THE CHENGMARI MODEL: Events like this concert at the Loden foundation centre would not be possible without parental participation

20 December, 2009 - Parental participation in early childhood education is a concept that is yet to catch on in Bhutan. But the early learning centre in Chengmari, Samtse, could be leading the way.

In this centre, parents participate in all events and support the local coordinator to run the centre that was established by the Loden foundation, a non-profit organisation, based in Thimphu. The centre, which started only in September this year with 60 children aged between three to six years, was able to organise its sports day and the national day with extensive support and participation by the parents.

“Parents here take great interest in their child’s development,” said the coordinator of Loden foundation, Dorji Tashi. “Without their participation, the centre, which has only three staff, wouldn’t be able to organise school events.”

A volunteer board member of Loden foundation and retired civil servant, Dasho Megraj Gurung, said the centre could be used both for early child education as well as for parental education. Parental participation, according to him, is very important in such early learning centres in two ways. As the centre has been established free of cost, the parents should support and participate to run the centre and also play the role of parents.

The local coordinator and the volunteer of Loden foundation, Divya, said that parents were always ready to participate and support the centre for the sake of their children.

“We don’t have money, so we contribute service so that the centre continues to run,” said Yogan Gurung and Dorji Nima, whose children go to the centre.

The centre was established with about Nu 250,000 that was used to renovate and repair the old building structure that Loden rented from Bhutan Post.

“Establishing and running such centres don’t need big money but initiative and participation of the stakeholders,” said Dasho Meghraj Gurung.