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What in the world is Dzongkha? Until recently, the written language of Bhutan was classical Tibetan. The previous King decided that Bhutan should have its own written language corresponding to their native spoken tongue. The King then started a school at Simtokha for the training of Dzongkha teachers. Now children at Simtokha study modern subjects alongside the ancient traditions of their Bhutanese legacy. |
| Fifty percent of the world's spoken
languages, along with their
traditional cultures, are expected to vanish in the next hundred
years. Simtokha's unique approach to education in Bhutan is paramount
if this kingdom's special perspective on life is to survive. |
| A home for kids with no home... |
 Bhutanese children, many of whom are orphans, study hard at Simtokha |
I
took this photo in the twilight outside
Simtokha's open courtyard. I think the flash startled them! Today
Simtokha Dzong houses hundreds of children, many of them orphans,
providing them with both a traditional and modern education. Simtokha
Dzong was built in 1627 by Shabdrung Rinpoche. It is situated high
on
a ridge just south of Thimpu, Bhutan's capital. Simtokha is presently
the home of the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. These children
are Bhutan's hope for the future. |
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