- From the field
- Tapestry 2030: podcast and illustration series
- In the news
- Think Piece
- From the BCF blog
- GNH corner
- Recommended viewing
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Trans Bhutan Trail
Activities around the Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT) were impacted by the lockdown in Bhutan from late December to near the end of January. Despite internal travel restrictions, the TBT team was able to move several aspects of the project forward and has been quick to action since the re-opening after the lockdown. Most of the physical restoration of the trail has been completed with work continuing on three main sections in Thimphu, Punakha and Trongsa. Work has also been completed on identifying and GPS marking potential campsites along the trail. As we move forward into 2021, the TBT team will focus on further campsite development as well as community microfinance and customer service training, annual trail maintenance, and re-consecration of sacred sites.
Online workshops for Bhutanese teachers (Recover and rebuild initiative)
BCF is partnering with the Ministry of Education on an online professional development program for Bhutanese teachers. The Recover and Rebuild initiative will develop workshops based on gaps identified by Bhutanese teachers, both during and prior to COVID-19. The selected topics are in line with the Ministry of Education’s Professional Standards for Teachers and reflect the priorities outlined in the recent royal edict to initiate a transformative reconceptualisation of the Bhutanese education system. Workshop topics include 21st century pedagogy, writing for online learners, collaborative learning, and more. Following examinations and a revised start of the academic school year, the workshops will begin in the end of April.
Bhutan Journal of Management
BCF contributed to supporting the Royal Institute of Management in publishing the Bhutan Journal of Management, a new scholarly journal with a focus on public policy and management in the Bhutanese context. The journal highlights and builds the capacity of emerging young researchers. BCF’s executive director was recently named to the editorial board of the journal. Read the first issue Pioneering Research for Evidence-based Decision making in Public Sector (vol 1, no 1) here.
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2. Tapestry 2030: podcast and illustration series
In celebration of International Development Week (February 7-13), Tapestry 2030, a new podcast and illustration series, was launched. This multimedia storytelling initiative highlights international cooperation for sustainable, equitable, and gender transformative development. Bhutan Canada Foundation and Tourism Council Bhutan are featured in episode one titled 'Building sustainable tourism in Bhutan'. The conversation focuses on how partnerships were able to support COVID-19 recovery for hundreds of unemployed tourism sector workers while furthering a development project, the Trans Bhutan Trail.
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Disrupting the Disruption: Gender, Governance and Gross National Happiness in Bhutan, by. Dr. Kent Schroeder and Jasmeen Chandi
“Disruption” and “innovation” are two terms that permeate current development practice and research. Standard ways of ‘doing’ development are perceived as being in urgent need of disruption if they are to meaningfully improve people’s lives. This includes work on gender equality. The history of gender approaches – from Women in Development (WID) to Women and Development (WAD) to Gender and Development (GAD) – needs an infusion of innovation and disruption to more effectively lead to better gender outcomes in maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH); education; women’s rights and other areas.
At the same time, disruption for the sake of disruption is not enough. The long-term success of a disruption, whether related to gender equality or other development priorities, requires the disruption to become institutionalized...(continue reading).
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Tshechus and holidays for resiliency
Holidays represent the cultural and spiritual fabric of Bhutan, bringing together a colourful array of family, friends, music, dance, and food. Public holidays, like National Day celebrated December 17, are observed throughout Bhutan, while tshechus, or festivals, are observed in local areas. Holidays cultivate communities and a deeper connection to the world, particularly auspicious holidays like tshechus or Dashain. Studies have shown that culture and spirituality can positively impact community resilience…(continue reading)
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Oral histories, passport program, resurveying, and more on the Trans Bhutan Trail
For hundreds of years the route of the Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT) was carved across the landscape of Bhutan. Despite a generation of neglect, the path is still clear, as is the tens of thousands of hours of labour that went into the construction of the ancient trail. The warn steps, drainage systems, and retaining walls across the length of the TBT are all reminders of the efforts made by ancestors from long ago. As the TBT team made two journeys along the Eastern section of the trail…(continue reading)
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6. GNH corner
Gross National Happiness in Bhutan
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Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan (2018-2023) frames all development planning, from the local level right up to the national level, around the 9 domains of Gross National Happiness, ensuring all development activities contribute to creating the conditions for happiness and wellbeing in the country.
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The Volunteer Teachers of Bhutan network hosted a series of panels on the future of education through the recent EduTalk series. Learn more about ‘Teacher Education and Professional Growth’ by watching this engaging discussion below.
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We're hiring! Director, International Marketing |
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We're hiring! Director, International Marketing |
We're searching for a dynamic leader to manage the global launch of the Trans Bhutan Trail, a spectacular 425km walk across the Himalayan Kingdom. Excellent marketing, communication and organizational skills and an understanding of the major travel markets are key talents. Learn more
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Help support recovery and development in Bhutan |
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![EduTALK BHUTAN PANEL 5: TEACHER EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH [An initiative of V-TOB]](https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jil1kqNEUo4/hqdefault.jpg)
