At the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF), we believe that real change comes from informed action. Our commitment to evidence-based decision making ensures that every initiative—whether in education, climate action, or social entrepreneurship—is grounded in reliable data, practical insights, and measurable outcomes. In Bhutan’s nascent research ecosystem, the capacity for large-scale external studies remains limited. To address this gap, YDF invests in in-house research, collecting and analyzing data that shape program design, enhance our understanding of youth and community needs, and maximize our impact on the ground.
We integrate data gathering and analysis into each stage of our programs—initial scoping, implementation, and final evaluation. This systematic approach not only validates our current strategies but also reveals areas for improvement or expansion.
YDF regularly conducts internal impact studies to quantify the effectiveness of existing interventions and scope studies to explore new possibilities. These reports guide resource allocation and strategic planning, ensuring that YDF’s investments yield tangible, sustainable benefits.
Our research methods respect Bhutan’s cultural context and GNH (Gross National Happiness) values. By engaging local communities, we capture nuanced feedback and foster genuine collaborations—ensuring that results resonate with the communities we serve.
A recent example of our commitment to evidence-based work is the MGV (My Gakidh Village) Impact Study, conducted to evaluate the effect of our place-based education model in the Toebisa community.
Initial findings showed improved student engagement, heightened community participation, and a measurable boost to local well-being indicators—reinforcing our conviction that locally grounded, hands-on education enriches both learners and their surroundings.
Encouraged by these results, YDF is planning to replicate the MGV model in other parts of Bhutan, starting with Zhemgang in Central Bhutan. By leveraging the data gathered in Toebisa, we can tailor our approach to meet each community’s unique environmental, cultural, and economic needs.
For those interested in reviewing our methodology and detailed outcomes, we have attached the MGV Impact Study (PDF). This document highlights how data-driven insights pave the way for continuous improvement and strategic scaling of YDF’s programs.
As YDF’s portfolio grows, our research efforts will continue to evolve, focusing on areas like youth mental health, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods. We aim to strengthen our in-house capabilities while exploring new collaborative research opportunities with academic institutions and development partners. Ultimately, our goal is to bridge knowledge gaps and advance solutions that empower young Bhutanese to shape their own futures.
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Post Box 255 | Thimphu, Bhutan | tel: +975 2 327483 | fax: +975 2 326730 | info@bhutanyouth.org
