TIL BDR GHALLEY
Thimphu
Bhutan’s first-ever recovery-focused educational institution for students recovering from substance abuse is nearing completion and is scheduled to commence operations by July 2025, following the summer school break.
The Yonphula Recovery School, initiated by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), is a specialized facility designed to provide both academic instruction and rehabilitation support to students undergoing substance use recovery.
The school is part of a broader government initiative to address youth substance abuse by providing a structured, supportive environment tailored to the needs of students in recovery.
Unlike regular schools, the Yonphula Recovery School will serve as a transitional center, where students can continue their education while receiving recovery-focused care before reintegrating into their original schools.
“This school is a carefully thought-out intervention to ensure that no child is left behind because of addiction. It is a place of healing, learning, and second chances,” said MoESD Minister Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa.
“We are committed to giving these students the support they need to rebuild their lives and return to mainstream education with renewed confidence,” the minister added.
Students requiring clinical detoxification or intensive treatment will continue to be referred to The PEMA Rehabilitation Centre.
The Yonphula Recovery School aims to bridge the gap between clinical care and full reintegration into mainstream education by providing a safe and stable environment for gradual academic and social transition.
The school will follow Bhutan’s national curriculum, complemented by tailored support mechanisms such as skills training, structured health and fitness programs, and enhanced counselling services.
The approach is designed to address the academic, emotional, and behavioral needs of each student holistically.
All teachers appointed to the school have received specialized training in Bhutan, India, and Thailand, focusing on trauma-informed care and techniques for supporting students through psychosocial and educational interventions.
The renovation and redevelopment of the Yonphula campus began in September 2024 and is being implemented at a cost of Nu 134 million.
As of now, the renovation of key infrastructure, including the academic block and dining hall, is nearly complete. Work on hostel buildings is ongoing, while fencing and sports facilities are under construction.
Student admission and screening are being jointly coordinated by MoESD, The PEMA, and the Royal Bhutan Police. This collaboration ensures appropriate placement and consistent support for every student throughout their recovery and academic journey.
The Ministry has acknowledged that there may be hesitation or concern from some parents or guardians. In response, the Ministry has reassured the public that the initiative is being implemented with “utmost care, sensitivity, and with the best interests of the children.”
The school’s recovery model includes regular assessments to determine each student’s readiness to transition back to their original schools. Until then, students will remain on the Yonphula campus and benefit from a personalized recovery plan that includes academic instruction and therapeutic support.
The campus infrastructure has been designed to support both educational and therapeutic needs. In addition to academic and residential buildings, new facilities are being developed to deliver vocational training, physical fitness, and therapeutic activities that will help students rebuild discipline, self-esteem, and life skills essential for reintegration into society.
“This is a second-chance platform,” said the education minister. “It is about combining care, education, and purpose to give our children the future they deserve.”
