Bhutan is undergoing major changes. The introduction of democracy, the arrival of television and the Internet, and the impact of rural-urban migration have all contributed to the erosion of an ancient, traditional way of life. Bhutanese youth are at a crossroads, facing choices and responsibilities their parents never experienced. The youth of Bhutan are at risk of falling into trouble and losing their culture. At this critical moment in Bhutanese history, the Bhutan YDF recognizes the need for young people to develop as leaders.  Young people must learn to participate in Bhutanese society and engage in service to benefit others. All of Bhutan YDF’s programs incorporate leadership skills, with an emphasis on service and the traditional values of Bhutanese Gross National Happiness.

The Youth Leadership program enhances youth participation and provides young people with the opportunities to gain self-esteem through leadership trainings and participation in community well being projects. Sports and recreational programs allow young people to hone their skills in the arts, music, sports, or performing arts.

Young Volunteers in Action (Y-VIA)

The Young Volunteers in Action (Y-VIA) is an active network of young volunteers organized by the Bhutan Youth Development Fund.  Initiated in March 2003, a group of young people gathered together to support the efforts of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund and to represent youth perspectives in youth development activities. The Y-VIA is now established in 6 Dzongkhags (provinces) and is fast gaining popularity and importance. More and more, young people are becoming aware of their involvement in contributing to their nation through active volunteerism.

Objectives

• Identify programs on issues concerning young people
• Offer youth perspectives
• Involve and participate in community based programs of the YDF and other agencies
• Mobilize more Y-VIA in the country through leadership programs
• Establish & Strengthen a strong youth network in Bhutan

Y-VIA Programs and activities

• Blood drive and Clean-up campaign
• Awareness and advocacy campaigns on youth-related issues
• Establishing clubs to encourage youth participation and productive engagement
• Fundraising activities to support youth-related programs and workshops
• Active participation during key events and programs – Golden Youth Award, Mind and leadership Training Camp

To become a Y-VIA, please contact the focal person for your Dzongkhag:

Thimphu – Ms. Roma Pradhan (327483/336938/17726016)
Chukha – Mr. Jangchup  (05251824)
Bumthang – Mr. Rinchen Tshering (17643463)
Pemagatshel – Mr. Tashi Samdup (17755521)
Tsirang – Mr. Karma Choida (17697230)
Trashigang – Ms. Tenzin Wangmo (17645240)

How you can help

Above:  The President’s Cup basketball tournament under the ageis of the Bhutan Youth Development Fund is founded in the name of Her Majesty The Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck. The first tournament organized from July 12 – 26, 2010 entertains 26 registered teams with 21 boys and 5 girls teams; the YDF outdoor basketball court is well used by the youth at all hours g

Sports and Recreational Programs

YDF has established sports and recreational activities for the youth. Several tournaments and coaching clinics are organized during the year inviting both in school and out of school youth to participate. Through the “Sports Coalition in Action” project a colloboration with the Government of Netherlands, YDF is empowering marginalized groups (young women and girls and out of school youth) through engagement in sports and recreational activities.

How you can help

Above: Honorable Lyonchoen with GYA 2010 Winner Sangay Tempa from Nganglam Higher Secondary School; Participants enjoy a brief moment away  from the whilrlind of activities

Golden Youth Award Camp

In 2005 the Bhutan Youth Development Fund with the objective to motivate and reward outstanding youth portraying excellence in academics, sports, cultural, leadership, social contributions and exceptional talents, whilst also commemorating the Golden birth anniversary of His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck, announced the Golden Youth Awards. Each dzongkhag was to nominate its own GYA candidates who would then have to contest at the Golden Youth Camp for the Golden Youth Award. The Golden Youth Award commenced last year which brought together 150 youth from all the Dzongkhags to contest at the 1st Golden Youth Camp 2008 in Thimphu. The award will be conducted annually and this year 74 youth attended the 2nd Golden Youth Camp.

Objectives

• To establish a system of recognition for notable achievements  by youth
• To motivate youth to be hardworking, responsible and dynamic
• To identify potential leaders for a new and challenging   political environment
• To encourage youth icons and role models

2010 winner and runners up of the Golden Youth Award

Sangay Tempa – Winner (Nganglam Higher Secondary School – Pema Gatshel)

Jigme Tobgay – Runners up (Ugyen Academy – Punakha)

Trilochan Sharma- Runners up (Peljorling Middle Secondary School – Samtse)

Priyanka Sharma – Runners up (Khangkhu Middle Secondary School – Paro)

How you can help

Leadership Camps

YDF camps during vacations  provide an enriching experience preparing young people for an upcoming year of scholarly pursuits. This year’s winter programme “While in vacation” was coordinated by CIT’s, Y-VIA members who are counselors in training. Organized in the Nazhoen Pelri Youth Development Centre, the “While in Vacation” programme accommodated 120 young people in eight different clubs. The participants of YDF’s winter programme could choose from a variety of interests and activities at the Junior Reading, Audio Visual, Photography, Theatre and Dance, Literature and Music, Sports and Arts and Craft clubs.

How you can help