The Unbreakable Bond -Part II

Greeting Sir, 

Plato was right.,. He said be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. And I find this true now.. 

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone... I used to ignore this before when someone used to lecture me most probably with a good intention but it's only now that I found it to be true.... 

Life as I known now is a journey with numerous expeditions, all ups and downs...  Which none can avoid to face with an expectation that coming days will be better...

Have a nice day, sir

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Have Our Private Schools Done Enough - Some Serious Questions

Education is considered as the heart of any nation. Therefore, a progressive nations look at education from a very different angle and give it the due importance it deserves. 

 

The news by some media about private schools shutting their doors for higher secondary admission from next academic year is not good news for all of us. The way our private owners giving up their education business established with much sacrifice is not the ultimate solution. 

Though a heart-breaking news, I can still see an ample chance to prove themselves worthy. For they have come this far, instead of feeling defeated, they should prove by setting their new standard, which can bring them more fortune and their business can easily be timeless.

 

A huge number of young children being forced out of Bhutanese education system simply indicates  our schools are not doing enough. Therefore, many elite parents who think the importance of education send their kids to performing International Schools in India and abroad. 

 

I believe that we simply fail to be a competitive partner, lack innovation and setting standards were never felt necessary because each passing year was simple and ordinary. For most, the numbers of new admission have mattered and calculated. By my layman's calculation, even small numbers of students keeps business afloat and running. 

 

Should we realign in our approach and mentality, I can see ample opportunities in getting back old milking cows. 

 

For the past few years, amongst many other private schools, I have seen the ELC High School at Thimphu doing quite well under the dynamic leadership of the school principal. What really amazed me is the number of students they admit. To me small and manageable numbers of students are their strength and each pupil seems to be performing very well.

Even more intriguing to me was their mental wellness classes and other extracurricular activities are what is missing in our education system. I feel this is truly an act of smart approach to education because education is not simply empowering the brain and knowledge but a whole approach. 

 

I saw many life changing experiences being given to each child on this campus. I am equally thrilled by the way they manage and treat each child for their wholesome development by including some exchange program as part of their learning and it has already been proving worthwhile and the good news is that they have set quite a high bar for themselves already. 

I can see this school can stand on the shoulders of their past achievements. Although, it is going to be an uphill task and looks like it will take some bit of Ms. Deki’s time and effort. But, I can see a sustaining future of ELC High School even at the cost of the storm of Thimphu valley as Ms. Deki stands high above on the hill facing the Great Buddha Dordenma Statue.

In my eyes ELC is already proving a right place to start education. For western educated Madam Deki, there is no looking back, storms may come and go, but the foundation of this school shall remain rooted in Thimphu soil. 

Getting at The Heart of Teaching

Indeed, it was a tough –roller coaster – demanding year [2021] altogether grappling with COVID-19 pandemic and academic hassle.  For me it was a year with a new experience to maneuver, having to know and adapt with new people and places. 

Having worked with people of the same background, it wasn't so difficult getting along with them.  Although it took some time and space, I became part of them and the system.  

 

New to the campus, except for one, I couldn't deny any other responsibilities assigned to me. I requested school management to give me a few Chemistry classes to keep flow in the subject matter, should I have to handle it in future. After all, it is my bread earner!

 

I was given the class teacher-ship of class 10 D, the class with 8 girls and 15 boys. The section is well known for academic deficiency and ruggedness. As agreed with the academic head, 23 heads seem ideal to manage. However, over the course of time, many changes took place –merging, reshuffling and shifting of sections. So, 3 girls and a boy were pushed in making a total of 27. This arrangement was made to decongest and create academic balance in all four sections of ten. In the next week, I got 3 more new admissions making the grand total to 30 heads. However, looking at the manners of Bhutanese classroom, I was thoroughly distressed. I choose to teach in a classroom of not more than 24 students.

 

I am made to face a brand new group of people, eager for their first lesson. To begin with, I said heavily, you have got to understand that life won't be easy here. You must learn to sacrifice and possibly need to increase your GB [gigabyte] if you wish to prosper in life. 

 

My first lesson was basically to bring them on board. So begin with school policy.  I gave utmost importance to punctuality, absenteeism, mental wellbeing, self-care, waste management and littering. However, a Chemistry lesson has always occupied the greater share of discussion. As I delve deeper into the euphoria of chemistry, the classrooms become filled with happiness, excitement and engagement. A topic such as Royal Vision, leadership, hydropower and taking care of government property have never failed to inspire us. 

 

We emphasized two things. One, we have taken punctuality so seriously. Initially, I saw a few of them have had tough times but slowly all of them have managed well, while the second was to give the very best of our collective effort in morning SUPW. We believed in teamwork and collaboration. For all our workmanship, we were in 7/26 positions. This was our biggest achievement of the year. 

Achievement of Merits

With constant battle between COVID protocols and academic pressure,  few boys started to be irregular with many excuses. So by Mid Term, 4 boys have left the school. One boy has to leave school for his frequent absenteeism, while the other three have taken their own decision to quit schooling. Now one boy is taking care of his mothers business, another gentle man joined the Royal Bhutan Army, the other chooses to become an Automobile Mechanic and the other boy is helping his parents manage some home affairs.   

 

Finally, class 10 D shrinked to 12 girls and 14 boys. Despite many odds, I still hope to complete the year with them happily. I wish everyone to successfully complete the BCSC exam. I am happy to share that each individual is special, gifted and divine. 

 

We have done our own share of work. We have achieved what is expected of us. We were in the ring throughout the year. We learnt to give our best and present ourselves in the best manner possible. We were "Hummingbirds" of our own on the campus giving our best to every single activity.

 

As a teacher, we can do so much. There are endless opportunities to change someone's life. We are educators and trained to make a difference in someone's life. So I made 30 precious  "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" in Damphu Campus and –beyond.

 

As we are looking forward to closing the long academic year, we are also looking to a fulfilling and a memorable year ahead. More than a class, we became part of a big family. 

 

Class of 2021, 10 D

 

The Humble Captain

–O Captain! Please accept a few lines as my deepest appreciation for your goodness.

We seldom realize and appreciate the small act we sacrifice each second of our life. The world is overly becoming selfish and individualist. A naïve behavior and prejudices are on the rise. Unbecoming and arrogant behavior has become a part of life. However, despite many odds, I find you different. Perhaps, we do not need to promise Heaven and Secret Maitreya Jewel. Being simple and humble within you is the best thing ever happened to you? Please keep up the same spirit hereafter. Damphu Campus would be a heaven if we have 100 more like you. 

I am not just pleasing you, not garnering your attention for respecting me. Small acts, as this is priceless. Such things are difficult to find. It's not easy to bow down and respect someone. It comes through patience and with great virtue. It also shows the path taken by your parents and community. Please continue to do the same, even more as you face a more different world. Your act of goodness won't evaporate; instead it will make you glorious and dignified someday.

When you welcomed me in your classroom, I was muffled by a gust of happiness; I was amazed by your kind act. I was moved by your little sweet words. It need not have to be big and special. My heart shrunk. It gave me a different feeling altogether. More so, when you made an offer for the chair, which was lying on the other side of your class, it melted my heart so deeply. Although I wasn't part of your class, you made my 50 minutes of substitution class fruitful and memorable. I wasn't sure how fast the time flew away, the book I was reading –ended merrily. I wish you kept the same room and open heart for the rest of the teachers and friends as well. I must tell you, your classmates are in the safe hands, the luckiest one to have you as a class monitor, you lead by example, and that's very important. It is the vision of His Majesty the King. He would feel happy, if all Bhutanese have such high self-discipline –Tha dhamtse and Lay Zhumdrey like you preach. We want each one of our friends and communities to have a strongly rooted Bhutanese value like you show.  

Let me share with you a few things. I'm someone who deeply falls in love with education everyday. I love to be surrounded by young pupils like you sharing wisdom and knowledge. I like sharing vision of education and the type of future we look forward to as a peaceful nation. 

I was heavily made to think and rethink and overthink on your very generous courtesy shown towards me for the substitution period. It is becoming scarce and hard to find people with goodness these days. The charm of people is losing its end at the razor of technology. Sad to know that human beings are getting divided, and ignored in the face of the hi-tech world. Please keep up your goodness, do not stop from being a good human being even after education is long forgotten, even if no one appreciates you, it's absolutely fine to be you. You don't need anyone to validate your good self, the Earth is your witness and God is by your side.  

You became a gateway to inspiration and hope, glory and success to the rest of your class members. You don't have to offer someone with Humvees, or Ferrari. Diamond, or Harry Winston ring. Your small act and sweet mouth is more precious and secret.

I've no doubt that peace and harmony will prevail, prosperity and happiness will continue to sway on each Bhutanese as we head more into a complex world.

Thank you for making me so special!

The Becoming Of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -VII

 7th Day: Way Forward for School (Roadmaps)

 

The final day was full of sharing and discussion on the way forward in the Five Areas of Development. I came to understand and revisit many things that I have missed in the previous sessions. Indeed, it was a great relearning. The roadmaps shared by different participating schools was interesting. However, throwing some light feedback and suggestions by participants and facilitators has made the roadmaps more SMART. 

 

I have learnt so much on interconnectedness of different areas of development through roadmaps shared by other schools. It was fun getting so many insightful comments and suggestions from colleagues. We were informed about The Royal Academy (TRA) approach of examination and implementation of 5 areas of development in the curriculum context. The whole idea of these practices at TRA is to refine, model and transfer each child into their real life situation, making them a mindful citizen, more –zhabthogtog and deeply rooted individual. 

 

The last day of 7-day training was basically sharing of ideas on roadmaps for school and individual. I felt extremely happy to listen to TRA facilitator Mrs. Pema Chhomo who was very clear and straight on clearing the doubts with all the possible examples or relations. She was confident on the Royal Vision of His Majesty The King, TRA and The Transitioning Bhutan Baccalaureate, our homemade Oxford version of schools in next few years.

 

I would like to learn more on my roadmaps and its interconnectedness once it is implemented. I'm also ready for any small changes that may occur in between. I promised to make my roadmap dream a true success and memorable one.  

Thank You Your Majesty For Such a Grand Royal Vision For Our Country And The Future of Bhutan. Thank You Also For Realizing The Importance and The Power of Education!

The Becoming Of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -VI

 6^th Day: Physical areas of Development

This old saying has so much weight in it –If wealth is lost, nothing is lost, if health is lost, everything is lost. It relates so much in everyone’s life. I was happy to learn that physical health education would be more likely to come as part of a formal curriculum. 

If a small "pimple" on the face is enough to trigger a massive mental health and wellbeing, and impact one's physical health, the area of physical development should be given the top most priority at school. Because there are thousands of young lives undergoing such tight daily situations and more importantly, there are other hundreds who want to pursue professional academics in the fields of games and sports. 

 

Remaining physical fit is one area; I grew up taking it so seriously. To keep myself fit with a sedentary lifestyle, I engage myself playing different games, community service, hiking, birding, simple yoga and more recently cycling. Therefore, engaging actively in these areas not only keeps me physically fit but also mentally sound.

 

I have spent the whole day learning, discussing, sharing and realizing the importance of mental health, wellbeing, fitness, sports, etc. More importantly, the beautiful stories on Sujata Effect, Sowa Rigpa, Modern Science, current mental health issues and assessment of physical areas took the floor gripped until the end of the presentation.

 

Through this training, I am determined to take all areas of development and practice all my personal roadmaps built on trust and see the change in me. If everything works as reflected, I would be happily taking another cycle of learning on it. However, if some roadmaps don't seem to work, I am also ready to relook at other new areas of improvement equally. And I am sure everything will be fine. 

***A Personal Thought***

 

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS –V

 5th Day: Spiritual areas of Development

I am dumb struck. There was so much I didn't know about the spiritual aspect of life, which I came to learn through this particular session by two scholarly figures. There was so much I came to know about spirituality through open sharing, discussion and self-realization. The topics spelled out for the day were all relevant and important. 

 

It was great to learn that, The Royal Academy practice of Ngondro for 30 minutes everyday was one success story that made our way forward more promising and open. With the same hope we want to cultivate many other good practices to happen in our schools is the most expected out of this workshop. I strongly feel practice like this must come as part of the curriculum, rather than making it a co-curricular activity or something else.

To me spiritual development means, by large knowing the root of one's existence, co-existence of all sentient beings, knowing the existence of the God or spirit and beliefs to name a few. 

I was more than happy to learn that spirituality and religion go hand in hand. Spiritual approach is basically an individual practice for self-betterment, whereas religion is specific to family, community or group of people. However, on a lighter note both mean the same, which basically tries to create a just and harmonious society. 

After knowing the root of the spiritual development areas, I was more of a spiritual kind than a religious person. However, through this training, it means to say quite many aspects of one's spiritual development. At the same time I am eagerly waiting for my roadmaps to get into work soon. 

 

 

***A Personal Thought***

Getting deeper into such topics always inspires me and more so it makes me a good human being altogether. There is no doubt that I've learned so much from the session through reflection and self-actualization. Indeed, I was happy to declare that I am getting better. 

Let me put spirituality and religion in my context.

In my observation, our society is more of a religious kind. We tend to manage and put up any highly valuable Choesham (altar) with all colorful embellishment to golden embroidery to nangten (treasure or invaluable items) of any value. Even the working class family makes an effort to display at least a decent altar. Nonetheless, the well-to-do family can afford any luxurious Choesham with all kinds of Nangten (treasure items). I've seen the grandest Choesham in many homes, which I always regard and wish for. The goodness is only getting better. 

What a way to worship God! 

However, learning about spiritual development, I came to realize that we are lacking spirituality, which is an integral part of everything, particularly on the religious aspect. Over the years, selfish and greedy motives are only getting promoted in the name of religion and other festivals and not being spiritual in the core of the heart.

Because it makes sense -I heard people say so many things about other religions, people, race, humanity, community, etc. This happened to me a few years back. An old man with rosary beads in hand and chanting lips, couldn't control his emotion, and landed up instructing an oncoming gentle man to kick that ugly dog which came in search of food. The sole purpose of being too religious is defeated. The other occasion I came across was heart-wrenching to me at least, a lady of middle age, with all her frustration, had abused an elderly lady, who had taken her belongings by mistake, who was on the same pilgrimage trip. The sole purpose of her religious trip is defeated. 

Therefore, I see spirituality is really missing its core place in the heart of humanity, rest is fine!

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -IV

It wouldn't be fair on my part to say that cerebral development isn’t important. Although the human brain is such a complex organ, it is very important to know how it functions every second. Perhaps, the little organ called the brain immensely controls every part of the body. Its a wonder!

 

First few slides were more like sharing a good piece of information on the human brain, 86 billion neurons, around 1 quadrillion connections (1000 trillions) and the brain continuously growing till dead.

 

The most interesting part of the day's activity was the exercise on the battle of two hands. We were asked to write our own name first by the dominant hand, followed by the other hand under a minute time condition. I was able to write 12-time with my dominant hand, which is right, whereas I could barely write 5-time with my other hand. However, as we were asked to write at least three times each by both the hands in different conditions, however, it only got better. I felt more comfortable doing more exercises and by the third time, I was able to write better and faster with my left hand. Therefore, I practice; perseverance and determination would make the brain better in function and its goodness and sharpness.

 

The other interesting topics were on the fixed mindset versus growth mindset. I could learn so much about my own strength and weakness after going through vigorous discussion and sharing on brain building activities. The most amazing part of the presentation was when Madam Ranu, shared on the quote by Pablo Casals, on being asked why, at the age of 93, he still devoted three hours a day practicing, where he said, "because I think I'm making progress". 

 

This is the wonder of the brain!

 

I came to realize that the power lies not on the barrel of a gun but in the power of a human brain.

 

 

***Education and Bhutan***

 

After the inception of education in Bhutan one century ago, things haven't changed much. It was obvious. The Royal Kasho speaks volumes on the education system. The Royal Kasho was for all of us to realize the path of education we have taken thus far.

 

Our education system was so deeply rooted with just brain development, which means our curriculum is too narrow and mainly focuses on academic achievement and nothing more. Honestly, not enough space and focus is being placed on exploring the potentials and capabilities of individual learners. However, easier said than done, with such an unbalanced system, we couldn't make a huge impact and development progress in this span of years.

Now the benchmark we have at our hand is our own The Royal Academy, the last hope. And more recently, The Bhutan Baccalaureate is taking a good shape to take hand for the paradigm shift in doing and thinking, not just on the paper, but more on the ground. All these 5 areas of development have come through Bhutan and for Bhutan, and these practices have shown a huge impact in hundreds of young children learning and leading the way at The Royal Academy, Pangbisa, Paro. 

Hereon, I am so sure this style and reform would be able to roar, shape and lead the way out for the education sector like never before, but the collective hand of everyone is a must for the success of this change. This area of development is a homegrown tool made from Bhutan, and for Bhutan!

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -III

Of hundreds of books I read, Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence is on the top list for good reasons. I have even recommended this book to one of my friends 4-year ago, and today I have had the formal training on ways to build one's emotional state. This is a good start for me as a teacher and a parent. Thank you The Royal Academy for the vision.

Initially we were given a task to define emotion. It wasn’t easy and neither was it difficult. It took a good amount of time to reflect self and beyond. However, as we were given a few more slides to think about, I came to know that I was aware and already had some qualities of an emotionally developed person. Deep inside I had a strong sense of satisfaction and happiness, and silently thanked Mr. Goleman for writing such a good book. Perhaps, I was happy that the other slides gave an idea of the quality I would like to develop to become a sincere, mindful, astute, resilient and mindful human being. If everything goes as planned, there is nothing I can look back in regret about myself. 

Through the presentation and sharing of ideas, I got a sense of satisfaction from Mr. Goleman who has beautifully shared his ideas in his book about the emotional intelligence as a tool to overcome any kinds of situations -big or small. 

 

I am eagerly waiting to take my goal and action plan into the classroom to see how best it can work for my students and me. I like to get into the serious business of building my emotional state vibrant and lively to be able to control the environment I live in. 

I am equally thrilled to push my leadership of the self-build on trust in action. However, I am also anticipating to forgive and put few of my students to compassionate circle –because of the fact that –I feel for them, they are same like me, they have soul same like me, they have same feeling like me, with the believe that everyone commit mistake has some family issues, difficult times and financial crisis to name a few. I believe that all these little issues make everyone stressful, or simply hijack one’s emotional state, thus making one a victim, or a loser.  

The rest is in the might of one to realize, whether to forgive the other soul same as anyone. However, in order to unite everyone as one nation, the best place to start this practice (emotional area of development) is at school. 

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -II

Human beings are smart social animals. The whole idea of social skills are not only in humans but also in other living materials that share this universe along with humans. This is such a great tool to be with, no matter how powerful and rich one can be, social development is a must skill. 

 

Through the sharing of ideas, it clicked with me so much about being a good neighbor, which I believe is a fundamental and instrumental part of coexistence living. Looking at the presentation and sharing of ideas, I felt so happy that I was already strong in this area of development. I'm good at social skills, knowing of self, community, nation and beyond. More so at my level, I was effectively imparting and promoting good values on nation building concepts by being mindful of waste, sanitation and environment imparting the same knowledge to my students. I was also equally happy to share that I've the good concepts of a just and harmonious society, which I use to practice with my students on a daily basis. 

 

I felt happy and excited that I could hone my skills to a deeper understanding of the concepts through this Royal Vision for education. Thank you Your Majesty for envisioning such a great idea of education through transitioning the Bhutan Baccalaureate into reality.

However, building roadmaps, setting goals for self, learner, community, nation and beyond were commendable in tons of ways. I'd remember all these to make my teaching career healthy, evergreen, lively and unforgiving eternally. Perhaps, developing team spirit and introspection of self-realization was fantastic and great to share and reflect with mentors and friends. 

 

Overall, the second day of the training on The Royal Academy, transitioning of The Bhutan Baccalaureate into reality went so well. 

 

Anticipating the third day on other areas of development with more fun and learning. 

The Becoming of The Royal Academy At Damphu CS -I

The Vision of The Royal Academy -The Bhutan Baccalaureate is something very new for our education system and in fact a historic one. 

The general introduction by the program coordinator on the 7-day training on The Bhutan Baccalaureate, way forward seems so special in many ways. The idea and concepts of the Royal Vision was spelt out well and to the grassroots level. Every single program seems so relevant and special, especially for our pupils and community.

 

My learning of the day was immeasurable and special. I could learn education through transitioning the Bhutan Baccalaureate into reality from Bhutan for Bhutan to across the world. 

 

As I listened to our program coordinator and facilitators and participating schools, I felt so lucky and didn't know how the day had gone. 

 

Almost every aspect of presentation and learning were new to me in particular. I am happy to say that I have learnt tons of new paradigm shifts -perception, mentality, goodness of humanity, power of society, connection with community, making learner at centre, learning cycle, goal setting, roadmaps, watermark and the strength of nation lies in the power of education. 

 

The most amazing part of my learning of The Royal Academy was the education through the 5 areas of development. Nonetheless, I've come to realize the unique 7 gifts each child at The Royal Academy brings in from their home after the break to learn, share, explore, interconnect and weave of each individual background, culture and diversity as part of the main curriculum is an extraordinary vision of our beloved King.

Overall, I am happy to walk on The Royal Vision of education not just fantasizing and discussing but making it a promised reality to our future is genuine and timely. 

Day 1: Reflection