In a trend that has alarmed local communities, rural schools across Bhutan are experiencing a significant drop in student enrollment, even as urban centers grapple with overcrowding. The decline is attributed largely to families migrating to cities in search of improved opportunities, leaving many rural institutions with dwindling numbers and uncertain futures.
In Dorona Gewog under Dagana Dzongkhag, Tashi Wangdi, the local Gup, expressed his deep concern over the shrinking student body at the sole school serving five chiwogs. “Compared to last year, about 10 to 12 students have switched schools, leaving only 65 enrolled,” he noted. The school, which offers informal boarding arrangements, has seen many parents opting for alternative educational options or relocating their children to urban areas where boarding facilities are better regulated.
While rural communities face these challenges, urban schools—especially in Thimphu—are contending with the opposite issue. Overcrowded classrooms and stretched resources are testing the limits of city schools, highlighting a stark imbalance in Bhutan’s educational infrastructure.
Yet not all rural areas face decline. In Khatoed Gewog, Gasa Dzongkhag, local Gup Tshering Dorji reported a dramatic turnaround. The local school’s enrollment surged from 300 students last year to 500 this year. Dorji credits the change to a new principal and improved management, along with upgraded boarding facilities that have revitalized community confidence in the school. However, even this success story has its caveats. Gup Damchoe pointed out that the school still lacks proper sports and recreational facilities—a shortfall that affects not only the physical well-being of the students but also limits their opportunities for extracurricular activities.
In Goshing Gewog of Zhemgang Dzongkhag, the situation remains grim. Both schools in the area have fewer than 100 students, with poor boarding facilities acting as a major deterrent. One school forces its students to trek 3–4 kilometers daily, a journey that has become a barrier for many families. Concerns raised at parents’ meetings highlight the community’s plea for better infrastructure. Furthermore, chronic teacher shortages have compounded the problem, leading to diminished quality of education and prompting more families to opt for urban schools with superior facilities.
Responding to these contrasting trends, Minister of Education Yeezang De Thapa outlined the government’s strategy during a recent press briefing. Measures include strengthening the feeder school system to better distribute students and alleviate urban overcrowding. “For long-term sustainability and to ensure quality education, strategically located Central Schools are being expanded and modernized,” the minister stated, adding that these schools would also focus on inclusivity by providing uniforms and essential supplies to disadvantaged students.
The government is also making significant investments in rural education. Nearly Nu. 20 billion is earmarked for upgrading school infrastructure, enhancing digital learning tools, and improving connectivity in remote areas. An additional Nu. 1 billion is dedicated to upskilling teachers—a move aimed at ensuring that educators are well-equipped to meet modern pedagogical challenges.
As Bhutan navigates this complex educational landscape, the contrasting experiences of rural and urban schools underscore the urgent need for balanced development. While urban centers face their own set of challenges, the decline in rural school enrollments calls for immediate and sustained intervention to safeguard the future of education in Bhutan’s countryside.
