The Bhutan Foundation, in partnership with the Australian High Commission, has launched a new Multimedia Functional Program at Changangkha Middle Secondary School, opening new pathways for students with special needs to build practical, market-relevant skills for independent and meaningful futures.
The initiative marks an important step in strengthening inclusive and skills-based education in Bhutan. The launch event was attended by His Excellency the Ambassador of Australia to Bhutan, officials from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), school leaders, teachers, parents, and students. During the event, a fully equipped multimedia lab, along with curriculum and learning materials, was formally handed over to the school.
The newly established lab creates a hands-on learning environment where students can develop confidence, creativity, and independence through practical, guided work. Learners will gain exposure to areas such as graphic design, photo editing, and digital content creation, broadening vocational opportunities beyond traditional training pathways like tailoring or baking.
For many students with diverse learning needs, the transition from school to employment or independent living can be especially challenging. While inclusive education efforts have expanded across Bhutan, many learners still complete school without access to practical, functional skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.
The Multimedia Functional Program was designed to help address this gap.
By integrating digital tools, creative learning, and functional ICT into the curriculum, the program supports students who benefit from adapted instruction and experiential learning. Students will build foundational competencies in media production, digital communication, and technology, skills that can strengthen pathways to further training, employment, and greater self-reliance.
Beyond technical skills, the program also promotes inclusion, dignity, and participation. It reflects a growing recognition that students with diverse abilities thrive when schools provide learning environments that respond to different strengths, interests, and learning styles.
This initiative aligns closely with Bhutan’s broader efforts to strengthen inclusive education and integrate vocational and functional learning into mainstream schooling. By combining academic learning with practical skill development, schools can better prepare students for everyday life and active participation in their communities.
In partnership with MoESD, the Bhutan Foundation is also supporting the expansion of similar programs in other schools, including Tendruk Central School, to further strengthen alternate learning pathways and broaden opportunities for diverse learners across the country.
