THIMPHU, 31 March, 2021 (TON): The Wangsel Institute for the Deaf will have its first cohort for classes 11 and 12 this year, after two decades of its establishment.

The Deaf education, which started as a small unit under Drukgyel Lower Secondary school in 2003, was upgraded to class 12 last year.

Education ministry’s deputy chief program officer for Special Education Needs, Pema Chhogyel, said Bhutanese Sign language (BSL) was in the developing stage and Deaf education new in the country.

“It would be very difficult to have fast or instant progress. Muenselling Institute in Khaling for the blind was established in 1973 and studying into class 11 happened only in 1996 with two students.” it was said.

He said the education for students with deafness had to be upgraded progressively to facilitate the learning of the students with deafness whose learning needs and approach differed considerably.

The ministry will also look forward to follow up on the proposals to RCSC for interpreters for students with deafness and teacher assistants for inclusive schools.

However, before taking the initiative, the future scope, resource and capacity of the school were assessed.