By Tempa Wangdi | Communication Officer
Bhutan Democracy Forum 2019
In what appeared to be the first such forum following the 3rd Parliamentary elections in 2018, Bhutan Democracy 2019 brought together politicians and members of the academia, students, civil society, civil servants, representatives of Constitutional agencies to talk about ‘Democracy as a path to Good Governance’ on 30 April. Representatives from the four political parties, Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party, Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa, Druk Phuensum Tshogpa, and People’s Democratic party represented their parties at the forum.
The second panel of speakers consisted of an academic, a gup (Local Leader), a journalist, and a Member of Parliament from the National Council. The representatives of the political parties touched on the trust between the people and the government. They also discussed whether the media in Bhutan is becoming sensational and has become part of the problem or is providing solutions. Women representation in politics, corruption, youth, and the complexities of being “apolitical” were some other pertinent issues covered during the discussions.
The Druk Journal Publishes Issue on Education
The 9th Druk Journal issue “Educating Bhutan - Nurturing a Society that Learns to Learn”, has been published and is readied for distribution across the country. Containing 18 articles by academicians from within and outside the country, ‘Educating Bhutan’ looks at education as learning beyond the classroom.
This issue of the journal is intended to enable the society to see education not only as preparation for jobs but as a lifelong endeavour to learn. Four political parties also shed light on the respective party’s stance on education. They discuss and debate on pertinent issues, removal of cut off point for class ten, pruning of curriculum, off Saturdays and central school and education as their long-term goal.
With education overwhelmed with issues, it outlines some recommendations on Educating for Gross National Happiness (EGNH), 21st Century learning, research culture, vocational education in Bhutan. A ministerial adviser from Finland shares how her country has excelled in education every year. It also highlights the exceptional progress that Bhutan had made to educate its elderly citizens in rural areas with the inception of Non-Formal Education. This edition of The Druk Journal is partially supported by DIPD.
Paro Town Launch Campaign
Residents, local leaders, and Paro Dzongkhag (District Administration) came together to work towards realisation of their town’s vision “safe, clean, green, and culturally vibrant town” through the launch of campaign “I am my community” at Paro on 29 June. Finance minister lyonpo Namgay graced the launch.
Reflecting on the skit staged by students of Paro College of Education, Lyonpo highlighted the dangers of accelerated change and modernisation without foresight and the need to draw wisdom from Bhutan’s guiding philosophy -- Gross National Happiness. The launch of campaign signifies that the residents, local leaders, and planners will hereon make an effort to integrate the town vision, mission, and strategy in the developmental activities. Jute Tote bags were issued to the participants to create awareness on the campaign “I am my community”.
Tshering, a local resident remarked, “I was so moved by the students’ performance; it is different, it makes you think. You should film the skit”. About 200 people including residents, civil servants, civil society members, elected local leaders, students, and teachers from schools in Paro attended the launch.
Youth Initiative Empowers Young Minds
This year 24 youths mostly from colleges across the country underwent a four-day Youth Initiative Summer Camp where they learned policy research, media literacy, citizenship, and social consciouness.
"YI has helped me in many ways - firstly it encouraged me to self-reflect that ultimately helped me see from another's perspective, appreciating and valuing otherness. It also helped me in molding my personal capacity to solve social issues," said Choeki from Sherubtse College. Nima from the Royal Thimphu College learned on basics of finding solutions. "To find solutions, we first need to need to follow some fundamental steps such as research. This is what I learned in the YI and by applying these aspects to my project, I have been able to carry it out effectively and significantly" said Nima.
The conclusion of the 6th annual Youth Initiative (YI) was marked with five diverse presentations of research findings from the members on recycled paper souvenir products, perceptions on LGBTQI, Internet usage pattern among youths, and effectiveness of plastic ban and Nutrition.
5th Youth Summit, Learning Space for Children
Participants of the 5th Youth Summit, “Change Begins With Me” presented six proposals for action at the end of a weeklong programme at the Royal Thimphu College, Thimphu that began from 11 July.
Youths from over 23 schools including Yebilaptsa Central School, Zhemgang and Geserling Central School (GCS) in Dagana conceptualised action plans on issues such as global warming, women empowerment, divorce and its effects on youth, mental health, the negative impact of social media, and self- reliance. "From the outside, it always looks so good (referring to Bhutanese society) but from the inside, it is terrible. It's full of fear. I and my friends want to create a more positive society by helping to spread awareness of mental health. We always tend to show that things are alright, but many youths face anxiety and challenges...,” said a student from Gomtu Middle Secondary School, Bireshpati.
Another participant from GCS Kelzang wanted to work towards women empowerment. “I want to start with my family by talking about women empowerment, to start small. Then, (I) will plan to take it to school and community levels by organising a sensitisation meeting to talk about creating a conducive platform for women to express their feelings and opinions,” Kelzang said.
The residential camp brought together 117 youths aged 14-18 on a journey of self-discovery and reflection on their roles as citizens of a democracy. The summit was facilitated by 12 youths mostly from colleges who were trained in peer facilitation to co-facilitate with Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy.
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser