Tshering Y.'s Map Story

Matthew Schuelka

Tshering is originally from the dzongkhag [district] of Mongar, but attends a vocational training center called Drak-Tsho "East" in the far eastern dzongkhag of Trashigang. (There is another Drak-Tsho Center in Thimphu, in the west.) She also lives at Drak-Tsho East, which is located above the town of Kanglung. This area of Bhutan is difficult to access by road and is very rural. Although a significant portion of the Bhutanese population live in the east, the villages and towns are not concentrated and the landscape feels vast and removed.

My School

I am a student at Drak-Tsho East Vocational Center. This is where I live and learn various skills for work and independent living. (It was very busy and noisy during our interview because a new building for the school was being built.)

Where I live

I live in the school dormitories. I share a room with many other women.

Serving meals

As part of my work for the school, I help prepare and serve meals to the rest of my trainees.

Training

At Drak-Tsho, I learn skills such as preparing tea and meals. I especially like to sew and tailor, and hope to be able to do that one day for money back in my home of Mongar.

Where I like to eat

Sometimes I go into Kanglung town, and really like going to this bakery!

My family's home

I am from Mongar Dzongkhag, and will return to my family after my training at Drak-Tsho.

My School

I am a student at Drak-Tsho East Vocational Center. This is where I live and learn various skills for work and independent living. (It was very busy and noisy during our interview because a new building for the school was being built.)

Where I live

I live in the school dormitories. I share a room with many other women.

Serving meals

As part of my work for the school, I help prepare and serve meals to the rest of my trainees.

Training

At Drak-Tsho, I learn skills such as preparing tea and meals. I especially like to sew and tailor, and hope to be able to do that one day for money back in my home of Mongar.

Where I like to eat

Sometimes I go into Kanglung town, and really like going to this bakery!

My family's home

I am from Mongar Dzongkhag, and will return to my family after my training at Drak-Tsho.