His Majesty graces the 19th National Judiciary Conference

June 11: The 19th National Judiciary Conference ended today. The occasion was graced by His Majesty the King.

In His Majesty's address, His Majesty reiterated the importance of a strong and sound judicial system.

His Majesty was received by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye and the Drangpons.

His Majesty said a lot has been achieved but a lot remains to be done.

His Majesty said it is important to further strengthen awareness among the people.

His Majesty said now that the Supreme Court has been established, the justices of the court have the duty of establishing its presence as the guardian of the constitution and the apex of an independent arm of the government.

His Majesty also urged the justices to set the right precedent and to ensure that in Bhutan, the people's faith in the judiciary shall be complete and unquestioning.

The 11 daylong conferences saw discussions on issues ranging from matrimony and appeal system to land and court management.

The conference closed amid prayers and a group photograph session

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PM arrives in Trento, Italy

5 June, 2010 - Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley participated in the opening ceremony of the Festival of Economics shortly after arriving in Trento province, a three-hour drive from the Italian city of Milan, on June 3.

After the inaugural, he attended a talk by Prof Robert D Putnam on the challenges and potential of immigration and ethnicity – the social capital – based on a survey conducted in the United States in 2000.

On June 4, the prime minister met the mayor of Trento, Dr Alessandro Andreatta at the town hall, and visited the university of Trento, a co-host of the festival. This was followed by a press conference at the palace of the province of Trento, and a preparatory meeting with the interpreters for the debate on GNH, scheduled to be held today.

The prime minister and his entourage return to Bhutan on June 8.

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Bhutan : His Majesty grants audience to ARSP delegates

June 4: His Majesty the King granted an audience to a five-member delegation from Antra Rashtriya Sahyog Parishad (ARSP) in India at the Tashichhodzong yesterday.

They are in the country for a weeklong goodwill visit.

The delegation is led by JC Sharma, former Secretary of Policy and Planning, Ministry of External Affairs of India and Vijay Jolly, a senior BJP leader.

Officials from the ARSP have been visiting Bhutan annually since 1990 to further strengthen people-to people contact.

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Tournament marred by ‘incidents’

12th Coronation Silver Jubilee Trophy 1 June, 2010 - That archery is not a gentleman’s game and that sometimes excitement can overshadow reasoning was proven on May 27 when a Paro Utd archer flashed his undergarments in full view during the 12th coronation silver jubilee trophy tournament at Changlimithang and used abusive words while playing against Karma TMT.

Officials of the Bhutan archery federation (BAF) described the match between Paro United team and Karma TMT as the most embarrassing and unfriendly game in recent years.

Another archer from the same team, while playing against Destroyer on May 19, burned chilis at the ground, which, according to BAF, is prohibited. BAF rules prohibits archers from burning anything that emits smoke. Archers from Destroyer reported the matter to the tournament director, after which the culprit was warned. Officials said that the chili burner was also seen showing abusive signs with his fingers in the last round of the game against spectators, who were in favour of Karma TMT. “Spectators were infuriated with his behaviour,” said an official from BAF, adding that he was lucky that it was the last round of the game.

Assistant secretary general of BAF, Jurmin Wangdi, said that most of the players were half intoxicated, which resulted in the misconduct. The federation has not penalised the archers however. “We didn’t take any action, but warned them, because such kind of incident happens very occasionally,” said Jurmin Wangdi, adding that archery is a very tense and challenging game, and it was in the tradition to try and distract the opponent from hitting the target without touching him.

The assistant secretary general did not blame only alcohol for the bad behaviour and said that archery is a physical as well as mental game, where both teams try to pull each others’ legs. However, Jurmin Wangdi said that, if archers got physical, they would be suspended from the tournament for three years. He said that a meeting would be organised with the team leaders for feedback on formulating new rules.

BAF tournament director Pema Tshering said that generally the players were professional and followed the rules accordingly. “It was only a handful of them that did not comply with the rules,” he said.

By Kuenga Tendar

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Bhutan : Gold in Bhutan?

27 August, 2009 - The department of geology and mines (DGM) has come across a rock sample with traces of gold in it in an area between Phuentsholing and Pasakha.

The department has around a hundred more samples and will be conducting further tests to find out the economic potential or viability of the deposit.

This is part of the DGM’s search for potential gold mines in Bhutan, which has received a big boost with this finding and, though no big deposits are confirmed, some promising clues have been found.

“The particular rock sample was tested in a laboratory of the United States geological services (USGS) and they have found 0.134 parts per million trace of gold, which is above average,” said the chief geologist and acting director of DGM, Ugyen Wangda.

In fact, the letter from American geologist Klaus J Schulz in 2008 says, “ 0.134 ppm gold is at the high end of the range found…and may warrant further examination of the sample area.” He also says that such iron-rich rocks can be a good host for gold lode deposits.

A Netherlands professor and minerals exploration expert, Westhoff, after visiting and studying the rock formation in southern Bhutan, had said in 2006 to DGM that there was a good potential for the presence of gold there.

DGM has also received information on the likelihood of gold being found in the region from a foreign mining expert. Simon, a United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organisation (UNESCO) staff and former USGS geologist, had recommended to DGM to send the rock samples to the USGS lab.

Though not made public, the first ever clues provided to DGM on the likelihood of gold was by Jang Pangi of the geological survey of India (GSI) that was exploring mineral content in Bhutan until the early 1990s. “He said that traces of gold could be seen in the Siwalik rock formation and its source must be the older Buxa rock formation above it,” said Ugyen Wangda. “Commonly the chances of gold and minerals being found is in the Buxa rock formation, which is around 10-15 km in thickness, and runs for around 200 km from west to east in the south.”

However, the key point will be finding gold in economically viable amounts or which can be extracted in an economically viable manner. Normally, the gold value in most rocks is 0.02 and anything above it is sign of gold, but one has to find gold deposits above 4.0 ppm to be economically viable.

The gold ore or rocks are normally crushed to powder and then melted at high temperature. Since gold is a heavy metal, it settles at the bottom.

DGM for now is pinning its hopes on the Phuentsholing- Pasakha area and also other areas near Gurung Khola in Sarpang and the Black Mountain area in Trongsa.

“We’ll look at these areas first, as they are potential sites, but there’ll also be other areas we will follow up later on,” he said. The chief geologist said that the key would be to finding the source or ‘provence’ of gold along the Buxa rock formation stretch.

DGM currently has a budget of Nu 800,000 for exploration of heavy metals like gold, but expects more resources with the mineral development policy, which is in the final stages of being sent to the cabinet for approval. “The policy will encourage the exploring of such resources in more detail,” said the chief geologist.

He said that, though GSI had in the past done some surveys, it covered only 33 percent of Bhutan, which was accessible.

DGM, however, faces a challenge with the lack of adequate equipment and trained manpower. The machine used to test for gold, the atomic absorption spectrometer, was defective for the last few years and only recently was a new one purchased to carry out tests.

By Tenzing Lamsang

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Bhutan : Swine flu tests on upward spiral

17 August, 2009 - The number of people getting themselves tested for influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) has increased to an average of 35 a day from 10 a month in mid July, say public health laboratory officials.

“Since the first confirmed cases in Bhutan were detected on July 20, a lot more people are getting themselves tested,” said the head of public health laboratory, Sonam Wangchuk. Since then, six Bhutanese have tested positive, two outside the country.

All of them have recovered.

Eleven locations, including two regional hospitals and the border areas, are equipped with rapid testing kits for influenza like illness. The samples collected are sent to Bangkok, Thailand, for confirmation, depending on Drukair’s schedules. While testing is free, sending a sample for confirmation costs about Nu 3,000.

“We have collected around 800 samples since the start of surveillance from September last year,” said a technician at the public health laboratory, Dorji Tshering. “Every week, around 100 samples are sent for confirmation.”

The medical superintendent of Thimphu referral hospital, Dr Pandup Tshering, said that confirmation takes about 24 hours. “But our main problem is sending the samples from here. We don’t send on weekends and at times there are no flights,” he said.

Depending on their health condition, patients waiting for confirmation, are given antibiotics or Tami flu, the medicine for H1N1.

“We don’t wait for lab results,” Sonam Wangchuk. “Pregnant mothers, children below five and those above 65 years are straightaway given Tami flu.”

Sonam Wangchuk feels that the flu virus must have already reached Bhutan by the first week of June, although the first samples were confirmed only in July.

The flu is not fatal unless one’s immunity is weak, say officials. But health officials stress on personal hygiene, like frequent hand washing.

For a developing country like Bhutan, which doesn’t have expensive testing equipment in place, personal hygiene is the best form of prevention.

“To prevent influenza virus spread, cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub is imperative both at community level and in health-care settings. The simple act of hand hygiene will contribute to reducing spread of infection,” according to the world health organization (WHO). As of August 6, WHO reported 177,457 cases, with 1,462 deaths in 170 countries.

In terms of awareness, Dr Pandup feels that the public health department is doing enough and doing more would only cause panic. “It’s nothing serious. Observe hygiene and see a doctor if you catch flu.”

Meanwhile, investigations to trace the source of virus in the first two confirmed cases have been dropped because no link could be found, said Sonam Wangchuk.

As for the 65-year-old man, one of the second two positive cases, it has been confirmed that he had acquired the flu from a relative, who had travelled outside the country. The whereabouts of the other positive case, a 30-year-old man, is not known because the hospital forgot to note his contact address.

By Sonam Pelden

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Bhutan : Luck, not merit, gets job

Punatsangchu Hydroproject I10 August, 2009 - When Punatsangchu hydroproject I was finalised, the job prospects it offered came to the rescue of many unemployed vocational graduates from institutes around the country.

For Sonam Dema (name changed on request), it was a motivation to work harder and top the class so that she would be preferred when looking for a job. Sonam came fifth in her class and was confident that she would get the first job offer. On August 4, standing in a hallway of the labour ministry office in Thimphu, Sonam was ruing her fate.

She was not among the 10 “lucky” graduates selected.

The employment department had announced 10 vacancies for plumber to work for the Punatsangchu project, but the selection was done on a “lucky dip” system. Three construction training centre (CTC) graduates were selected along with seven VTI graduates.

There were 11 VTI candidates, who competed for the seven slots. “Four of us had picked up the wrong piece of paper. We were among the best students at the institute,” said another Sonam, 23, who graduated In July. “We had 16 students in our class and I stood 5th but that didn’t make a difference because I wasn’t lucky.”

VTI candidates told Kuensel that it took about 10 minutes for officials to choose the best suitable candidate for the job. The employment officer had asked us whether the selection process should be merit and interview-based or through lucky dip, said a graduate.

“A majority of the candidates, including those from CTC, voted for a lucky dip,” said a 24-year-old VTI graduate. “The selection process wasn’t only unpleasant but very unfair.”

“There were rolled paper with ‘Yes’ written on some. But I picked up a blank paper,” he said. “We’d worked extremely hard at the training centre to have a better chance in getting employed, but the officials didn’t even go through our mark sheets.”

Candidates, who never made the cut, said that they have never seen any organisation recruit people on a “lucky dip” basis. “We were the unlucky lot, who’d actually performed better than most at the training institute,” said one of them. “We had a lot of expectations.”

Employment officials could not be contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, the selected candidates will soon be leaving for Punakha to work at the Punatsangchu site. Singye, 23, said that the ‘lucky dip’ selection was fair. “I was lucky. We didn’t have to go through any process of interview,” he said.

Last year, there were about 1,500 VTI graduates in the market, most of who struggled to find employment. The unemployed VTI graduates said that they are exploring other options. “I hope I pick the right piece of paper next time,” said a girl, who was trained in plumbing.

By Phuntsho Choden
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Bhutan : His Majesty commends good work

His Majesty the King graced the closing ceremony of the third session of parliament yesterday. Addressing the members of parliament, His Majesty congratulated Druk Phuensum Tshokpa government on the completion of one year and four months in office. “In these early days of a new political system while bearing great responsibilities you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum, His Majesty said. His Majesty said that the opposition, though comprised of only two members, had through diligence and commitment, fulfilled the important duties of the opposition party as enshrined in the constitution.

His Majesty also expressed gratitude and appreciation to the government and the members of parliament.I must express my deep gratitude and appreciation to the His Majesty commends good workgovernment and the members of parliament. It is with complete trust and faith that I look upon you to serve the people and country. In doing so, you have my wholehearted support,His Majesty said.We must also acknowledge that in preparation for democracy we had entrusted immense responsibilities on our civil servants and judiciary as well as on constitutional bodies such as the Royal Audit Authority, Anti-corruption Commission and Election Commission, which they have fulfilled in the service of the nation. Henceforth, for a vibrant and successful democracy, we must continue to support and strengthen these institutions.

His Majesty emphasised the role of media in bringing about a vibrant democracy.Media “ newspapers, television, radio and the internet“ must play a very important role. I appreciate that while some of the media agencies are young and lack adequate resources they have strived to perform their duties with Phuentsholingcomplete commitment. Speaking about his visits to the villages, His Majesty expressed his contentment in being a part of the ordinary people’s lives. “It is when I sit in the houses of my people, eat our meals together and discuss the lives and aspirations of each family, that I am most content. And while I am there I try, in small ways, to help them with their most pressing problems.Addressing the parliament, Opposition Leader said, alHis Majesty commends good workthough the complete parliament proceedings were not broadcast live, because of the good work done by the media, most people were aware of the parliament proceedings. The Speaker said some of the most critical issues that needed to be emphasized were eradicating poverty and providing employment to the youth. He said that the government should wholeheartedly support His Majesty granting kidus.

Prime Minister in his vote of thanks expressed his grievance over the recent death of the seven children. He said that he was thankful to His Majesty for sending his condolences and kudu to the bereaved families through Her Royal Highness Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck. National Council Chairperson expressed his gratitude to His Majesty for congratulating the parliamentarians and Druk Phuensum Tshogpa government magnanimously.

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Bhutan : A new kind of a bakery in Thimphu

July 30: Located in Kawanjangsa in Thimphu, Big Bakery was formally opened today. It is a special bakery. A special bakery, because, the bread, cookies and the cakes sold here are baked by physically disadvantaged children.

It was established by Draktsho Vocational Training Institute. Speaking at the opening, Jigme Wangmo from the institute said the bakery will provide gainful employment for Draktsho graduates.

The bakery is already a success with guests who gathered at the opening.

Jigme Wangmo expressed hope that the bakery will encourage private entrepreneurs to come up with similar ventures.

Currently seven physically disadvantaged children work with the bakery. They were trained by Mr. Seikson a Japanese expert in food processing unit.

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Bhutan : First retrofit in Thimphu

27 July, 2009 - It is not much of a building to look at. The floor and the walls facing the street have been torn down as if the entire structure is to be demolished.

But it is a work in progress towards, what engineers of the standard and quality control authority (SQCA) call, a prototype retrofit building that will be less vulnerable to earthquakes.

Retrofitting in buildings is normally done to strengthen the building, by adding new material and equipment.

The three-storied building near the SNS restaurant, above the archery ground in Changlimithang, is the first one in Bhutan to go for retrofitting, with support from SQCA. The modifications on this building, built 20 years ago, started from this April. It’s expected to be completed by next year.

The building-owner’s nephew, Thinley Palden, told Kuensel that a total retrofit is being done on the building. “We’re working on the foundation, strengthening the pillars and adding two more floors. It’s like building a new one altogether. Given the situation and the location, it’s better to retrofit rather than to demolish and rebuild.”

With this building, the SQCA is hoping to create awareness among other building-owners to promote retrofitting, as Bhutan is in seismic zone V, as per the Indian seismic zonal map, which is severe, said SQCA officials. Buildings built before 1997 do not have the seismic design concept incorporated in building construction.

A seismic designed building is built to resist the tremors of an earthquake. The seismic design concept requires all building drawings in urban areas to incorporate features, such as deeper foundations, more dense bindings around metal rods inside pillars, stronger beams and columns and the right mix of cement, sand and gravel.

Buildings in Bhutan mostly fall under two categories - reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and load bearing buildings. It is now mandatory for all new constructions in urban areas to incorporate ‘seismic design’ features.

Whether retrofitting is cost effective is not known, as of now. “It’s a bit early to comment on the cost. But studies done in India and Nepal show that it’s just 15 to 20 percent of the total cost of the building,” said the chief executive engineer of SQCA, Rinzin Namgyel, adding that it could be costlier in Bhutan as the material and labour are imported from India.

SQCA started in 2005 an earthquake risk management project, funded by UNDP. Phase I of the project began with preparatory assistance for studies to be carried out. Phase II focused on assessment of 15 buildings in Thimphu in 2007, of which two buildings had to be selected for retrofitting. The two buildings were from the NPPF colony. However, it did not happen, as the management wanted to demolish and build new ones instead.

Under the present phase III, funded by UNDP, with support from the government of Japan, SQCA carried out a rapid visual assessment of buildings in Samdrupjongkhar and Phuentsholing. The report is still in preparation.

Since the initiation of the project, SQCA made numerous announcements to provide free technical assistance in retrofitting, but response from house owners was poor, said officials.

The chief executive engineer said, “The present model building will be the only building and, in future, we won’t be able to do it because of the project deadline.”

Meanwhile, construction of a two-storied model earthquake resistance building will soon begin in the SQCA premises. The building, according to the chief executive engineer, will demonstrate earthquake resistance features to be incorporated in rural types of building.

By Kinga Dema

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Bhutan : Totality starts at 06:58

21 July, 2009: A few hours after the sun comes up tomorrow, darkness will descend, temperatures will drop and, for about four minutes, it will feel like night, even stars may be visible, as the moon completely eclipses the sun.

Bhutan is one of the few countries, apart from parts of India, China and the Marshall Islands in the Pacific, where one of nature’s grandest spectacles, the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, will be visible. As Bhutan falls in the path of the eclipse, the phenomenon can be seen from almost anywhere in the country.

The moon will start eating into the sun at around 5:58 am (Bhutan time), when the shadow of the moon starts falling somewhere in the Arabian Sea. The entire phenomenon will last for about two hours in Bhutan with the total eclipse or totality starting at 6:58 am. A total eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun.

Assuming that it is a clear cloudless day, totality will be visible from 6:58 am to 7:00:54 am, about three minutes duration. The southern part of the country should be able to see the eclipse for about four minutes, according to calculations by the national aeronautical space administration (NASA). The maximum totality, six minutes 39 seconds, can be seen from the Pacific Ocean.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, blocking out the sun from the areas in the moon’s shadow. Without the sun’s light, the sky darkens enough for stars to be seen and the corona makes a spectacular halo around the moon.

Meanwhile, experts warn that it is not safe to directly look at the sun with the naked eye, particularly when the partial eclipse is occurring. NASA expert, Dr Donald M Hassler, who gave a talk on solar eclipse in Thimphu yesterday, said that directly looking at a partial eclipse, even for a short time, could permanently damage the eyesight. But it was safe to look at the sun when the total eclipse occurs although timing it could be complicated.

Dr Hassler said that, on the day of the eclipse, there would be unusual and strange happenings that could be interesting to observe. “As the eclipse starts, you’ll notice a gradual drop in temperature and, at total eclipse, the sun will be one million times dimmer than its usual shine,” said Dr Hassler. “Animals will start behaving like they do at nightfall as the ‘moon starts biting the sun’.” Shadows of objects, like the leaves of trees, during partial eclipse will also bear crescent shape shadows.

Traditional Bhutanese belief is that a supernatural animal is attacking the sun or the moon during an eclipse. The Bhutanese language for eclipse, Za, also means, “to eat”. It is a common tradition to beat drums and blow trumpets or beat dogs, so that the cacophony frightens the Za into leaving the sun or the moon.

Dr Hassler, who described the phenomenon as a treat in the sky, distributed 800 solar filter glasses to students of Yangchenphug higher secondary school and others, who attended his talk at the royal institute of health and sciences.

The total solar eclipse tomorrow corresponds to 30th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar (nam gang). The director of the National Museum in Paro, Khenpo Phuntshok Tashi, in an article said that the period provides a “rare and special opportunity for Buddhist lamas to practice and dedicate positive blessings for the world through meditation, recitation, and performance of pujas”.

“I’m particularly worried about how I might be able to control my children from looking at the partial eclipse,” said a parent, who attended Dr Hassler’s talk. The BBS plans to telecast live the rare phenomenon.

by Ugyen Penjore

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Bhutan : Drukair launches new online system

July 19, 2009 - Flying with the national airline Drukair can sometimes be an arduous affair. But the chances of your Drukair experience being a pleasurable one may have just increased with the airline launching a new online information, reservation and ticketing service yesterday.

Services that are available on the system include online reservations, electronic ticketing, information accessibility to air fares and real time seat availability, and departure control services which includes checking in before your departure date, not just for Drukair but any airline that is a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association).

Drukair IT engineer, Tshultrim Dorji, said, the new system was only operational at the airline’s offices currently. The system will be accessible on any computer connected to the internet by the end of October. He said the new system would be more reliable and secure than the present one. Technical support, in case of network problems will be available 24x7 for Drukair, ensuring less problems than the present system which will be discontinued on October 24.

Drukair has chosen an airline reservation system operated by SITA HORIZON, a multinational company that specializes in providing telecommunications and other information technology for the airline industry.

The airline hopes the new system will improve its information accessibility and ticketing services, which has in the past, come under criticism.

A spokesperson for the airline said the system would make traveling with Drukair a much more convenient experience.

By Gyalsten K Dorji

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Bhutan : Government failed to address youth issues: Prime Minister

July 16: A week long programme of the golden youth camp concluded yesterday. Addressing the youth as the leaders of the future of Bhutan, the Prime Minister, Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley, congratulated all the 72 participants. He also urged them to lead their fellow students towards the right direction by being the role model.
Expressing his concern over the youth issues the Prime Minister said that the government has failed to address them.

“We see more and more youths engaging themselves in the unproductive activities like gang fights, drug abuse and alcohol. It is even more heart aching to learn that young girls are taking up prostitution. And many are school dropout but unemployed. Government could not do much to prevent and help address the problems,” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister, however, thanked the Non-government organizations like the Youth Development Fund, RENEW, and Tarayana for addressing the youth related issues.

During the programme, some 72 best students competed in various disciplines of games and sports, literature, and cultural activities. The Prime Minister attended the closing ceremony.

Four best students were awarded trophies and certificates. A lot of emotional exchanges took place in the green room, hugging and embracing.

Thinley Dorji from YHS was awarded the Golden Youth Title Holder Trophy. He said it took his academic performances and other co-curricular excellence to achieve the title.

The participants said that the experiences they have gained in the program were enriching.

The participants also performed cultural activities.

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Bhutan : Swiss/Austrian grant for judiciary

15 July, 2009 - To support the goal of building an independent and decentralised judiciary in Bhutan, the Austrian and Swiss development cooperations have committed Nu 172m to the Bhutanese judiciary.

The Swiss government, through the Swiss development cooperation (SDC), will commit Nu 107m, and the Austrian government, through the Austrian development cooperation (ADC), will provide Nu 65m over a period of four years.

The joint programme with the government, which is also funding Nu 17m, is expected to ensure a fair, reliable and efficient justice system. The fund will also be used to train judges, as well as judicial and administrative officials. Two new district courts, one each in Bumthang and Trongsa, will also be constructed through the fund to improve user-friendly access to justice.

Strengthening the capacity of democratic governance institutions is one important area of our cooperation, states an ADC press release. “An independent and efficient judiciary will protect the rights of every person and will enhance the further establishment of a democratic society of Bhutan,” stated the press release.

The secretary of the gross national happiness commission, Karma Tshiteem, and the resident coordinator of ADC, Christian Mazal, will sign the agreement tomorrow at the Tashichhodzong for the ADC grant.

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By Passang Norbu

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Bhutan : Making movies young

12 July, 2009 - The videos are shaky and images zoom in and out of focus from time to time but the message is clear.

Youth and Video Games, Buried in Garbage, Teenagers in Love, People and Television and Life of a Taxi Driver were some of the themes of the eight short films made by members of the youth media club that were screened on July 9, coinciding with the Children and Youth Festival in Thimphu.

It was the outcome of a 10-day film training camp, where club members learnt how to use the medium as a means to tell stories that concerned them. Participants, working in teams, came up with their own themes and used flip cameras and computers to gather and edit material. Most of the films ran for ten minutes or less.

According to the Bhutan centre for media and democracy (BCMD), the main objective of making these short films is to foster discussion and debate on issues concerning the community. BCMD believes it will garner discussions on issues related to preserving culture, promotion of democracy and understanding of media as more than just entertainment.

The club is also an initiative of BCMD and the film training camp was carried out as a pilot effort at the Motithang higher secondary school in Thimphu. “We’re also discussing the possibilities of starting a similar club with the Thimphu royal college,” said Pek Dorji of the BCMD at the screening of the short films. “With the media clubs, we’re hoping to experiment with three different age groups.”

Most participants said they found the training camp to be knowledgeable and fun.

“The past two weeks were really enjoyable...the amount of encouragement and support we received has inspired me to continue with film making,” said art student Kesang Yuden, 16, of Motithang HSS.

“Since I want to take up journalism, I joined the club believing it would be geared towards print media, but I found out that it was all about film making,” said Pema Dema, 16, from the same school. “But it was so much fun. I enjoyed working in a team and talking to youth about issues that concerned me.”

Participants also said that they found film making very challenging. “Meeting deadlines and editing was difficult, because we had to familiarise ourselves with new computer software and programmes,” said Kesang.

The club is funded by BCMD and Bhutan Foundation in collaboration with the education ministry.

By Pema Choezom

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