A community awareness and knowledge-sharing consultation was held on 13th June 2025 at the Samtse Dzongkhag Tshogdu Hall. The event brought together 33 participants, including local leaders, health officials, child protection and GESI focal points, Red Cross volunteers, community-based support service personnel, and other key stakeholders. The consultation was chaired by Dasho Dzongda (Mayor) and Dasho Dzongrab (Deputy Mayor) of Samtse Dzongkhag.
Organized as part of the GESI project’s knowledge dissemination strategy, the event focused on promoting children’s valued educational capabilities through stronger community collaboration. The GESI project team from Samtse College of Education presented key findings from their Situational Analysis Study (SAS) and baseline research. The project, supported by the Global Partnership for Education’s Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE-KIX) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), is currently in its intervention phase in five partner schools across Samtse Dzongkhag.
During the session, the team highlighted the critical role of stakeholder involvement in ensuring the success and sustainability of the intervention efforts. The project coordinator, Dr. Kinley Seden, emphasized the need for active support from Dzongkhag-level agencies. In response, Dasho Dzongda acknowledged the importance of the initiative and pledged his full support for its successful implementation.
The presentations were followed by a lively open discussion. Participants raised pertinent questions regarding the selection of the 21 capability indicators, the project’s approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the long-term sustainability of the interventions. The team explained that the indicators were derived through comprehensive literature reviews and tailored to reflect local and national relevance. While LGBTQ+ issues were not explicitly addressed in the diagnostic phase, the intervention phase includes planned activities aimed at fostering inclusivity and addressing stigma.
The team also shared that key findings and outputs have been submitted to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and other relevant agencies to support policy integration and curriculum development.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Karna Bdr. Thakurr (Thrizin Wom) encouraged all participants to disseminate the knowledge gained through the event within their respective communities, stressing that local engagement is vital for meaningful and lasting change.
Overall, the consultation marked a significant step toward deepening community understanding of GESI and strengthening inclusive educational practices in Samtse Dzongkhag. The intervention phase is set to commence in July 2025, with continued collaboration expected from local stakeholders.
