The Bhutan Foundation

Meet the Dagala Yak Cooperative, a resilient community of 39 yak-rearing households with over 2,400 yaks! 🐂 Livestock is the backbone of Dungdro and Wangdro chiwog in Dagala Gewog, where harsh weather limits agricultural support. To boost their livelihoods, the cooperative, in collaboration with the National Highland Development Center, has launched a project to diversify yak products. Twenty-seven herders have been trained in making Tomme and Gumdel cheese with hygienic processing. With a new cheese-making facility underway, they're set to bring these unique highland products to market! Our Small Grants Program proudly supports this initiative. #HighlandCommunities #YakFarming #BhutanFoundation #CommunitySupport #SustainableDevelopment

The Guengaling Community Cooperative has kicked off a 4-day Sustainable Beekeeping Training in partnership with Samtse Dzongkhag Livestock Sector and Norgaygang Gewog! 🐝🌿 37 participants, including 13 youth and 24 farmers, are learning essential skills in modern beekeeping—hive management, eco-friendly queen rearing, pest control, sustainable honey harvesting, and more. At the end of the training, over 35 households will receive beehives to start their beekeeping journeys! 🌸🍯 This initiative, supported by our Small Grants Program, is more than a livelihood project—it’s about rural revitalization, reversing migration, and building a stronger, more sustainable community. #SustainableBeekeeping #CommunityDevelopment #SmallGrantsProgram #BhutanFoundation #RuralRevitalization #EmpoweringCommunities #BeeKind For more info: https://loom.ly/KfiqEnk

Happy Blessed Rainy Day! 🌧✨ This special Bhutanese holiday marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of autumn. It is believed that all natural water is sanctified today, making it the perfect time for purification, cleansing, and renewal. Let’s take this moment to wash away the past and welcome the blessings of nature. Wishing everyone peace, prosperity, and fresh energy for the days ahead. The Bhutan Foundation wishes you a joyous and blessed day! #BlessedRainyDay #Renewal #BhutaneseTradition #NatureBlessings #BhutanFoundation

Harnessing the power of technology and research, the signing of a grant agreement with the College of Science and Technology (CST) marks a significant step towards addressing key community challenges through innovation. By engaging innovators and local communities, this partnership aims to co-create impactful solutions that tackle human-wildlife conflict and improve the lives of children with disabilities. One project will develop an AI-based Smart Animal Intrusion Detection System to protect farmers in Zhemgang from wildlife damage, while another will focus on creating low-tech assistive technology (AT) devices to support children with disabilities. Through these initiatives, the collaboration is not only fostering innovation but also paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

From 9th to 11th September, Phensem Parent Support Group held its third cascade training on Assistive Technology in Gelephu. 🌟 Over four days, 43 parents, teachers, and ECCD facilitators came together to learn how to use assistive tech in classrooms and beyond. Through hands-on sessions, participants created low-tech devices, making learning more inclusive and accessible for children with disabilities. This training is a vital step in building an inclusive AT ecosystem in Bhutan! #AssistiveTechnology #InclusiveLearning #EmpoweringCommunities Phensem Parents Support Group, Bhutan

On the auspicious birth anniversary of Her Royal Highness the Gyalsem, Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, the Bhutan Foundation joins the nation in offering our sincere prayers for her good health, long life, and well-being.💐

Vacancy Announcement for Project Coordinator for Bhutan Education and Economic Support Activity (BEESA) Interested to send CV and a cover letter to [email protected] Deadline: September 17, 2024 Details : https://loom.ly/Gkx5jG4

🎉🌟 Congratulations, Dr. Karma Phuntsho! 🌟🎉 The Bhutan Foundation is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Karma Phuntsho, founder of the Loden Foundation, on being awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2024! The Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia's highest honor and often called the "Nobel Prize of Asia," celebrates outstanding leadership and service. Since 1958, it has recognized 348 individuals and organizations, including the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa, for impactful contributions to human development. On August 31, 2024, Bhutanese leader 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗿. 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 𝗣𝗵𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗼 was named a recipient for his work in blending Bhutanese traditions with modern needs through education, social entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.🏆👏 #RamonMagsaysayAward #KarmaPhuntsho #Bhutan #Leadership #BhutanFoundation

On August 22nd, we kicked off a 2-day cascade training on the Acceptance and Use of Assistive Technology with 30 incredible participants from ECCD centers, Schools with Special Educational Needs program and the College of Science and Technology from Phuentsholing and Samtse. In partnership with Phensem Parent Support Group, the training gave teachers—many of whom are caregivers to children with disabilities—a deeper understanding of disability and the transformative power of assistive tech. 🌟 Participants explored creating low-tech assistive devices and discovered how small adaptations can foster an inclusive learning environment. One participant shared how the workshop not only expanded their knowledge but also inspired practical ideas they can bring back to their classrooms. @phensempsgb #InclusiveEducation #AssistiveTechnology #Empowerment #BhutanFoundation

Agriculture is the backbone of Bhutan’s rural economy, supporting over half the population. However, challenges like rural-urban migration and climate change pose significant threats to our food security. That's why we're thrilled to announce new grants for food security projects in partnership with @TarayanaFoundation and @TheSamdrupJongkharInitiative! These initiatives will enhance food and nutrition security by promoting sustainable agriculture and local enterprise development. In Mongar and Trashigang, Tarayana Foundation will focus on improving livelihoods and market access for Self-Help Group members. Meanwhile, SJI will introduce small-scale commercial farming and climate-smart practices in Samdrup Jongkhar District. Together, we're building a resilient farming community! 💪🌾 #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture #Bhutan #CommunitySupport