The pupils at Gayshing Gaon Primary School are enthusiastic learners. However, for many years the school struggled with inadequate infrastructure. Friends of Bhutan Austria, together with the Society Switzerland Bhutan and Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, supported the Gayshing Gaon Primary School in Phuntshopelri Gewog in Samtse with the construction of four new classrooms. The project has now brought about the necessary and long-awaited improvement in the learning and teaching environment for pupils and teaching staff.
Improving the Learning Environment
Leaky roofs during the monsoon season, scorching heat in summer and overcrowded classrooms made teaching and learning a major challenge. The children’s learning materials were also constantly at risk of being damaged by water seeping in from all sides.
“As a school principal, I have personally witnessed how these conditions negatively impacted the
comfort, safety, and academic performance of our students”, said the primary school principal.
On 18 July 2025, the inauguration of the new classroom block took place, a joyful event that brought together most of the supporters, staff and volunteers from the community to celebrate this achievement.
In cooperation with the Dzongkhag administration, the Pelden Cement Authority, Lhaki Cement, Phuntshopelri Gewog, volunteers from the two Chiwogs (Gayshingm and Dolomthang) and the school staff, who tirelessly sacrificed their time, the school was able to successfully complete the construction of a school building with four classrooms and a new assembly ground.
The children now have access to bright, spacious and comfortable classrooms that create a supportive learning environment and offer them better opportunities for the future.
Project Data
Project name: Construction of four new classrooms for Gayshing Goan Primary School
Funding: Friends of Bhutan Austria: EUR 1,680 (Society Switzerland Bhutan: EUR 1,680 Opening Your Heart to Bhutan: EUR 2.000, and substantial contributions by the district administstration and Penden Cement Authority Ltd.)
Project partner: Gayshing Gaon Primary School
Project duration: December 2024 – July 2025
Thematic focus: Education
SDG tracker: SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning