Youth Summit 2016 ‘for a positive youth society’

Participants reflecting on the fifth Habit of the Heart at Drugyal Dzong on the second day.

Youths can lead, care and enact positive change in the community if given a platform. The summer Youth Summit 2016 provided platform for about 90 youths from across the country to explore different issues in the community and to reflect on their role in an evolving democracy in Bhutan.

During the summit, the youth identified issues in the community and came up with the solutions. This time, Members of Parliament, Heads of CSOs and members from education sector met with the youths to further brainstorm on solutions, address constraints, and develop action plan to take the solutions forward. The aim behind this session was to provide platforms for better understanding among youth and leaders.

Some of the issues identified were on waste management, youth and alcohol, deforestation, substance abuse among youth, and helping the underprivileged community members by distributing donated clothing and other necessities.

The youth also learned about the five habits of the heart adapted from Parker J. Palmer ‘s Healing the Heart of Democracy. The youthS reflected these habits and learned different ways to respond to life for a healthy democracy.

The youths also went on a field trip to Drukgyel Dzong where they reflected on the final habit of the heart.

There was also conversation on ethics of social media and its impact. The four day summit wasn’t all about work and learning but youth also had fun, interactive session in the evening where they showcased their talents, networked and participated in various games.

At the end of the fourth day, the youth evaluated the summit creatively through plays, songs and games.

The four day summit was held in association with the Drugyel Central School, Paro from July 4 – 7, 2016 and was funded by the Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy (DIPD)