As part of its corporate social responsibility, Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, has initiated an educational outreach program under the banner ‘Tongsa Penlop Inspire Program’ last week, which will be organized annually from 2018 onwards.
This new program will replace the erstwhile ‘Trongsa Penlop Rolling Trophy’, which was a golf tournament organized by Drukair annually.
The new program aims at providing enriching experience for less privileged students and teachers identified from remote schools across 20 dzongkhags to experience a fully sponsored excursion to selected Drukair destination, according to the press release from Drukair.
“The ultimate goal of this project is to inspire the students to strive and reach for new heights through academic and personnel excellence,” states the press release.
Meanwhile, the Founder of this noble initiative is Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen, who described that an opportunity to travel abroad and to get to see the world differently will inspire less privileged students for life.
The simple yet powerful belief is what drives the Tongsa Penlop Inspire Program, according to Drukair.
Drukair’s Chief Executive Officer said that this is the first time over the last three decades in operations that Drukair is getting this opportunity to express its moral gratitude to the humble citizens of the Kingdom for their continued and unfailing support towards the growth of the National Flag Carrier.
Meanwhile, 20 girls and 20 boys from all 20 dzongkhags will be escorted by two teachers to Thailand this year. Additionally, two boys and two girls along with one male teacher and one female teacher were also selected from the school of special needs, Wangsel Institute of Drukgyal Central School. The group will be accompanied by two officials from Drukair, three reporters from the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) and a Zimpon Wom from the Gyalpoi Zimpon’s Office.
The selection process was done with assistance from the Gyalpoi Zimpon’s Office.
Meanwhile, some highlights of the tour include visit to Khao Keow Open Zoo, Dhammajairine Wittaya School in Ratchaburi Province, Dream World, and Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World at Siam Paragon.
An airport tour including an airplane hangar visit, tour to the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services facilities and the in-fight catering complex at Paro International Airport has also been organized for the students.
According to Drukair, children will also be made to experience airport facilities allowing them to check-in by themselves to the collection of baggage. An amount of US$ 500 per person for the entire period has been provisioned as DSA for the beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, the program is scheduled to start from December 20 till December 28. It is organized and executed by Drukair with support from the Gyalpoi Zimpon’s Office and the Royal Embassy of Bhutan in Thailand.
According to the press release, Drukair’s global partners provided generous sponsorships for this program.
Tshering from Thimphu
