Completed Projects:
Changangkha and Drukgyel Schools
Changangkha
Changangkha Middle School, located in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, was inaugurated as Bhutan’s first SEN school in 2003. Today, with 997 students, of which 124 are children with disabilities, Chanangkha has the scale, diversity, and experience to provide a blueprint for other SEN schools to follow. The most pressing question Changangkha faces - possibly the biggest challenge for all SEN programs - is how to transition children to lead more meaningful and independent lives following high school.
In response to these needs, Bhutan Mindfulness has positively impacted Changangkha by providing funds to support vocational programs. Our initial donation has equipped classrooms with essential tools for tailoring, washing, and cooking. Furthermore, we have sponsored the establishment of an on-campus “Inclusive Bites” café, managed by students with disabilities. This safe and supportive environment allows children to earn while developing crucial life skills.
Take a tour of Changankha with BMC
Drukgyel
Drukgyel was formally inaugurated as an inclusive SEN school in 2012, the second following Changangkha in 2003. With its motto "reaching for the unreached," Drukgyel teaches nearly 600 children today. Of this number, 80 have diverse special needs including autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. The school categorizes its disability mix as 46% mild, 22% moderate, and 16% severe. Drukgyel's teachers struggle with resource constraints, insufficient classrooms, low parental engagement, bullying, and other behavioral issues.
Among the myriad of challenges, the absence of accessible or inclusive toilets caught our attention. This issue undermines a child's dignity and affects enrollment, drop-out rates, and life skills development. In response, Bhutan Mindfulness took a proactive role by providing funds and overseeing the construction of four inclusive toilets. Drukgyel has already seen families reenroll with this significant obstacle overcome.
We invite you to watch a video featuring Madam Tshering, Drukygel's lead inclusive education teacher, as she eloquently speaks about the significance of accessible toilets.
Drukygel’s lead special needs teacher on BMC’s impact
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Madam Tshering shared the following BMC: “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Bhutan Mindfulness Center for your generous sponsorship towards the construction of inclusive toilets. Your unwavering support is transforming the educational landscape for children with disabilities and making a lasting impact on our community. Your commitment to fostering inclusivity aligns seamlessly with our vision for providing equal educational opportunities for every child.
The construction of inclusive toilets not only addresses a critical infrastructure gap, but also symbolizes a commitment to the dignity and wellbeing of our students. Thanks to your sponsorship, children with disabilities at our primary school now have access to facilities that cater to their specific needs. Your generosity has not only transformed the physical landscape of our school, but also contributed to a more inclusive and compassionate community. We are deeply grateful.”
