DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and Special Olympics Bhutan (SOB) formalized a partnership to advance inclusive education and sports with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 21.
The agreement was signed during the opening ceremony of the country’s first National Unified Champion Schools (UCS) Competition, which is being held in Thimphu from December 21 to 23.
The MoU was signed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development and the President of Special Olympics Bhutan.
The agreement establishes a long-term collaboration aimed at expanding inclusive sports within the education system and strengthening inclusive education for students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The signing coincided with the launch of the three-day National UCS Competition, organized by Special Olympics Bhutan in collaboration with MoESD.
A total of 271 students from nine inclusive schools across the country took part in the competition, participating in athletics, bocce, and futsal under the Special Olympics Unified Sports model.
The model brings together students with and without IDD to compete as teammates, promoting participation, teamwork, and shared learning experiences.
Special Olympics Bhutan President Dasho Dechen Wangmo described the occasion as an important milestone for the country, noting that the partnership reflects national values rooted in compassion and inclusion.
She said the collaboration demonstrates Bhutan’s commitment to creating opportunities where every individual can participate and contribute meaningfully.
She further stated that the broad backing from government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners highlights a shared commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity.
The MoU outlines a strategic framework to expand UCS programming nationwide, strengthen the capacity of educators and personnel, and foster inclusive school cultures in line with MoESD’s inclusive education policy.
It also provides a foundation for the Ministry’s engagement with the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, a global platform that brings together governments, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector to advance inclusive education.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa said the partnership reinforces the Ministry’s efforts to create supportive and inclusive learning environments where all children can participate fully.
She stated that the agreement represents a step toward deeper regional and global cooperation based on shared learning and collective responsibility.
Lyonpo also acknowledged the role of national and international partners in supporting the initiative, including the Bhutan Olympic Committee, Bhutan Paralympic Committee, SELWA, UNICEF Bhutan, the Indian Embassy in Bhutan, the Mohamed Bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Special Olympics Bharat (India), and Special Olympics Asia Pacific.
These organisations are working together toward the shared objective of ensuring that students with IDD are fully included in school and community life.
Under Bhutan’s Education Policy, Sports and Physical Activities (SPA) are recognized as an essential component of holistic education, contributing to students’ overall development and learning experiences.
The ministry noted that the introduction of UCS programme under the Special Olympics initiative will complement existing SPA efforts by offering structured and focused opportunities for students with and without IDD to participate together.
According to the Ministry, this inclusive approach is expected to enhance students’ engagement in physical activities while promoting active and healthy lifestyles.
It also aims to strengthen social integration, teamwork, and mutual respect among students, ensuring that all children remain active, involved, and valued within the school environment.
Students participating in the competition shared their experiences of inclusion and teamwork. Pema Yangki Dorji from Tendruk Central School said the programme provided opportunities for students to exchange ideas and work together through various activities, describing the experience as meaningful and engaging.
Another participant Sherab Dorji from Kamji Central School also shared that the three-day programme offered valuable exposure to inclusive participation and collaboration with peers.
The MoU between MoESD and Special Olympics Bhutan represents a significant development in Bhutan’s inclusive education journey.
By aligning national policies with global initiatives such as the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion, the partnership aims to translate inclusive education policies into practical and sustainable actions within schools and communities, enabling students with and without IDD to learn, play, and grow together.
The three-day program includes students from pioneering inclusive schools including Changangkha MSS, Dechenchholing HSS, Draktsho-Thimphu, Drugyel PS, Kamji CS, Loselling MSS, Motithang HSS, Samtengang PS, Sherabgatshel PS and Tendruk CS.
