Who We Are?
Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Schools
The project titled “Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Schools: Building on What Children Value and Aspire To Do and Be” is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Its primary goal is to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment in schools by developing a GESI diagnostic tool informed by children’s valued educational capabilities.
The GESI diagnosis tool will play a crucial role in promoting gender-responsive and socially inclusive education, ensuring that all children experience a safe and supportive learning environment. It will be adapted, contextualized, and scaled to effectively, equitably, and sustainably incorporate children’s valued educational capabilities across diverse educational settings.
The consortium is led by Kathmandu University School of Arts (Nepal), with Samtse College of Education (Bhutan) and RDRS (Bangladesh) as partners. Initiated by Kathmandu University School of Arts, the project aims to cultivate school environments where children learn and practice gender equality and social inclusion, while also contributing to improving GESI policies and practices. Spanning three years, the project will be implemented in 25 selected schools across Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Project Steering Committee
Dr. Sonam Rinchen- Project Advisor
Dr. Sonam Rinchen is the President of Samtse College of Education, where he is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment. With a PhD in Science Education from Queensland University of Technology and an MEd from the University of New Brunswick, he brings a strong foundation in educational leadership. As the President of the college, he will provide overall support and oversight to the project.
Dr. Kinley Seden- Project Country Coordinator/Principal Investigator
Dr. Kinley Seden served as the Dean of Research and Industrial Linkages (DRIL) at Samtse College of Education. With more than 20 years of experience as a teacher educator and researcher at the Royal University of Bhutan, Dr. Seden leads the research initiatives for the project in Bhutan. Her expertise in Participatory Action Research (PAR) will be invaluable in designing meaningful participatory activities. Her research interests encompass the psychology of teaching and learning, assessment practices, gender and education, teacher education, and professional development.
Ms. Tshering Om Tamang
Ms. Tshering Om Tamang is a lecturer in the Department of Language Education at Samtse College of Education. She holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and an undergraduate degree in English Literature (Honours) from the University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia. Her Master’s research focused on evaluating bilingualism among English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, while her Honours dissertation provided a comparative analysis of the Bhutanese English curriculum, with particular emphasis on Bhutanese literature in English. Her expertise significantly enhances the department’s focus on language pedagogy and literary studies.
Mr. Karma Gayphel
Karma Gayphel, a faculty member in teacher education and contemplative counseling at Samtse College of Education, has been actively involved in teaching and training since 2007. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Service Counseling from Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia, and is an ICAP I (International Certified Addiction Professional – I), accredited by the International Centre for Credentialing and Education (ICCE) under the Colombo Plan Secretariat. As a National Trainer in Addiction Counseling, he has trained school counselors, healthcare professionals, and peer helpers. From 2018 to 2021, Karma served as the Dean of Student Affairs, significantly contributing to student well-being. He has also held leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Counseling and Psychology and Programme Leader for the Post-graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counseling, where he was instrumental in developing and reviewing the college’s first contemplative counseling program.
Dr. Kinzang Dorji
Dr. Kinzang Dorji (PhD) is lecturer and Head of the Department for STEM Education Department at Samtse College of Education (SCE), Royal University of Bhutan (RUB). He has a master degree in Botany from the University of New England, Australia, and earned his PhD in Freshwater Ecology from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia in 2016. His ongoing 16 years of university-level teaching experience in the College involves multidisciplinary teaching areas in both professional and subject-specific educational modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level programmes. His research interests include educational teaching and learning, bioassessment of stream and river health (stream ecology), and health and wellbeing.
Dr. Kinley
Dr. Kinley, is an assistant Professor at Samtse College of Education (SCE) and has been working at SCE since 2006. He has PhD in education from Aalborg University, Denmark and Masters in Botany from University of New England, Australia. He served the college in various capacities such as the Dean of Research and Industrial Linkages (2017-2020) and Head of the Science Department (2016-2017). Currently he is serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of STEM Education at Samtse College of Education teaching numerous subject specific, pedagogy, and research modules to postgraduate and undergraduate students. He is a passionate teacher and a keen researcher. His research interests are in educational research, educational technology, science education, inclusive education, and social research.
Meet our Researchers
Dr. Reeta Rai
Dr. Reeta Rai is a faculty at Samtse College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan, where she teaches Chemistry, Environmental Science, Research Methods, and pedagogical modules to student-teachers at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and an M.Sc. in chemistry. Her research interests encompass STEM education, teacher education, and Environmental Science. She has also authored book chapters and published international peer-reviewed journal articles in the fields of Environmental Science, STEM education, and teacher education.
Ms. Sonam Zangmo
Sonam Zangmo is a lecturer at the Department of Arts and Humanities Education, Samtse College of Education, Royal University of Bhutan, where she has been teaching since 2010. She holds a Master’s in Psychology from Andhra University, India, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Journalism, and English from Bangalore University, India. As the Programme Leader for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, she teaches across various programs, covering topics like educational psychology, human development, and teaching strategies. Her research interests focus on motivation, counseling, academic performance, depression, and internet addiction. Sonam is actively involved in curriculum development and professional development workshops on communication skills and digital resource creation, while also leading research on assessment methods and teaching strategies.
Mrs. Sonam Wangmo
Sonam Wangmo is the Programme Leader for BEd Secondary Arts at Samtse College of Education. She holds a Master’s in Education, specializing in Early Childhood Studies, from Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia. Her research interests focus on issues related to families and children, gender, and social inclusion. Currently, she serves as the country coordinator for the Gender and Inclusive Pedagogy (GIP) Project, funded by GPE KIX and IDRC.