The Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development (DCDD) concluded its two-week summer programme, which was designed to engage students in traditional Bhutanese culture and provide a digital detox during their summer break, on July 12.

About 204 students, ranging from pre-primary (PP) to graduates, took part in the programme. Hosted at the National Library and Archives in Kawangjangsa, Thimphu, the programme offered various activities focused on traditional calligraphy, art, dance, and music.

Among the participants was sixth-grader Lekzin Tshoki Wangmo, who chose to learn the traditional musical instrument Yangchen. She joined the programme due to her keen interest and her desire to continue playing the Yangchen, which she has been learning for about five months.

She also shared her plans to learn the Drangyen (lute) instrument in the future.

Another participant, Pema Tandin Zangmo, a class five student said that through this programme she was able to learn how to play the Dong-Lim (flute) for the first time. She appreciated the opportunity to learn how to play the flute and various songs.

The programme is part of DCDD’s initiatives in the 13th Plan to impart knowledge of calligraphy, art, dance, and music to the youth, who are seen as the future custodians of Bhutanese culture and tradition.

The programme coordinator, Yeshi Lhendup, said that the youth are eager to participate in such opportunities when provided. He added that the parents were also supportive of their children’s involvement.

One of the parents, Tshering Zam, said this programme was good and keeps children engaged and away from their phones.

Another parent, Kinzang Choden, said that it is a good opportunity to keep the children engaged and learn new things. She added that this kind of programme can provide future opportunities for their children.

Many participants mentioned that the programme allowed them to learn traditional songs and significantly reduced their screen time.

Sherab Tobden Tshering, a second-grade student, shared that his mother encouraged him to join the programme because he was spending too much time on his phone.

During the programme, he learned about Chham dance, specifically Pa Chham and Nga-ging Chham. He said that the experience helped him spend less time on his phone and engage more in learning traditional Chham dances.

The DCDD plans to continue engaging youth through similar programmes during both summer and winter breaks to promote and preserve Bhutanese culture and tradition.