Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association -Beceda

World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March 2026 in a truly meaningful and inclusive manner.

Children with Down syndrome from Thimphu and Paro came together with their parents, teachers from inclusive education schools, and ECCD Proprietors and facilitator to observe the day with unity, joy, and a shared commitment to inclusion.

This important initiative was led and organized by our Chairperson, Madam Thinley Wangmo , whose continued dedication and compassion have been instrumental in promoting care, understanding, and awareness for children living with Down syndrome across the country. Her vision reflects BECEDA’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive society where every child is valued and supported.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when an individual has an extra copy of chromosome 21. Children with Down syndrome may experience developmental delays and may require additional support in areas such as learning, communication, and health care. However, with early intervention, inclusive education, and a nurturing environment, they can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. It is essential for families, educators, and communities to work together to provide love, acceptance, and opportunities for growth, ensuring that no child is left behind.

The observance was further enriched by the presence of BECEDA members of Thimphu Region, health officials, representatives from Athang Institute, the Bhutan Broadcasting Service team, and many well wishers who came forward with immense support and solidarity.

A key highlight of the event was the launch of the handbook “Understanding Individuals with Down Syndrome” by Dr. Phub Tshering, Medical Director of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital. This publication marks a significant step towards strengthening awareness, fostering acceptance, and enhancing support systems for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

BECEDA remains committed to advocating for inclusive early childhood care and education, and to creating a society where every child, regardless of their abilities, is given the opportunity to thrive.

We are pleased to share that our BECEDA members recently had the valuable opportunity to participate in an important workshop titled “Adaptation of Books to Make Reading Inclusive and Fun,” generously facilitated through the invitation of the Phensem Parents’ Support Group. This meaningful initiative brought together education providers and caregivers to explore practical approaches in creating and adapting storybooks so that all children irrespective of their abilities can experience the joy of reading in an inclusive and engaging manner.

The workshop was led by Dr. Namita Jacob, an esteemed inclusion specialist from Chennai, India, who is well known for her continued contributions to inclusive education in Bhutan. Her organization, Chetana Charitable Trust, was honored with the ABC International Excellence Award for Inclusive Publishing (October 2023) by the Accessible Books Consortium further highlighting her outstanding work in this field.

The importance of adapting books for young learners cannot be overstated. Inclusive reading materials ensure that every child, regardless of developmental needs or learning differences, has equal access to stories, language, and imagination. By modifying content, visuals, and formats, educators can create meaningful learning experiences that foster participation, confidence, and a love for reading. Such practices are essential in building inclusive early childhood environments where diversity is respected and every child feels valued.

On behalf of all BECEDA members, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Executive Director of Phensem Parents’ Support Group, Madam Prashanti Pradhan, for thoughtfully including our members in this impactful workshop. We deeply appreciate the opportunity extended to us.

Our participants have shared that the workshop was highly enriching and worthwhile, equipping them with practical skills, valuable knowledge, and fresh perspectives. In particular, the techniques learned in adapting books will significantly support them in making reading and storytelling more inclusive, engaging, and enjoyable for every child.

We truly value this initiative and the continued support extended to our members. We also look forward to similar opportunities in the future, especially for those members who were unable to attend, as there has been strong interest expressed. Such initiatives greatly contribute to strengthening inclusive education practices among our ECCD operators across Bhutan.

Thank you once again for your continued support and collaboration.

We are pleased to share that the Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association (BECEDA) had the honor of participating in the Assessor Training Workshop organized by the TVET Quality Council of Bhutan under the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA), Ministry of Education and Skills Development.

This week long workshop was conducted with the objective of strengthening quality assurance mechanisms and aligning national assessment systems with the Bhutan Qualifications Framework. The training aimed to build a strong pool of certified assessors who can evaluate professional competencies in accordance with national standards.

As an association committed to enhancing the quality and professionalism of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) services in Bhutan, BECEDA recognizes the importance of fair, reliable, and competency based assessment systems. We are proud to share that 10 members from BECEDA successfully participated in this intensive training program and are now well trained as Assessors in the ECCD field.

During the workshop, participants gained valuable knowledge and practical skills on:

1) Competency based assessment methods and principles

2) Conducting objective and evidence-based assessments

3) Ensuring fairness, validity, and reliability in assessment practices

4) Developing assessment tools aligned with occupational standards

5) Strengthening professional certification and quality assurance within the TVET system

This training marks an important step toward strengthening the professional recognition of ECCD practitioners in Bhutan and ensuring that childcare providers meet nationally recognized competency standards. The newly trained assessors from BECEDA will play a crucial role in supporting the certification process of ECCD professionals and promoting high quality early childhood education services across the country.

BECEDA would like to express our sincere gratitude to the TVET Quality Council and BQPCA for extending this valuable opportunity to our members. We remain committed to working collaboratively to strengthen professional standards, capacity building, and quality early childhood education in Bhutan.

Together, we continue to invest in the future of our children by strengthening the professionals who care for and educate them.

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Message from the Founder/President’s Desk:- On the occasion of International Women’s Day, I would like to extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation to all the inspiring and dedicated members of the Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association (BECEDA) who are all dedicated ECCD Proprietors and facilitators.

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment of women who continue to play a vital role in nurturing young minds and shaping the future of our nation. Your dedication to early childhood education and development is not only a service to children and families but also a meaningful contribution to the progress of our society.

The growth and achievements of BECEDA today stand as a testament to the collective passion, hard work, and commitment of each and every member. As an association where nearly 95% of our members are women, it truly reflects the power of unity and the remarkable impact that women can create when they come together with a shared vision and purpose.

Your continued efforts in promoting quality early childhood education demonstrate true leadership, compassion, and dedication to building a stronger foundation for future generations.

On this special day, I express my sincere gratitude and admiration for your invaluable contributions.

Wishing all our members a very Happy International Women’s Day, filled with appreciation, recognition, and continued success.

Warm regards,
Jamtsho Yld
Founder / President
Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association (BECEDA)
Head Office, Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)

Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association (BECEDA) is pleased to share an update on our continued efforts to strengthen and professionalize the Private Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) sector in Bhutan.

Since our establishment on 4th April 2024, BECEDA has remained committed to enhancing the quality of ECCD services nationwide. Through structured Professional Development Programmes and capacity building initiatives, we have supported ECCD operators and facilitators in raising professional standards and delivering quality foundational services to children.

Despite initial challenges, we have successfully unified private ECCD operators across the country under one platform the Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association (BECEDA) working closely with the ECCD/SEN Division under the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and with relevant agencies.

Our efforts have been recognized by key stakeholders. During the 5.0 Volunteering Initiative at Gelephu Mindfulness City, held at Hotel Eight Jordan, officials from Save the Children Bhutan, led by the Country Director, met with BECEDA members to discuss opportunities, challenges, and collaborative pathways to strengthen the ECCD sector.

We were further honoured by the Royal Audience granted by His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to the BECEDA Founder/President, Vice-Chair, and the Country Director of Save the Children Bhutan during the volunteering initiative at Gelephu Mindfulness City. It was a privilege to formally introduce BECEDA to His Majesty and to learn that our work has been acknowledged at the highest level.

During the Audience, His Majesty emphasized unity, harmony, and the deep trust between the King and the people, and encouraged collective action with urgency and shared purpose. This message continues to guide BECEDA’s mission.

The Country Director of Save the Children Bhutan expressed appreciation for BECEDA’s efforts and reaffirmed her office’s commitment to support our initiatives and include BECEDA members in national ECCD programmes.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ensure access to quality ECCD services for all Bhutanese children, achieve 100% enrolment, align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, and contribute to the Education Blueprint.

On behalf of BECEDA, we extend our sincere appreciation to Save the Children Bhutan Office for their continued partnership and support.

Together, we move forward with unity and professionalism for the well-being and future of our children.

𝐁𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐃𝐀 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 – 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞:- The Bhutan Early Childhood Care and Development Association (BECEDA), representing private ECCD Proprietors across all 20 Dzongkhags, was honoured to participate in the 5th National Volunteer Service held at Gelephu Mindfulness City from 21st–25th February, commemorating the 46th Birth Anniversary of our beloved Druk Gyalpo His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

This five day national initiative reflected a strong spirit of unity and shared responsibility, with citizens from all walks of life contributing voluntary service and financial support towards building Bhutan’s future. As ECCD professionals entrusted with nurturing the nation’s youngest minds the future leaders of our country we served with humility and dedication, offering our collective efforts in clearing and preparing designated areas. Through service, we lead by example, instilling values that will shape tomorrow’s Bhutan.

The initiative embodies the noble vision of His Majesty The Fifth King, founded on mindfulness, responsibility, and sustainable nation building. Guided by the wisdom of the great yogi Milarepa “When the mind is pure, actions become pure” we carried out our responsibilities with sincerity and purpose.

Among the most profound and unforgettable moments of the volunteering programme was the gracious audience granted to our Founder and President, Jamtsho, and our Vice Chairperson, Pema Jumtsho, by His Majesty The King. During this precious opportunity, they had the honour of sharing BECEDA’s ongoing initiatives and commitment to strengthening Early Childhood Care and Development in Bhutan.

His Majesty commended the Association’s efforts and encouraged us to continue delivering quality services to our ECCD proprietors and facilitators, reminding us that the future of the nation lies in our hands. This rare privilege and recognition will forever remain in our hearts as a defining moment of the 5.0 Volunteering Service.

We were also deeply honoured to receive an audience and blessings from Gyalyum Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck and Gyalyum Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, during which we shared BECEDA’s vision, mission, and responsibilities in advancing ECCD nationwide. On the final day, our members were further blessed with an audience with His Holiness Kathok Situ Rinpoche at GCCC Khangzang, whose guidance and blessings deeply inspired us.

Receiving such invaluable encouragement strengthens our resolve. Despite the challenges and obstacles we may encounter in operating the Association, BECEDA pledges to continue serving with dedication and integrity for the benefit of all private ECCD operators across the country.

May our humble efforts today lay a strong and lasting foundation for generations to come.

With the kind invitation of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), an intensive three-day training on Life Skills Education and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) was successfully conducted for ECCD Facilitators from Paro and Haa.

We are pleased to share that seven members of the Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association proprietors and facilitators from ECCD centres in Paro actively participated in this important professional development programme. Their participation reflects our shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing quality Early Childhood Care and Development in Bhutan.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education at the ECCD level is delivered in an age appropriate, culturally sensitive, and values based manner. It focuses on helping young children understand concepts such as personal safety, respect for self and others, body awareness, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. By integrating life skills with CSE, educators are better equipped to nurture children’s confidence, communication skills, empathy, and decision-making abilities laying a strong foundation for their overall well-being and future development.

As ECCD centres, it is our responsibility to create safe and supportive learning environments where children feel protected, heard, and respected. Through guided activities, storytelling, role play, and daily interactions, we can gently introduce concepts of boundaries, good touch and bad touch, expressing feelings, and seeking help from trusted adults. When delivered thoughtfully, CSE strengthens child protection efforts and promotes a culture of dignity and mutual respect from the earliest years.

BECEDA remains fully committed to serving as a supportive partner in such national initiatives. We stand ready to collaborate closely with MoESD and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that our educators continue to receive quality training and guidance. We look forward to more opportunities for meaningful partnerships that empower our members and enhance the standard of ECCD services across the country.

Together, let us continue working hand in hand to promote holistic development, safety, and lifelong values for our youngest learners.

In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Education Blueprint of Bhutan, particularly the national vision of achieving 100% enrolment and universal access to Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), the BECEDA Core Project Team has been working tirelessly since August 2025 in close collaboration with the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Office of the Cabinet Affairs and Strategic Coordination (OCASC).

The core team, comprising the Founder/President, Vice-Chairperson, General Secretary, and one Executive Member, has devoted substantial time and effort to the development and refinement of this strategic project proposal. We were deeply honored by the gracious presence of the Director General (DG), who attended our final draft presentation to the OCASC team and assured his continued support to the BECEDA Office.

Upon approval, the BECEDA Office will work collaboratively with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MOESD) to ensure the delivery of quality ECCD services to all parents and children, regardless of the parents’ profession or socio economic background. Our collective goal is to promote equitable access, uphold high standards of early childhood education, and create a supportive and inclusive environment where every child between the ages of 3 to 5 years receives a strong developmental foundation.

This initiative reflects BECEDA’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the ECCD sector in Bhutan. Our focus includes enhancing accessibility, improving quality assurance mechanisms, supporting the professional development of ECCD educators, and establishing sustainable systems that benefit service providers, families, and communities nationwide. Through strategic partnerships and structured support frameworks, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s long term educational and developmental goals.

At the heart of this project is the firm belief that investing in early childhood is investing in the future of our nation. Quality ECCD lays the foundation for lifelong learning, holistic growth, and responsible citizenship. Every initiative undertaken by the BECEDA Office is guided by this national responsibility to serve not only our members, but the entire country.

We remain hopeful and optimistic as we move forward, united in our mission to provide an inclusive, equitable, and high quality foundation for Bhutan’s young children.

Successfully concluded the BECEDA Core Working Team meeting, comprising Executive Members and Regional Coordinators. The team held in depth discussions and thorough planning for the upcoming 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held in Paro on 5th April 2026.

Warmest and Humble Birthday Felicitations to His Royal Highness Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck on the Auspicious Occasion of His 10th Birth Anniversary.

On this most joyous and sacred occasion, Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association (BECEDA) joins the entire nation in offering our deepest respect, heartfelt congratulations, and sincere prayers to His Royal Highness.

As His Royal Highness enters his tenth year, we celebrate not only a milestone in his young life but also the enduring hope, continuity, and inspiration he embodies for our beloved Kingdom. His presence symbolizes the values of compassion, wisdom, and service that guide Bhutan’s vision for a harmonious and enlightened society.

We humbly offer our prayers for His Royal Highness’s long life, good health, and well-being. May he grow in wisdom and strength, nurtured by love and guided by noble qualities, to bring lasting benefit to the nation and all sentient beings.

With deepest loyalty and reverence, we rejoice in this auspicious day and renew our commitment to nurturing happy, caring, and responsible children in the spirit of Gross National Happiness.

With profound respect and devotion.

BECEDA Official Update:-Bhutan Early Childhood Education and Development Association (BECEDA) is pleased to share that our Founder and President, who also serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), has been appointed as the Interim Adviser to the Regional Secretariat of the BCCI Regional Office, Gelephu Mindfulness City.

His professional journey with BCCI began in 2013 as a general member, later progressing to a registered member. Over the years, he has rendered dedicated service in several key roles, including as a Gelephu Think Tank Business Member (GTTBM) and Vice-Chairperson of the Dzongkhag Business Development Committee (DBDC). In 2024, he was humbled to be elected as an Executive Committee Member of BCCI, further strengthening his commitment to private sector development.

With the favorable z***r of 2nd February 2026, he has been entrusted by the Honorable President of BCCI and the BCCI Secretariat with the additional responsibility of serving as the Interim Adviser to the Regional Secretary of the BCCI Regional Office, Gelephu Mindfulness City. This continued journey of service reflects his unwavering dedication to advancing the interests of the business community at both regional and national levels.

On this auspicious occasion, he was deeply honored to receive Tashi Khadar and warm wishes from the Honorable Home Minister, Lyonpo Tshering, as well as from Founder Dawa Tshering advisor to our BECEDA and Executive Director Dasho Rinchen Khandu of the Bhutan Stroke Foundation, who graciously traveled from Thimphu to Gelephu Mindfulness City to offer their blessings and encouragement.

BECEDA extends heartfelt congratulations and expresses sincere appreciation to all well-wishers for their continued support. We remain confident that he will continue to serve with integrity, diligence, and professionalism, working collaboratively for the collective benefit of the private sector and the nation.

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