In the high- altitude nature of Lunana — one of Bhutan’s most insulated regions — education is further than a service; it’s a lifeline. With no motorable roads and access limited to days of touring, preceptors then play a part that goes far beyond the classroom.
Among them is Namgay Dorji, an preceptor who has spent the once 15 times tutoring in Lunana and now serves as an officiating star. Across Lunana Primary School and its extended classrooms in Mendrelthang and Thangza, just 12 preceptors feed to 79 scholars, emphasizing both the scale of the challenge and the closeness of the literacy terrain.
Dorji’s trip to Lunana began during a delicate period beforehand in his career. Seeking purpose and mending, he donated to serve in the remote mounds. What began as a temporary move came a lifelong commitment.
“ Lunana came a place of mending for me, ” he said. “ Over time, I erected strong connections with the community, scholars, and the terrain. Leaving now feels delicate because of the sense of purpose it has given me. ”
Life in Lunana is defined by axes. Perched above 4,000 metres, the region faces harsh layoffs, limited structure, and diurnal physical demands. Indeed routine tasks similar as collecting wood bear hours of walking through rugged terrain. Classrooms remain cold for months, affecting both tutoring and literacy.
Despite these challenges, Dorji describes his work as deeply fulfilling. A typical day involves not only tutoring but also executive duties, mentoring scholars, and engaging with the wider community.
“ Each day is demanding, but it offers the occasion to make a continuing impact, ” he said.
Educational coffers are limited. seminaries calculate on solar power, which can be inconsistent, and access to laboratories or advanced tutoring tools is scarce. Yet, scholars continue to show remarkable adaptability.
“ Despite the conditions, they’re determined and married to literacy, ” Dorji noted.
Over the times, the academy has made significant progress. Once floundering, it now boasts a 100 pass rate in Class VI examinations, with scores ranging between 75.5 and 89. The metamorphosis, Dorji says, is a result of perseverance, cooperation, and community support.
One of his most memorable achievements was introducing hothouse husbandry in the vill — an action that drew public attention when His Majesty the King visited the academy in 2016.
Beyond professional mileposts, Dorji credits Bhutan’s support systems for shaping his sense of duty. Coming from a modest background, he was suitable to pierce education through government backing.
“ Serving in Lunana is my way of giving back, ” he said.
insulation remains a constant reality, but Dorji copes through community bonds, particular interests like photography, and a strong sense of purpose. Staying connected with family, despite long ages down, also plays a pivotal part.
He encourages youthful preceptors to embrace remote bulletins with openness and adaptability. “ These places offer unmatched openings for growth and impact. Your work can produce lasting change, ” he said.
Lunana itself remains largely untouched by ultramodern development. Known for its dramatic glacial geographies and traditional way of life, the region gained transnational attention through the Oscar- nominated film Lunana A Yak in the Classroom. Yet, its core reality remains unchanged — remote, rugged, and deeply embedded in culture.
For Dorji, Lunana is no longer just a place of work.
