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OUR SERVICES

There is something for everyone at VTOB

Through a safe and well-equipped space and young dynamic team members with a proactive mindset, VTOB has many enterprises that provide a variety of solutions and services. Every program at VTOB is born to solve a problem.

Adult and Out of School Youth Lifelong Learning Programs

After School and OFF Hours Enrichment Program

BCSE PE Coaching

Coding, IoT and AI Programs

Design for Change

Digital Literacy, Skills and Services

Dzongkha Improvement Programs for Children and Foreigners

Employability Skills Development for Graduates

English Language Program

Global Citizenship Education and Education for Sustainable Development

Human Resources and Capacity Development Programs

ICT for Monks, Nuns and Adults

IELTS Coaching

Leadership and Management Programs

Life Skills and Value Education

Local Government (LG) Enrichment Programs

Multi-Disciplinary Training Services

Multimedia Partner and Services

10 Pages a Day National Level Reading Initiative

Professional Writing and Translation Services

Research and Consultancy Services

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Initiatives

STEAM and Functional Learning Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

Vacation Engagement and Skills Development Camps

VTOB e-Store

SEN SERVICES AT VTOB

The multi-country study on educational innovations for out-of-school children (OOSC) and children at risk of dropping out in Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal is a research initiative funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) which is implemented by Paro College of Education. VTOB Lifelong Learning Institute is privileged to be a partner in the implementation process. The project aims to address the educational challenges faced by OOSC and children at risk of dropping out in these countries. The study is being implemented by Paro College of Education with a specific focus on youth transition employability.

Initially, VTOB started with eight students and seven tutors. The intervention focused on six key areas: functional numeracy, money management, exercise and mindfulness, scheduling, following instructions, task completion, and patience. Each child received a two-hour one-on-one session, allowing personalized attention and support. To accommodate the convenience of parents and align with the children’s school schedule, the classes are currently being conducted in three different time slots: 9:30 am – 11:30 am, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, and 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm. This scheduling ensures flexibility and maximizes participation.

Additionally, the project has organized a monthly coffee session on Saturdays, providing an opportunity for the project team to meet with parents, discuss the child’s progress, and identify areas for further improvement. This engagement with parents helps foster collaboration and ensures their involvement in the child’s educational journey. Furthermore, as part of the program, both children and parents had the opportunity to visit Thimphu Fab Lab for an exposure trip. This visit allowed them to explore new educational technologies and gain valuable insights into innovative learning approaches. In terms of capacity building, the project conducted sessions for tutors led by teachers from Changangkha, resource persons from hospitals, and other experts. These capacity-building activities aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of the tutors, enabling them to provide effective support to the children. During the reporting period, significant progress has been made in implementing the intervention, focusing on the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and customized learning opportunities for the participating children. The project has successfully developed and implemented IEPs tailored to each child’s specific educational needs and goals. The implementation of IEPs has allowed for a more personalized approach to learning, addressing the unique challenges and strengths of each child. By identifying specific learning objectives and strategies, the project has been able to provide targeted support and resources to facilitate the children’s educational progress.

Additionally, the project has organized a monthly coffee session on Saturdays, providing an opportunity for the project team to meet with parents, discuss the child’s progress, and identify areas for further improvement. This engagement with parents helps foster collaboration and ensures their involvement in the child’s educational journey. Furthermore, as part of the program, both children and parents had the opportunity to visit Thimphu Fab Lab for an exposure trip. This visit allowed them to explore new educational technologies and gain valuable insights into innovative learning approaches. In terms of capacity building, the project conducted sessions for tutors led by teachers from Changangkha, resource persons from hospitals, and other experts. These capacity-building activities aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of the tutors, enabling them to provide effective support to the children. During the reporting period, significant progress has been made in implementing the intervention, focusing on the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and customized learning opportunities for the participating children. The project has successfully developed and implemented IEPs tailored to each child’s specific educational needs and goals. The implementation of IEPs has allowed for a more personalized approach to learning, addressing the unique challenges and strengths of each child. By identifying specific learning objectives and strategies, the project has been able to provide targeted support and resources to facilitate the children’s educational progress.

The intervention emphasis on behavioral management has also yielded positive outcomes. The tutors and project team have implemented effective behavior management strategies to create a conducive learning environment for the children. By employing positive reinforcement techniques, setting clear expectations, and providing appropriate guidance, the project has helped the children develop improved self-control, discipline, and positive social interactions. Furthermore, the project has recognized the importance of providing customized learning opportunities to cater to the diverse learning styles and interests of the children. By incorporating individualized learning materials, interactive activities, and hands-on experiences, the project has enhanced the children’s engagement and motivation in the learning process. Customized learning approaches have allowed for a more meaningful and impactful educational experience for each child. The initial feedback from tutors and parents has been encouraging, with reports of improved performance, increased confidence, and positive changes in behavior. The children have demonstrated a higher level of enthusiasm, participation, and willingness to learn.
 
This feedback reflects the successful implementation of the intervention’s components, including the IEPs, customized learning opportunities, and effective behavior management strategies. The achievements and progress made during the reporting period highlight the effectiveness of the project’s approach in addressing the educational needs of out-of-school children and children at risk of dropping out. The implementation of IEPs, customized learning opportunities, and behavioral management strategies have created a conducive learning environment that promotes engagement, growth, and positive behavioral changes among the participating children. While implementing the project, several challenges were encountered, including logistical constraints, scheduling conflicts, resource limitations, and students dropping the session. To address these challenges, the project team has adopted a flexible approach to scheduling, organizing classes in different time slots. Additionally, close coordination and communication with parents have helped in mitigating any scheduling conflicts and ensuring their active participation in the project. Moving forward, the project will continue to deliver one-on-one sessions to the participating children, focusing on their individual needs and progress. The coffee sessions with parents will be ongoing, providing a platform for continuous dialogue and collaboration. The project team will also explore further opportunities for exposure visits and capacity-building activities to enhance the learning experience for both children and tutors. The multi-country study on educational innovations for out-of-school children and children at risk of dropping out is progressing well, thanks to the support of IDRC and Paro College of Education and other stakeholders. The interventions have shown promising results and the project will continue to strive towards its objectives. VTOB is committed to learn more and go beyond the dates. The SEN Wing at VTOB shall continue after the project too.

The After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) provides a two-hour session to the registered students anytime between 2 PM and 7 PM. The enrichment program delivers academic and non-academic activities like life skills education, STEM programs, supplementing programs for mainstream education and home tutoring. VTOB follows a flexible learning method unlike the ones followed in a classroom and provides a personalised service. In addition, the learning spaces are well-equipped with safe drinking water, furniture, teaching materials and security cameras. With words spreading around about their services and commitments, they have noticed a significant increase in the number of students registering for the program. 

VTOB has succeeded in touching the lives of young children in the East as well. Rongthong Free After School Enrichment Program is another initiative by VTOB. The program is provided as a community service in order to maintain a balance of similar services in the east with the western parts of Bhutan. The service is provided to about 100 young students by 10 of our team members studying at Sherubtse College. The program is an extension of the ASEP and has been operating since September 2021. Despite facing challenges regarding resource efficiencies such as furniture, teaching materials and transportation, the program is going strong and has satisfied parents and children.

Digital Literacy Initiative is a project initiated by VTOB Foundation with support from the Dariu Foundation aiming to enhance, educate and encourage digital literacy and mitigate its issues such as lack of IT labs and hardware, lack of curriculum and teachers/trainers, limitation of ICT, coding and digitalization modules within school premises only, and lack of digital literacy & consequences of lagging behind.

A pilot phase of ToT was conducted where 26 teachers were trained (2 each from 8 schools and 10 from VTOB Foundation) and they were provided with laptops to support several IT-related activities in their respective schools. The project helped a total of 600+ students.

The 10 Pages a Day reading journey is a National Level Reading Initiative. Drawing inspiration from His Majesty’s advice to read at least ten pages a day to cultivate a lifelong habit of reading and to achieve the dream of a well-read Bhutan. It is a journey to create a society of readers and leaders with the hope of inspiring people to read and drive into the world of books. Anyone can be a part of the journey. To motivate further, VTOB also organizes periodical reading challenges and drives.

The 10 Pages a Day reading journey has also initiated Free Open Libraries in 15 locations across Bhutan to make books accessible to everyone in the area.

Owing to the global demand for English as a means of international mode of communication, VTOB has a successful ongoing Intensive English Language Program for adults. The program is dedicated to adults wishing to pursue English language classes. So far, VTOB has catered the service to over 100 Monks, Nuns and Adults. 

VTOB has also initiated different levels of ICT courses for monks, nuns and adults. The program is personalised and customised as per the need of the learners.

Similar to the English Program, VTOB has Dzongkha as a Communication language course for foreigners.

VTOB e-Store is a one-stop educational discount store for Teachers and Students. The Social Enterprise is based on the vision of empowering and enabling teachers and students through the most competitive prices, flexible purchase modes, instalment schemes and even a free supply of educational devices for needy students. It is also a venture to sustain the VTOB Foundation.

VTOB e-Store is all about Laptops, Projectors, Tablets, Stationery, School and Classroom needs and everything that teachers and students need to create a greater learning experience. Emphasis is given to reaching out to the required elements of learning than making a profit. The store has facilitated more than 1500 teachers with digital gadgets.

VTOB Vacation Engagement and Skills Development Camp is an initiative to provide meaningful engagement to children through creative, innovative and relevant platforms. The camp aims to engage, enhance and empower children through a multitude of need-based and well-planned programs. The camp consists of numerous skill-building programs, academic enhancement activities, Life Skills Education and other personal development projects. All the activities are strategically planned, well-researched and delivered by experts.

The organization is currently living its long-term dream of inclusive education through two programs. VTOB has been supported by Bhutan Foundation to deliver the Ability Enhancement Multimedia Program to two batches of Children with Disabilities. And since October 2022, with support from Paro College of Education, VTOB has also started a customized intervention program for children with disabilities who are at risk of dropping school and who are out of school due to disabilities. VTOB has opened its door to special education and will have the division as a long-term project.

VTOB is also doing its best to offer young graduates a platform to intern or volunteer, and also provides short and long-term career options- a small part in solving unemployment issues. VTOB has given priority to recent graduates to be a part of the growing team. In living this dream, VTOB has committed to provide job opportunities to at least 50 graduates every year. To date, it has created opportunities for over 256 young graduates.

VTOB has been always supported by the government, Ministry of Education, Schools, a few CSOs, Private Organizations, teachers, parents, students and a few autonomous organizations in varied ways. It strives to exemplify as one of the first self-sustained community-based organizations.

VTOB believes in the “I CAN” mindset to believe in change, being the change and supporting change. VTOB practices keeping hands true to our head and heart, and with a strong belief in lifelong learning. Everything at VTOB is learner suited and customized as per the learners’ needs, choices and flexibility. We have something for everyone at VTOB and VTOB shall strive and evolve to be the best educational solutions and service provider- delivering consistent quality services which are relevant, problem-solving, creative and affordable.

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