Advocacy Workshop on Inclusive Education in Samtse in Collaboration with Save the Children, Bhutan

An Advocacy Workshop was successfully conducted from March 3rd to 5th, 2025, in Samtse and Tendru simultaneously, with funding support from Save the Children Bhutan. The workshop brought together over 200 participants, including parents, teachers, and facilitators from various schools and ECCDs. We were deeply honored by the presence of Dasho Thrizin, whose valuable insights and active participation enriched the discussions.

The workshop primarily focused on raising awareness about the vital role of parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities and the importance of parent support groups. Through interactive sessions and group discussions, participants explored the challenges faced by children with special needs and the critical role that educators, parents, and the community play in fostering an inclusive learning environment.

A particularly significant aspect of the workshop was the platform it provided for parents to share their personal stories, allowing them to voice their experiences, concerns, and hopes. The discussions were deeply moving, creating a rollercoaster of emotions among participants and trainers alike. Many parents (grandparent) expressed their gratitude for having a safe space to connect with others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the need for continuous dialogue and stronger community support.

Fostering Inclusion and Skill-Building: Phensem Family Resource Centre’s Engaging Activities for Parents and Children

On December 21st and 22nd, 2024, the Phensem Family Resource Centre organized engaging activities for 33 participants, including 16 parents and 17 children, aimed at fostering interaction and skill-building in a fun and inclusive setting. The events, such as memory card games and ping pong ball activities, were tailored to meet the individual needs of participants, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

Parents and children worked together to create their own memory card games using available materials. The memory card game featured colorful cards with pictures or symbols, and children and parents were encouraged to play in pairs or small teams. Players took turns flipping over two cards at a time to match identical images, helping to enhance memory, concentration, and cognitive skills. Whereas, the ping pong ball activities included tossing the balls into containers or aiming for targets, promoting hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and focus.

Throughout the two days, the activities fostered communication, socialization, and skill development in a supportive environment. Parents played a vital role in supporting their children, strengthening family bonds, and contributing to the success of the event.

AT in Action: Empowering Children and Families through Assistive Technology in Paro

A two day AT in Action was held on November 6th and 7th at Ananda Resort, Paro, focusing on the practical application of AT tools and devices in real life settings- access learning materials and develop social skills, while foresting meaningful interactions with peers through recreational activities.

With active participation from 43 individuals, including parents and children, the event offered practical insights into how various AT tools such as adaptive devices and communication aids can support children’s engagement in school work, social interactions, and recreational activities. By involving both children and parents, the event not only demonstrated the potential of AT to foster independence and inclusion but also empowered families with the knowledge to integrate these tools into their everyday lives, enhancing both education and recreation for children.

The participation of a physiotherapist from Paro hospital further enriched the event by sharing valuable insights on the physiological benefits of AT. He demonstrated how certain AT tools, such as adaptive seating and mobility aids can be used to improve physical independence, posture, and mobility during educational and recreational activities while supporting their overall physical development.

Empowering Parents: Advocacy and Assistive Technology Training in Mongar

The fourth Advocacy and Awareness Workshop and Cascade Training on the Acceptance and Use of Assistive Technology was conducted from October 2nd to 5th in Mongar, with funding from Bhutan Foundation. The workshop brought together 36 participants including parents, teachers and facilitators dedicated to improving the lives of persons with disabilities. The workshop aimed to inspire participants to be champions of AT solutions, ensuring that both individuals with disabilities and their caregivers could experience a more supportive and enriching environment.

We are excited to share some wonderful feedback from the workshop! Initially, we were concerned that the parents would not come back after day one, but we were pleasantly surprised to see not only full participation for all four days, but also an increase in attendees!

A participant remarked “I have attended many workshops and felt sleepy but not here! The engaging activities and dynamic discussions kept everyone energized and involved!!”

One parent one the first day of the workshop shared that she feels sad because her son would not be able to do anything in his life; However, by the end of the session, her perspective shifted! She realized that, with the right assistive devices, he can indeed contribute and thrive.

It’s inspiring to see how knowledge and support can transform beliefs and drives us to continue with our vision of empowering parents!

Phensem Shares Its Journey at the 7th Parents Congress in Manila

Phensem was invited to share our story at the 7th Parents Congress at Manila, organised by PAVIC (Parent Advocates of Visually Impaired Children), a parent support group in the Philippines.

It was a great honour for Phensem where the Co-Founder & Executive Director shared not just Phensems story and thoughts and ideas for parents in other countries who are considering starting parent support groups in their own countries but also learned a lot from PAVIC who just recently celebrated their 25th Anniversary.

Thank you Perkins and Save the Children for supporting our participation in a forum that believes in empowered parents.

Gelephu Hosts Advocacy Workshop and Training on Assistive Technology for Inclusivity

The third Advocacy and Awareness Workshop and Cascade Training on the Acceptance and Use of Assistive Technology was conducted from September 9th to 11th in Gelephu, with funding support from Bhutan Foundation. The workshop saw participation from 43 individuals, including 19 parents and educators from various schools and ECCD centers. We were privileged to have Dasho Thrompon and the Chief District Education Officer in attendance who eagerly participated in the first segment and their presence added motivation and encouragement to the other participants.

The workshop’s main objective was to deepen participants’ understanding of Assistive Technology (AT) and its ability to enhance the lives of children and persons with disabilities.

As part of the program, the team also visited the Jigme Wangchuck Power Training Institute in Sarpang on September 12, 2024 to learn more about the institute’s initiatives in promoting inclusivity and supporting individuals with disabilities and explore avenues for collaboration. The institute has made commendable progress in this area, having recruited six children with disabilities, who are now actively involved in various programs with specialized support tailored to their unique needs.

Tsirang Advocacy Workshop Empowers Parents and Educators for Inclusive Education

An Advocacy Workshop was successfully conducted from 5th to 7th September 2024 in Tsirang, with funding support from Save the Children Bhutan. The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including parents, teachers, and facilitators from various schools and ECCDs. We were honored to have the presence of Dasho Dzongda and other Dzongkhag officials, whose valuable insights and participation enriched the discussions.

The key focus of the workshop was to raise awareness on parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities and the importance of parent support groups. Through interactive sessions and group discussion, participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children with special needs and the critical role that educators, parents, and the community can play in fostering an inclusive environment.

The parents (and grandparents) said that it was the first time they attended a meeting like this and they valued each moment of the 3 days spent together.

“All Children Can Learn and Play: The Importance of Inclusive Education” Workshop in Phuentsholing

From August 26th to 28th, 2024, a workshop on “All Children Can Learn and Play: The Importance of Inclusive Education” was conducted in Phuentsholing with support from Save the Children. The event brought together teachers, parents, and facilitators from Phuentsholing, Kamji, and Samtse. The workshop emphasized the importance of parent support groups, active parental involvement, and collaboration with service providers. The participants also had a ‘make-and-take’ session where they made personalized alternative communication tools for their children.

Phensem and Fablab CST Partner to Innovate Assistive Technology for Inclusivity

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Fablab CST and Phensem, marking a significant collaboration between innovators and need-knowers, aimed at designing Assistive Technology (AT) for persons with disabilities in Bhutan. This partnership underscores a commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity within the country. As part of this collaboration, a visit was made to explore the facilities and discuss potential projects that will leverage the expertise of both organizations to create impactful solutions tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities in Bhutan.

Cascade Training in Phuentsholing Promotes Acceptance and Use of Assistive Technology for Inclusivity

On August 22nd and 23rd, 2024, Cascade Training on the Acceptance and Use of Assistive Technology (AT) was conducted in Phuentsholing. The event brought together teachers, parents, and facilitators from Phuentsholing and Samtse and also students from CST attended the training, focusing on enhancing the acceptance and use of AT to support persons with disabilities in achieving greater independence and access.

The training was a significant step towards creating a more inclusive environment and empowering Person with disabilities through the effective use of Assistive Technology.