December eNews
Winter Youth Initiative Camp
Thirty students gathered at Norbuling Rigter College (NRC) from 21st to 25th December for a transformative five-day Winter Camp that focused on building key skills in reflective listening, creative writing, and interviewing. The camp emphasised on collaborative learning aiming to inspire participants to embrace their roles as active citizens.
The programme introduced participants to fundamental concepts of citizenship, including their rights and responsibilities. These insights were applied to explore pressing issues in Doteng Gewog, Paro, such as climate change, timber extraction, medical facilities, rural-urban migration, waste management, youth unemployment, and poor road infrastructure. Through field visits and interviews with local community members, participants gained a deeper understanding of how these challenges impact lives and how they can advocate for meaningful change.
Co-facilitated by Manny Fassihi, former programme officer at Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy and now an entrepreneur, and Willow Brook, educator and entrepreneur, guided the students in developing realistic action plans to address the issues they explored. Participants were encouraged to take ownership of the solutions they proposed, empowering them to act as agents of change.
By the end of the camp, participants pledged to continue their journey as active citizens, committed to advocating for a better future.
This impactful programme was co-funded by DW Akedemie and hosted by NRC.
Media and Democracy Literacy Training for school children
A total of 53 students from Damphu Central School, Damphu Middle Secondary School, and Tsirangtoe Central School participated in the Media and Democracy Literacy Training held from 20th to 22nd December at the Professional Development Centre in Tsirang.
The training provided an in-depth understanding of democracy and active citizenship, focusing on the rights and responsibilities of individuals in fostering a just and inclusive society. Participants explored the role of media in democracy, with discussions on the power of accurate information in promoting transparency and open dialogue. The dangers of misinformation and the importance of news literacy were key themes, equipping students with the skills to verify sources, assess credibility, and identify bias.
The programme also addressed the influence of social media in modern life, encouraging participants to develop personalised social media guidelines to promote responsible online engagement. Throughout the sessions, students engaged in vibrant discussions, group activities, and case studies, which strengthened their critical thinking skills and their ability to discern balanced and fair reporting.
The training concluded with participants presenting social media guidelines tailored to their respective schools, showcasing their understanding of the concepts learned. This initiative aims to foster a media-literate, informed, and responsible citizenry capable of contributing to a democratic society.
The programme was organised with support from Helvetas Bhutan and Bhutan Foundation, marking a significant step towards empowering young people to become active and informed citizens in a young democracy.