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, social entrepreneurship, or the creative arts—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.
Recognizing that creativity is essential for Bhutan’s future, YDF is expanding its research to explore in the areas of Music, History, Art and Design as vital components of youth development and economic transformation. These fields not only preserve Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage but also prepare young minds for the emerging creative economy, particularly in alignment with His Majesty The King’s vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Through this expanded focus, YDF bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary innovation, fostering artistic expression, storytelling, and cultural research—key drivers for Bhutan’s evolving socio-economic landscape.
We integrate data gathering, cultural documentation, and artistic research into each stage of our programs—from initial scoping and implementation to final evaluation. This systematic approach not only validates our current strategies but also reveals new opportunities for growth in Bhutan’s creative industries.
YDF regularly conducts internal impact studies to quantify the effectiveness of existing interventions, along with scope studies to explore new possibilities. With the introduction of Music, Oral History, Art and Design into our research framework, we aim to understand how creative expression can empower youth, contribute to economic diversification, and support mental well-being and mindfulness.
These reports guide resource allocation and strategic planning, ensuring that YDF’s investments yield tangible, sustainable benefits—not only in education and youth development but also in arts, design, and cultural innovation.
Our research methods respect Bhutan’s cultural context and Gross National Happiness (GNH) values. By engaging local artists, musicians, historians, and communities, we capture nuanced creative and cultural perspectives, ensuring that research outcomes 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.
Your support enables us to expand research, develop new programs, and create opportunities for Bhutanese youth. Help us build a future where culture, creativity, and knowledge empower the next generation.