November 2009 – The Royal Government of Bhutan’s 2002-2020 Education Sector Strategy became endorsed by the EFA-FTI partnership making it the 40th country to join the list of FTI-endorsed countries.
A landlocked country with a predominantly rural population scattered across mountains and living in isolation from the outside world well until the 1960s, Bhutan offered until then very few education opportunities outside of monastic religious institutions. Bhutan has made remarkable strides towards achieving greater education development reaching 81% primary school net enrolment in 2008. Additional resources are needed to reach the remaining unschooled children and respond to the demand for secondary education as more students climb the school ladder. Local donors will help the country realize its Vision 2020 and funds will be directed towards improving teacher training, ensuring equitable access to education, improving textbook content and providing education to children with special needs.