A Knowledge Sharing Event was held on 11 July 2025 in Thimphu at the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), where Samtse College of Education (SCE) presented recent progress on the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Project. The session was attended by Hon’ble Lyonpo Yeezang D. Thapa, Minister for the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, and Dasho Tshewang C. Dorji, Secretary of the Ministry.
Dr. Kinley Seden, who leads the project, provided an overview of the work being carried out across five partner schools in Samtse Dzongkhag. She highlighted a number of key outputs developed so far, including a special edition of the EIP publication featuring a Situational Analysis of GESI in schools, the June 2025 GESI Update Report, two policy briefs, and a brochure introducing the project’s aims and strategies. Dr. Seden also pointed to the enthusiastic student participation generated by the GESI video competition, which gave learners a creative platform to engage with themes of gender equality and inclusion.
Project member Ms. Tshering Om Tamang reported that the project is currently in its intervention phase. Working closely with the District Education Officer, school principals, and designated focal teachers, the team is in the process of establishing LIKE Clubs in the five schools. These student-led clubs are envisioned as spaces to promote inclusion, knowledge-sharing, and empowerment. She explained that seed funding is being provided to support the launch of the clubs, alongside honoraria for school leaders and focal teachers in recognition of their active involvement. She further noted that principals have already committed to providing classroom spaces for the clubs’ use.
Hon’ble Lyonpo warmly appreciated the team’s dedicated efforts, reaffirmed the Ministry’s recognition of the project’s impact, and generously offered support in resource mobilisation, technical assistance, and strategic guidance to help strengthen and sustain the initiative.
Echoing this support, Dasho Secretary acknowledged that the issues highlighted through the project reflect broader trends observed across the education sector. He remarked on ongoing challenges such as infrastructure constraints, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited textbook availability. While noting that steps are being taken to address such gaps, he emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing improvement. Regarding the LIKE Clubs, Dasho Secretary conveyed the Ministry’s endorsement of the initiative, provided it is grounded in strong local ownership and commitment at the school level.
The event concluded with warm words of encouragement from both Hon’ble Lyonpo and Dasho Secretary, who reiterated their support for the GESI Project and its vital role in advancing gender equality and social inclusion in Bhutanese schools.
