Bhote language education introduced at residential school in Bajura

Bajura: Bhote language education has commenced in Bajura, with Siddheshwori Orphans and Dalits Residential School in Budhinanda Municipality-9, DAPK, in the northeastern part of the district introducing classes in the language.

The school, where most students are from the Bhote community, provides residential facilities while offering formal education. School authorities stated that the Bhote language has been gradually disappearing in recent years, prompting the initiative to revive and preserve it through formal instruction.

Although Nepali is generally used for official purposes in the area, members of the community continue to speak Bhote. To support the program, the school has appointed a teacher who has studied the Bhote language.

The school has been offering Bhote language education since 2079 BS and currently teaches Bhote language textbooks up to grade two. The subject is included as an additional curriculum.

According to Tula Bahadur Rawat, principal of Siddheshwori Orphans, Poor and Destitute Tribal Residential School, regular classes in English and Nepali are conducted from 10 am to 4 pm, while Bhote language books are taught from 5 pm to 6 pm. “This school is the only tribal school in Bajura. Most of the tribal children study here,” he said.

Principal Rawat noted that the younger generation has largely stopped speaking the Bhote language used by the older generation. As the language is gradually disappearing, the school decided to introduce Bhote instruction to help preserve it.

Prem Singh Gurung, chairman of the school management committee, said that earlier generations frequently spoke and read Bhote. “Now, as our generation has almost stopped speaking this language, we have started teaching it in the school because we fear it may disappear,” he said.

He added that since the language is declining in Bajura, it is essential to teach it to the new generation to ensure its survival. Currently, Bhote is taught up to grade two, and preparations are underway to gradually introduce textbooks up to grade five.

At present, around 120 children are enrolled in the school, of whom 63 are studying in residence.

Source: Gorkhapatra