At our meeting on Wednesday, 24th September 2025, members of the Rotary Club of Prospect heard from our very own Dr. Sonam Jamtsho, connecting with us all the way from Bhutan. Together with his wife, Pema, Sonam provided an update on our club’s international project and outlined an exciting vision for its future.
This project focuses on the Dhur Primary School in Bumthang, a remote village nestled high in the mountains of Bhutan. The community, which primarily relies on agriculture and yak herding, faces significant challenges, including a digital divide that can limit educational opportunities for its children.
Phase 1: A Resounding Success
Our club’s initial involvement, Phase 1 of the project, saw the funding and installation of smart whiteboards at the school. Sonam shared powerful testimonials illustrating the profound impact of this technology. One young student expressed how the smartboards make “learning more easier,” allowing them to understand lessons better through videos and pictures. In a particularly moving story, Sonam recounted how a 70-year-old grandfather was so impressed with the new technology that he convinced his son to enroll his grandson in the school. This highlights not just the educational benefit, but the project’s power to inspire hope and change perceptions within the community.
Looking Ahead: Phase 2
Building on this success, Sonam presented a proposal for Phase 2: “Digitalizing Education.” The goal is to further enhance the learning environment by providing:
- Laptops for all 12 teachers, enabling them to prepare dynamic digital lessons.
- Around 55 tablets for students in grades four, five, and six.
These devices will be equipped with specific educational software on the Android platform, ensuring compatibility with the existing smartboards. Crucially, the tablets will be for in-school use and will not contain distracting social media apps, ensuring they remain dedicated learning tools. The aim is to create a more interactive, engaging, and effective classroom experience.
Creating Hope in a Corner of the World
This project is a perfect embodiment of the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” and our club’s own mission of creating hope and care. Dr. Sonam’s presentation was a vivid reminder of how targeted projects, driven by passionate individuals on the ground, can make a tangible difference. The enthusiasm from our members was palpable, and we are excited to move forward in supporting Phase 2. We thank Sonam and Pema for their incredible dedication and for sharing this inspiring journey with us.
