As the Bhutanese community continues to grow across Australia, a school in Canberra is helping the next generation stay connected to its heritage. The Bhutanese Language and Culture School, formally launched in August 2024, brings children together every Sunday to learn Bhutanese language, traditions, etiquette and values such as Tha Damtsi and Ley-jumdray. Buddhist prayers, mindfulness and compassion are also part of the programme, while cultural activities give students opportunities to experience and celebrate their heritage. The school held its first Bhutanese Heritage Concert last year and launched textbooks for all grades in March, strengthening its structured learning programme. Enrolment has grown from around 100 students two years ago to more than 260 this year, with 18 teachers teaching across two campuses. For Bhutanese parents in Canberra, the school offers more than lessons—it provides a space where children can build a strong sense of identity while growing up in Australia. Through language, culture and community, the initiative is helping ensure that moving to a new country does not mean losing touch with home.
