The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Prime Minister met with the teachers of Tendu Central School on 1st April 2017 to talk about the recent incident involving alcohol and tobacco during a party that was organized in the school campus. The PM informed the teachers that the principal is being transferred because of this unfortunate incident.
“More than 1600 students need you,” Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay told the teachers of Tendu Central School.
Lyonchhen met the teachers and students of Tendu Central School under Samtse Dzongkhag, on his return from the Namami Brahmaputra Festival.
During the interaction, Lyonchhen urged the teachers not to be demoralized by the recent incident in the school but rather take the same as a learning opportunity. Emphasizing the role of teachers in the education system, Lyonchhen reminded that more than 1600 students need their teachers emboldened for teachers are their role models.
Lyonchhen, however, told the teachers that he is disappointed because, first, the school management has defied its own regulations. “School is a Temple for Learning, and that the drinking of alcohol and smoking is not at all acceptable,” said Lyonchhen. Secondly, the teachers and officials concerned tried to cover up the case during the initial investigation said the PM.
Lyonchhen told the teachers that while it is their moral duty to provide factual information during such incidences, they instead tried to cover up the story. This necessitated a second investigation. Lyonchhen reminded them that these could set negative example to their students who look up to them.
However, he added that the incident was a lesson for everyone and the teachers should think of the students. “It is good because now we know better,” said the PM
Lyonchhen urged the teachers to be proactive; to own the school and care for the school to help the students excel in education. He said the students should feel safe.
The PM extended his full support for the betterment of the School but cautioned that he “will not tolerate any excuses,” henceforth. Hesaid that the school must celebrate its 40th Year of establishment next year (estd. 1978) and it was necessary to form an Alumni Association.
Lyonchhen also informed the gathering that henceforth it will be mandatory for all the Dzongdas to visit their respective Central Schools once every two weeks and to submit a report to Lyonchhen along with pictures.
The Education Ministry will ensure immediate implementation of this decision.
