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Meeting with 2020 Class XII Integrated Students

photo: in front of the building. Venue: Staffroom, MIK.
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 P.M.
Background

When a child completes high school and is in the processes of entering either to university or job market, it is a period of transition. This transition period is quite difficult for the students, if not more, for the persons with disabilities.

Even in a developed nation, students with disabilities face the risk of demoralization after having received full support from the schools in general and particularly from the SENCOS during the high school era and having left the system without any support. In order to minimize the issues, many associations for the PDOs or particularly of the blind, or deaf, have developed their own handbook as a preparatory for either undergoing for university or for employment.

The handbook spells out the organizations, institutions and other required relevant support services that they need to explore.

Having no such document in Bhutan, it has been felt vital importance of meeting with the children.

Objectives:
Through the meeting it is expected to fulfill the following objectives:

  • Disseminate the present job scenario for the public in general.
  • Reveal the employment status for the blind at present scenario.
  • Knowing and analyzing to make right choice of stream for studies.
  • Tips to obtain support from the unknown friends.

The meeting is also a follow up activity of frequent reminder of the various stakeholders to maintain and keep in track of the past out students.

participants:
Keeping view of the COVID-19 protocols, very few and urgently required participants were invited.

  • Principal of MIK,
  • SENCO of JSCS,
  • SENCO of MIK,
  • Assistant SENCO of MIK
  • Lop. Tashi Dorji of MIK.
  • Mr. Namgyal Dorji, MIK.
  • Class XII 2 students

Total 8 participants

Programme list

  • Welcome address by the Principal of MIK,
  • Address on the importance of the gathering, MIK SENCO,
  • Sharing of views from the JSCS SENCO,
  • Disseminate the present job scenario for the public in general, Principal, MIK,
  • Reveal the employment status for the blind at present scenario, MIK SENCO,
  • Knowing and analyzing to make right choice of stream for studies, MIK SENCO,
  • Tips to obtain support from the unknown friends, Lop. Tashi Dorji,
  • Address from Deputy Chief Programme Officer of SEN Division, Mr. Pema Chhogyel,
    • Compiling the contact numbers and address of the students,
  • Issue of Laptops to the students,
  • View from one of the students,
  • Vote of thanks from Assistant SENCO of MIK,

Over view of the programme
Welcome address by the Principal of MIK

photo: principal sharing his views. In his welcome note, the principal apologize the students for not being able to meet earlier due to COVID-19 protocols. The principal extended his hearty welcome to the SENCO of JSCS, and the two class XII students.

Address on the importance of the gathering, MIK SENCO,
Mr. Kuenga Chhoegyel, MIK SENCO welcomed the participants and emphasized the need of such a gathering. He briefed the floor of the Preparatory College Handbook that he read to be a useful tool for the blind of USA.

“Having no such guide to go through, I felt it is so important to brief the students before either entering the university or job market,” he continued.

Disseminate the present job scenario for the public in general, Principal, MIK.
Mr. Dorji Wangdrup, the principal of the institute touched the general job scenario for the public in general. He highlighted the need to decide on the job to undertake and accordingly prepare.

Reveal the employment status for the blind at present scenario, MIK SENCO,
Mr. Kuenga Chhoegyel unfurled the pictures of the past of the job scenario. He also talked on the present job scenario for the blind. He advised the children to be mindful of facing the interview and answering the questions sincerely.


Knowing and analyzing to make right choice of stream for studies, MIK SENCO. Mr. Kuenga Chhoegyel also talked on the choice of right stream. He highlighted the importance of exploring and seeking advise from the seniors on the possibilities of studies, job market and resources available for the blind.

Tips to obtain support from the unknown friends, Lop. Tashi Dorji.
Lop. Tashi dorji hhighlighted the importance of being polite, the importance of introduction and frankly discussing your problems with the strangers, although it could be hard.

“Perhaps, they might be interested to help you, but may not know how to approach you,” he continued.

He provided few tips on how to approach to a stranger and seek support for help, based on his experiences.

Address from Deputy Chief Programme Officer of SEN Division, Mr. Pema Chhogyel.
Mr. Pema Chhoegyel, deputy chief programme officer of SEN division, through his wechat voice message wished the children for their success in their examination and for their future career, be it in studies or job. He also thanked Mr. Kuenga Chhoegyel for giving him the opportunity to speak to the children and for the arrangement.

He highlighted the importance of being open-minded and speak frankly when people ask questions pertaining to the new job or steam of studies one undertake.

“As you choose a stream, you must be mindful of the job market and the resources available,” he said.

“Seek advise from the seniors and contact us for support,” he went on.

Issue of Laptops to the students,
photo: Karma Wangchuk with laptop.

The principal of the institute, provided the laptops to the students. He briefed the children that this laptops were arranged by Mr. Kuenga Chhoegyel who has good contact internationally.

photo: Phuntsho Wangdi receiving laptop. “We will provide you laptops, when we have, but let this not be a system, let us not think that this is a right to obtain,” said Mr. Kuenga Chhoegyel.

View from one of the students,
Phuntsho Wangdi of class XII thanked the principal and the teachers for their unwavering support till then and hoped that such would be continued in times to come too. He thanked the SENCO of MIK for the tea and momo and the laptop that would be of great use for him.

“Whether we may be able to attend university may depend on the success and the marks we obtain. However, the laptops we received today would be of great use for us,” he said.

Vote of thanks from Assistant SENCO of MIK.
Mr. Kinzang Dorji, Assistant SENCO of MIK thanked the principal for his presence and for the wonderful advise. He thanked Mr. Pema Chhogyel, deputy chief Programme officer for his wisdom and advise to the sttudents. He thanked the SENCO of JSCS and the students for their presence. He also thanked the SENCO of MIK for not only arrange tea and momo but also laptops for the students.

After the programme, tea and momo were served to all the participants.

Conclusion
The meeting was the first of its kind. Nevertheless, it was a great success. Thanks to each and everyone who rendered full support and cooperation.