Today was all about schooling in Bhutan. We visited three very different schools.

The first elementary school shared similarities to TIS in many ways:

• Morning Announcements
• House Teams
• Intramural Basketball
• Character of the month
• School Uniforms

But there were also many differences:

• Morning Prayer
• Singing National Anthem
• Saying the Bhutan Pledge

Students are very proud of their country. They are proud to wear their national dress as their school uniform. They chant their prayers outside together with hands folded and eyes closed. They are delightful students who speak remarkably strong English.

Next we had the opportunity to visit the tallest seated Buddha in the world, standing at 51 meters tall. Students also got to enter the temple and make offerings. We then went to the hills below the statue to offset our carbon footprint by planting trees. Each student was given a pine tree to plant and given instructions from the local forest ranger.

The second school we visited was the READ Centre where students and local community members come to learn and develop. The TIS students donated books that would be added to the local library. Some of our grade 12 students also had the opportunity to teach some conversational English to some middle-aged women from the community.

The Third school we visited was the Draktsho vocational school Thimphu. This school teaches students with special needs skills and knowledge to find jobs and care for themselves. The dedicated teachers in this school do a wonderful job, and they have such kind and earnest students. We made a donation to the school, and also had a chance to meet with the students.

Later in the day we saw the pure Bhutanese Buddhism on display when we visited the Memorial Chorten in the town centre. Many people of different ages make their rounds of the Stupa, praying as they go.

We finished off the night with a great concert from Misty Terrace, the most famous band in Bhutan!

Tomorrow we head to Paro in preparation for our big climb!