RTC Happenings
On May 24 and 25, RTC was honoured to host 10 Google employees from regional offices in Asia (India, Japan, Singapore, Australia, etc). They were part of a group of 61 “Googlers” who were in Bhutan as part of Google Employees’ Volunteer initiative, and presented several informative workshops and seminars to students, staff and faculty over the 1.5 days.
Will and Isa, kicked off the program by a short introduction to Google to a packed auditorium. They explained that Google is only 15 years old, and although founded by two PhD students at Stanford, it had now had grown to a company of over 40,000 employees in more than 45 countries. They also enlightened the audience as to how Google got its name – a mathematical term that refers to a very large number (1 followed by 100 zeros).
The workshops covered areas such as marketing and online branding (Gap and Sana), the use of technology in education (Jo, Stacey, Martin and Josh), programming (Nikita) and also included an all day leadership seminar for student leaders and staff (Will and Sara). Sessions were also held with faculty and staff to share expertise in areas of program content improvement and technology based learning interventions. The wrap up session on Saturday with RTC administration, focused on ways that Google could continue a relationship with RTC.
Students were enthusiastic during the sessions and obtained much needed mentoring from “Googlers” in a range of areas. Staff and faculty also felt that the sessions were rather positive for improving teaching and learning at RTC. All in all, Google’s presence at RTC was inspirational to students, staff and faculty, and it is hoped that the visit planted the seeds for a long-standing and fruitful association with RTC. яндекс
22nd May 2013 – Under RTC’s semester theme of Living Free - Without Tobacco & Drugs, the Advocacy & Outreach Committee in collaboration with the Bhutan Narcotics Control Agency (BNCA) organized WINDS OF CHANGE – VOICES & FACES OF RECOVERY, a forum of drug addiction & recovery.
The forum comprisedof two recovering addicts, Mr. Tshewang Tenzin, a member of Chithuen Phendhey Association & Ms. Dechen Wangmo, Peer Counselor, Rehabilitation Center, who shared their experiences and their transformation from addiction towards recovery. Their stories were truly inspirational. At the end of their talks, they thanked RTC and the audience for being a part of their recovering process. The forum also witnessed Dr. Nirola, Psychiatrist, JDWNRH who spoke from a health perspective and shared about prevention, as well as, the treatment process for addictions. Lama Shenphen, on the other hand, spoke on drug addiction from a spiritual perspective. The last speaker of the forum, Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Deputy Chief Counselor, BNCA spoke on the mandates of BNCA as well as shared facts and figures on drug addiction in Bhutan. The inspirational forum ended with an interactive Q&A session.
This forum was consistent with RTC’s emphasis on respect for self and others as both tobacco and drug use not only seriously undermines a person’s health but also create problems for the broader community. It also is consistent with the college’s emphasis on responsible citizenship, as it encourages behavior aligned with laws (especially the Tobacco Control Act) intended to promote the health and welfare of all Bhutanese citizens.
RTC hopes to continue organizing such informative and educational forums and events in the near future, which will not only benefit students but also the public in general.
The Royal Thimphu College celebrated its 5th Annual Sports Day on Saturday, 18th May 2013. This celebration was dedicated to the graduating class of 2013 who will graduate this July.
Mr. Tshewang Tandin, Director General, Department of Adult and Higher Education graced the event as the Honorable Chief Guest. The half-day event was declared open with the lighting of the Olympic Torch by Mr. Tshewang Tandin.
The RTC ground wore a festive look with colorful banners and flags. Student volunteers, faculty and staff put in their best efforts to provide an ideal platform for the students to showcase their sporting talents. The Student Government organized the event consisting of track and field events and tug of wars between the different programs. The sports day also included events especially for the final year students. Among the 6 program-based combined teams, BCA, Eco – Evs and Soc-Pol. Sc was declared the overall winner. In addition to the active involvement of the students, International exchange students from Wheaton College and Texas A&M along with RTC staff demonstrated immense enthusiasm and took part in events like 1,500 meters race, 3 legged race, threading the needle and musical chairs. The lively participation from the staff and the guests provided amusement and enhanced interest in the event.
Attractive prizes were awarded to all frontrunners of the sports events, student volunteers and officials from the Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation who also extended their full support and used their expertise to help make the Sports Day a great success. The “Best Female Athlete” was awarded to Ms. Tashi Euden Wangchuk (BA English & Environmental Studies) 1st year and Ms. Karma Dema (Bachelor of Computer Applications) 2nd year. Mr. Kuenga Gyeltshen (BA Sociology & Political Science) First Year was declared the “Best Male Athlete”.
RTC will be organizing a series of such events to mark and celebrate the graduation of its second cohort.