A Japanese teacher playing with a Changangkha student during one of their many interactives at the school

Although Bhutan might seem like a small primitive society in comparison to tech-savvy Japan, the latter insists the tiny Himalayan nation has some valuable lessons to share.

A group of 13 in-service primary, secondary and high school Japanese teachers, along with two media people, are in the capital to take stock of Bhutan’s present situation towards nation building and JICA’s cooperation in it.

Under the theme ‘Education and GNH’, the JICA resident representative, Tom Nitta, said the main purpose of their visit was so the Japanese teachers could learn and understand the education policies and systems in Bhutan, particularly vis-à-vis gross national happiness.

“We want these teachers to introduce and share information about the current situation of Bhutan and JICA’s activities to the Japanese students and colleagues,” he said. “This program is also intended to promote understanding of Japanese participation in international cooperation.”

Besides exchanging cultures and traditions of the two nations, the tour is also expected to develop goodwill and linkages for future cooperation.

An English teacher in one of the schools in Japan, Seki Megumu, said that they were interested in Bhutan’s education policies and wanted to learn and return home with some positive aspects of it.

Another English teacher, Yoshio Hoso, observed that Bhutanese students were “bold and challenging”.

A majority of Japanese students, he added, were hesitant when faced with new challenges, and shy in front of the public.

“This is something I’ve noticed and want to take back home,” he said.

The principal of Changangkha lower secondary school, Jigme Dorji, said that the Japanese teachers visited the school to see how Bhutanese schools functioned, and to study their curriculum.

During their weeklong stay in the country, the teachers will visit several dzongs, including Khuruthang vocational training institute, Phobjikha and the RSPN research centre.  Source: Kuenselonline