The Non-Formal Education (NFE) Programme has changed the lives of countless number of illiterate adults in rural areas. For its success, this year it was awarded the Honourable Mention of the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy.
Ran Maya Subba, 12 came to Begana three years ago as a domestic helper to her aunt. She is from Patala village under Tsirang Dzongkhag. Shortly after her arrival, her aunt enrolled Ran Maya in the NFE centre at Begana.
Back in her village, she could not go to school as the nearest school is about three hours’ walk from her house.
She completed her post literacy course this year and is now attending the Khushuchen community primary school in class one.
Ran Maya has already impressed her teachers with her academic progress. “She takes interest in learning, in midterm she scored 54%, if that is the inspiration in her I am sure that she will hold position, that’s my hope,” said her class teacher Gyem Bidha. 
She was enrolled in the formal school after considering her age and performances in her former NFE centre.
“She did well in the NFE so RENEW thought that a young girl like this should avail the facility looking at this RENEW interacted with the school and we decided to enrol her in the school,” said her Principal Kuenzang Thinley.
The NFE Programme was introduced in 1990 to give illiterate adults in rural areas the chance to learn to read and write.
Thanks to the programme, countless number of adults in rural areas can read and write, correspond with family members and friends, and maintain records of their expenses.
Currently there are about 700 NFE centres and over 13,000 learners across the country.
Source: Bhutan Broadcasting Service