The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development has to finalize the validity of doing away with Saturday classes which is one of the ten directives issued by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to be finalized by the 1st of March.
However, as soon as the four executive and ten directives were brought to the public’s notice, the public demanded that Saturdays should be kept as a holiday for everyone.
The public sentiment, as reflected in social media comments and demands for Saturday to be declared a national holiday, indicates a strong desire for a change in the current schedule. Now with the new government looking for the validity of calling off Saturday classes, people on social media are pursuing the new Minister of Education and Skills Development to grant Saturday as a holiday.
“I urge the Ministry of Education and Skills Development to call off the Saturday classes. Having only Sundays off does not provide adequate rest for students and teachers. I believe that maintaining a balance between academics and personal well-being is crucial,” said Kinga Choki of Thimphu.
She also suggested that the Ministry of Education and Skills Development consider incorporating half-day activities on Saturdays instead of the whole day as this would provide a much-needed break from the usual academic routine while still engaging students and teachers in meaningful activities.
Mr. Kinsang who is a teacher at Drukjegang Higher Secondary School said, “If given a choice I would prefer it to be used for Professional Development programs otherwise, I would prefer it off.”
He shared that in the school he teaches they had Professional Development programs when Saturday classes were resumed after the pandemic. He elaborated that the first and last Saturday of the month was designated for the students to work on the physical ambiance of the school.
Nevertheless, Karma Wangmo a teacher from the south points out that even if the Ministry does not allow for the removal of Saturday classes entirely, she says, “I wish that these activities be held in the middle of the week to ensure that everyone, including teachers and students, can actively participate. This way we can strike a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.”
As a mother of two children, she expresses frustration that on Sundays, she is consumed with household chores like laundry, leaving little time to fulfill her children’s desires for picnics or outings. She said, “During those chaotic times, I feel like I’m failing as a parent, no matter how hard I try to manage my time effectively.”
Mr. Duba, a Vice Principal in the eastern dzongkhag highlighted both advantages and disadvantages associated with discontinuing the Saturday classes. He emphasizes the positive impact on work-life balance, increased students’ and teachers’ well-being, and potentially improved academic performance. Additionally, he notes the benefits of increased time for relaxation, extra-curricular activities, family time, and personal interest.
However, he expresses concerns about a potential reduction in instructional time, review, and practice potentially impacting the depth and breadth of the curriculum coverage.
The Bhutanese tried to reach out to Lyonpo Dimple Thapa about this matter to which the minister mentioned the importance of first finalizing it carefully and submitting it to the cabinet and then she could share the finalized decision, indicating a thoughtful consideration of the matter.
