| Location: | Thimphu, Bhutan |
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| Category: | Education |
| Published: | 21 August 2007 |
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Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS) was established in 1999 with the dual objectives of educating those children who could not continue their formal education due to both financial and social reasons and to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the unique cultural heritage of Bhutan. It is a private not-for-profit institute which supports the disadvantaged and under privileged youth of Bhutan through self-sustaining program on skills development in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
The founder of the project is Dasho Choki Dorji. It was during his time that Dasho started the first painting school in Bhutan with the approval from Her Royal Highness Ashi Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck, then representative of His Majesty in the Ministry of Development in early 1970s.
The school offers general courses in traditional drawing, painting, sculpturing and wood carving. After 2nd year, students are given the option to pursue specialized courses in Thanka ( scroll, Debri painting (Fresco) and Patra (wood carving) based on their interest and aptitude. The full course is for six years. Both – theory and practical lessons – are properly integrated to develop the necessary skills and aptitude. The school also provides classes in basic English, maths and Dzongkha.
Other co-curricular activities such as games and sports, cultural activities, mask dances, Driglam Namzha (code of etiquettes) and SUPW (Socially useful & Productive Works) form an integral parts of the school program.
CTAS has been providing exclusively free education till 2006. From 2007 the school started charging a nominal school fee from students which, however covers only about 30% of the total operational cost. The remaining costs are borne by the school through senior students’ practical works and donations from well wishers. Over the last eight years, CTAS has trained more than 100 students. The school has so far produced eight graduates and all of them are employed.
The founder of the project is Dasho Choki Dorji. It was during his time that Dasho started the first painting school in Bhutan with the approval from Her Royal Highness Ashi Dechen Wangmo Wangchuck, then representative of His Majesty in the Ministry of Development in early 1970s.
The school offers general courses in traditional drawing, painting, sculpturing and wood carving. After 2nd year, students are given the option to pursue specialized courses in Thanka ( scroll, Debri painting (Fresco) and Patra (wood carving) based on their interest and aptitude. The full course is for six years. Both – theory and practical lessons – are properly integrated to develop the necessary skills and aptitude. The school also provides classes in basic English, maths and Dzongkha.
Other co-curricular activities such as games and sports, cultural activities, mask dances, Driglam Namzha (code of etiquettes) and SUPW (Socially useful & Productive Works) form an integral parts of the school program.
CTAS has been providing exclusively free education till 2006. From 2007 the school started charging a nominal school fee from students which, however covers only about 30% of the total operational cost. The remaining costs are borne by the school through senior students’ practical works and donations from well wishers. Over the last eight years, CTAS has trained more than 100 students. The school has so far produced eight graduates and all of them are employed.
M
Geneva, Switzerland