Dechencholing Higher Secondary School has unveiled Project Tharma, a school-based community aesthetic initiative designed to blend academic learning with creativity, culture, and community engagement.
As one of the first institutions in Bhutan to implement the Bhutan Baccalaureate curriculum, the school is pioneering an approach that treats sports and aesthetics not as extracurricular options, but as core subjects alongside traditional disciplines.
“Through Project Tharma, we aim to develop a contextualised curriculum that enriches students’ aesthetic learning experience,” said Jamyang Yoezer, the project’s lead. “It’s about nurturing emotional and creative growth through painting, music, dance, and other art forms.”
Student liaison Dhewa Selden Dorji emphasised that the programme challenges conventional career expectations. “We want to break the idea that success is only about becoming a doctor or engineer. Careers in the arts can be just as fulfilling, even here in Bhutan,” she said. “Our mission is to bridge education and artistic growth with the support of our community.”
The initiative will draw on collaborations with local artists, spiritual guides, and mentors, including guidance from Tulku Ngawang Thinley Lhendup, to integrate contemplative and spiritual learning. School principal Tashi Gyeltshen noted that the programme’s focus is on unlocking each child’s unique potential. “Every student has talents beyond academics. We must create an environment where they feel free and happy to express those talents,” he said.
Project Tharma is more than a school activity — organisers envision it as a replicable model that could inspire other schools to embrace a more value-driven, holistic approach to education nationwide.
