Education

Until the introduction of modern, Western forms of education in 1950s the only form of formal education available in Bhutan was monastic education. While monastic education continues to be an important part of the national culture, Western education has been promoted and expanded since the first Five Year Plan in 1961. This education model addresses the basic educational needs, and develops human resources required for the socio-economic development of the country.  In four decades, the government has been able to expand the modern education system from about 11 schools prior to the first Five Year Plan in 1961 to 518 schools and institutes in 2008, spanning from community primary schools to tertiary institutions.

As a result of the government's commitment to education, the expansion of the education system has been accompanied by a rapid growth in the enrollment of students. Net primary enrollment grew from an estimated 20 percent in the early 1980s to 53 percent in 1998 to an impressive 88 percent in 2008. WFP is proud to be part of this achievement. The attendance rate has been stable for a number of years - more than 95 percent for both boys and girls. However, challenges persist as there are districts and groups of people that are still considerable below the national enrollment levels. Further assistance can still make a difference especially in order to reach the second Millennium Development Goal, "Education for All" in 2015.