Ragaytung Primary SchoolChhukha, Bhutan

“Mak i ng D i f f ere n ce ” Pro j e c t

Ragaytung Pr imary Schoo lPresents

The year old school did not have proper playground. Students and the enthusiasticcommunity were eagerly waiting for the ground to be in proper shape. Interestingly after much waiting, the Chhukha National Council agreed to fund the construction of the playground. Unfortunately, the heavy downpour washed the portion of the ground away. It was really a big natural blow to the students. It killed the sentiments of the enthusiastic players.“What can we do”? asked Bijay Rai in shocking expression.

Story continues! Bimla Rai , sitting nearby the washed away portion gave energetic thought. “I got an idea”, she said. Then, the curious face of Roji Rai turned to Bimla and asked, “What is that? Can you share with us”? “I think we should ask our teachers to help in writing fund proposal to the factories in Pasakha”, shared Bimla. “That seems good idea”, recommended Sanja Maya Rai. Bijay and Roji were reluctant to say yes. “Isn’t it time consuming”? asked Bijay. “Why don’t we meet with other school mates? They must be having something to share”, suggested Roji. They made a point to meet with other students on the following day. The next day, they all met in one classroom. All of them actively participated to make the plan successful. While discussing, some of them suggested organizing fund raising activities such as cultural show and selling lottery. A group of students suggested another point. “Why don’t we fill up the washed away portion by ourselves?” Only few agreed. However, many were reluctant. They did not agree because most of the students are small. It would rather take their time.

Bijay Rai went outside to take a glass of water. Suddenly, an idea struck in his mind. He quickly ran into the class and asked, “Friends, isn’t it good for us to seek help from our parents one day?” “We all can work together to fill up the washed away portion in one day”. He added. All of them agreed to what Bijay said. They all made a point to seek help from their parents to fill up the portion with soil filled in sacks. They all agreed to have the work done on one of the Saturdays. All students shared the problems back at home. Some of them shared while having meals, watching television and going for a walk. They all asked their parents to help solve the problem.Interestingly, all parents agreed. On 18th August 2012, all the parents gathered at around 8:15am. They started filling up the portion with the soil nearby. Students were also involved in between. Finally towards evening, the ground returned to its normal shape. All were smiling at each other for their work done. Students are now in the full swing showing their talents in the new play field.‘A wise idea can change one’s life’.

FEEL

Of many problems emerging some urgent problems are:-water shortage -difficult terrain -speaking second language.- Playground.

THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE- “THE ERODED PLAYGROUND”

IMAGINETo solve the problem we imagined to:-organize cultural show to raise fund for rebuilding it.-request our parents to fill up the washed away portion.-asking donations

DOOur parents agreed to help in

filling up the washed away

portion. In between we also

joined them to bring our

playground back to normal.

Finally, the ground regained its orginality. Everyone worn a smile on their faces to celebrate the success story.

sharingUpon successful completionof “FEEL”,“IMAGINE”, and"DO”,we presented ourfindings to the communityand to other schools. Theschool visited wereTashilhakha and Alaykha Primary School who share the same sorry story.

Printed fe

eling

A new idea being born

EFFECT With the playground ready, the life of enthusiastic

players have changed drastically. Students are now in the full swing showing their talents in the play field.