A Journey of Connection: Canberra’s English Speaking-Bhutanese Monk in the Making

Sonam Gyeltshen is the first Buddhist monk to take part in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) with Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF). 

Born in the misty valleys of Haa, Bhutan, Sonam completed his Buddhist studies at a monastery nestled among the Himalayan peaks. Sonam first came to Canberra to work at the Bhutanese Buddhist Cultural Centre in 2023.  

Sonam was first spotted by Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF)’s Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Karma Dorji at the Cultural Centre. Sonam introduced himself as a monk new to Australia and mentioned his interest in better communicating with his local community. 

“In Bhutan, my world was the monastery, the mountains, the prayers. Here, I want to open my heart to the world, to help others find peace, no matter where they come from.” 

He facilitates community prayer sessions for Canberra’s Bhutanese diaspora, preserving the rich tapestry of Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage and teaching children Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan.  

“As we spoke about the Adult Migrant English Program and how it could support his goals, he listened intently and soon after, enrolled in the training program,” Karma recalls. The AMEP is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.  

From Prayer Halls to Classrooms 

Sonam Gyeltshen stepped into NSF Canberra with quiet curiosity and a sense of purpose. Amidst his familiar rituals at the Bhutanese Buddhist Cultural Centre, Sonam embraced an unfamiliar challenge and took a bold step into a broader world. 

“Through AMEP, I am gaining the skills I need, and my classes are a striking contrast to my monastic routine. Each lesson introduces me to new words, sounds and conversations, offering a vibrant learning experience quite different from the tranquillity of the monastery,” says Sonam.  

With a quiet determination, he aspires to learn how to read, speak, and connect with people beyond the temple walls. “Speaking English with classmates from so many diverse cultures has taught me a lot and I look forward to sharing the beautiful Buddhist culture with Australians.” 

Building Cultural Bridges 

Teachers at the NSF Canberra college note Sonam’s strong dedication to learning English, often seeing him arrive early with a notebook filled with carefully written phrases, eager to improve. He describes, “Learning English is like lighting a new lamp. It shows me a path to share Buddhism’s wisdom with the world.”   

Sonam envisions guiding international students at the Centre in English, and fostering cross-cultural understanding rooted in Bhutan’s values of compassion and harmony. “My dream is to serve Buddhist students and followers by sharing the teachings of compassion and mindfulness in a language they understand.” 

Sonam is the first Buddhist monk from his monastery to take part in the AMEP, which is a significant milestone that reflects both the program’s inclusivity and his deep commitment to serving others. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of the AMEP.  

By equipping him with language skills, the program is not only enhancing his ability to engage with Canberra’s diverse community but also empowering him to bridge cultures.  

From the prayer halls of Bhutan to the classrooms of Canberra, Sonam is lighting a path of connection, one word at a time. 

For more information about courses that can give you new job skills as well as improve your English call Navitas Skilled Futures on 1300 798 111.      


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