Ministry of Education and Skills Development MoESD

Overview

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) is the central governmental body responsible for formulating and implementing educational policies in Bhutan. Operating under the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Ministry oversees the entire education system, encompassing early childhood care and development, primary and secondary education, vocational training and higher education. Its mission is to provide equitable, inclusive and quality education that aligns with Bhutan's unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

History and Legal Framework

Established in the early 1960s, Bhutan's education system has undergone significant transformations, transitioning from a traditional monastic-based system to a modern, formal education structure. The Ministry's legal framework is rooted in the Constitution of Bhutan, which mandates the provision of free and quality education to all children up to the age of 16. Over the decades, the Ministry has developed various policies and strategies to expand access to education, improve quality and integrate Bhutanese cultural values into the curriculum.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The MoESD's mission is to develop sound educational policies that enable the creation of a knowledge-based GNH society. Its vision includes:

• Providing equitable, inclusive and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities to all children.
• Equipping learners with knowledge, skills and values to cope with the challenges of the 21st century.
• Promoting sustainability, climate change awareness and green economy principles.
• Strengthening national identity and cultural heritage.

In higher education, the Ministry aims to expand access to adult and tertiary education, ensuring inclusivity and diversity and facilitating smooth transitions from school to higher education.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The MoESD operates under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister and is led by the Minister, known as the Lyonpo. The Ministry's structure includes various departments and divisions, each responsible for specific educational sectors. These include the Department of School Education, Department of Adult and Higher Education, Department of Curriculum and Professional Support and the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA). The Ministry maintains operational independence in policy formulation and implementation, though it coordinates closely with other governmental and non-governmental bodies.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

The BQPCA, affiliated with the MoESD, serves as the national authority for qualification accreditation, professional certification and the national qualifications framework. It is responsible for monitoring the quality of education and training, awarding and recognizing qualifications and ensuring that educational institutions meet established standards. The Department of Adult and Higher Education oversees the accreditation of tertiary education programs, advises on affiliations and develops the Bhutan Qualifications Framework to maintain educational quality and relevance.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The MoESD actively engages in international collaborations to enhance Bhutan's education system. Notably, it has partnered with Cambridge International to refine the national curriculum and align it with global standards. The Ministry also collaborates with organizations such as the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) and the European Union to implement educational technology frameworks and promote sustainable development in education. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building and the adoption of best practices in education.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

The MoESD's initiatives are shaping the future of higher education in Bhutan. Efforts to increase the proportion of international students to 50% within 15 years reflect a commitment to globalizing Bhutan's higher education sector. The Ministry's focus on policy reform, infrastructure development and academic excellence aims to position Bhutan as a regional hub for higher education. Additionally, the emphasis on vocational education and training, aligned with green growth principles, prepares students for the evolving demands of the global job market.

Summary

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development plays a pivotal role in shaping Bhutan's education landscape. Through its comprehensive policies and initiatives, the Ministry strives to provide quality education that fosters national development, cultural preservation and global engagement. Its ongoing efforts in higher education reform, international collaboration and accreditation ensure that Bhutan's education system remains responsive to both national aspirations and global trends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the role of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development in Bhutan?

   The Ministry is responsible for formulating and implementing educational policies, overseeing the education system and ensuring the provision of quality education at all levels.

2. How does the Ministry support higher education in Bhutan?

   The Ministry supports higher education by developing policies, accrediting institutions and fostering international collaborations to enhance educational standards and opportunities.

3. What is the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority?

   The BQPCA is the national body responsible for qualification accreditation, professional certification and maintaining the national qualifications framework in Bhutan.

4. How does the Ministry collaborate with international organizations?

   The Ministry engages with various international organizations, such as Cambridge International and the European Union, to implement educational reforms, share best practices and promote sustainable development in education.

5. What are the Ministry's goals for the future of higher education in Bhutan?

   The Ministry aims to increase the proportion of international students, enhance academic excellence and align higher education with global standards and green growth principles.

Organization Name

Ministry of Education and Skills Development

Acronym

MoESD

Year of Establishment

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

PO Box 112
Thimphu
Thimphu Bhutan

Phone

+975 (2) 325 648

Fax

+975 (2) 325 183

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Ministry of Education and Skills Development's Facebook page

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

Ministry of Education and Skills Development's YouTube channel

Instagram

Ministry of Education and Skills Development's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Ministry of Education and Skills Development's Wikipedia article

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