Mr. Kishore Chhetri, Curriculum Officer (BPU)

Collecting and recording deaf sign language used in Bhutan.

One primary teacher, one sign language researcher and five deaf adults are currently involved in developing sign language used in Bhutan at Drugyel Lower Secondary School, Paro. An 11-day INSET workshop on “How to collect and record deaf sign language used in Bhutan” was resourced by two experts from CBM International from May 13th to 23rd, 2003.

A major component of the work will be to develop Bhutanese sign language before September 2003 when the education programme for the deaf will commence. 10 pupils will be admitted this year in the school. the regular classes will be held in Drugyel LSS while the Drugyel HSS will provide boarding facilities.

This is the third category of disabled children receiving education, other two being the visually impaired in Khaling and the Special Needs in Changangkha.