Sir Peter Ustinov Foundation: Magazine
New Training Opportunities in Bhutan
February 25, 2020
The Choki Traditional Art School in Kabesa, Thimphu, is pleased to offer numerous study places for boys and girls in crafts again in 2020.
With the support of the Peter Ustinov Foundation, young female students are trained in the traditional arts of weaving, embroidery, and tailoring.
The Choki Traditional Art School is the only private craft school in Bhutan that offers this free education to underprivileged youths.
On March 11, 2020, selection interviews will take place at the school. Requirements for application include being aged between 14-20 years, an interest in traditional crafts, and coming from economically challenging circumstances. Those selected will undergo a 6-year training program in traditional Bhutanese crafts. A strict daily schedule from 5 AM to 9 PM will become the routine for these students. The schedule includes 8 hours of lessons daily, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as twice-daily prayer and study times.
The effort is rewarding: At the end of their training, these young people will have achieved high qualifications for the local job market. Moreover, the Choki Traditional Art School places great emphasis on strengthening the personality of the young students. Teaching moral values such as respect, sincerity, honesty, and responsibility is a central concern for the teachers, who aim to help disadvantaged youths become respected members of society.