge to students of various grades and its impact for local, national and global level

b)    I'd take social media platform to create awareness on the pertinent issues around the locality and even to national level

c)     For the organization I'm working for past many years, I'd raise a voice on behalf of students about the problems and way forward to address the issue

d)    I'd include management or leaders of the organization to take a role, inspire to support the movement that would ultimately benefit everyone

e)    I'd raise a voice for the voiceless as per the constitution right

f)     I'd take a move for some important SDGs to be address based on need and situation

g)    I'd work with different organization on the need and support they required to address some SDGs

h)    I'd instill good values to individual human being for the agent of change

i)     With right resources and trainings, I'd continuously impart good sense of humanity to care everyone –even life in water