By Tempa Wangdi | Communication Officer
Towards Inclusiveness in Citizenship Education
Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy’s (BCMD) handbook on ‘Being a Good Citizen’ has been translated into Dzongkha, Bhutan's national language.
Covering topics on values such as interdependence and harmony, respect for diversity, equity and equality, integrity and courage the resource on citizenship is now available to others who are proficient in Dzongkha. Designed particularly for the youth, the booklet takes readers on a reflective journey starting with self and moving on to thinking about how these values manifest in the larger societal contexts.
Thus far, the handbook has been used during Youth Summit, Media and Democracy and Literacy training, Project Mikhung (Citizenship) and Peer Facilitation. The Dzongkha handbook is expected to cater to the needs of the ever-increasing participants of BMCD programmes coming from diverse needs and groups.
This Dzongkha edition is supported by EU Helvetas Bhutan.
The Druk Journal Focuses on Technology
The Spring Edition of The Druk Journal, “Bhutan in the Age of Technology” couldn't have come at a better time than now when schools, colleges, offices, and businesses remain closed and everyone is learning and working from home in Bhutan.
The theme reflects Bhutan’s aspirations in a world of changing technology. The unforeseen COVID pandemic has revealed the digital divide, among other socio-economic inequalities, in society and makes a pertinent and relevant topic for deliberation. This spring issue aims to give Bhutan an idea on what’s happening across the globe and provide ideas on how to adopt, adapt and create technology at home to improve governance.
The issue contains 16 articles written by renowned faces across the globe and local academics, public servants and seasoned journalists. GlobalGiving’s support enables us to continue publishing the bi-annual journal to bring attention to themes of critical importance to a young democracy.
DIPD, EU Hevetas Bhutan and Druk Holding & Investments supported this issue of The Druk Journal.
Youth Review Youth Policy
In the true spirit of nurturing a sense of agency, for the first time, 24 youth attended the 11-day residential camp at the Media Lab, Thimphu where they reviewed in depth the National Youth Policy (NYP) with a good grounding in the principles of Gross National Happiness and historical context of the birth of NYP in 2011.
The rigorous camp culminated in the youth presenting their critical views and suggestions for revision of the policy, etc. to make the NYP more engaging, relevant, and comprehensive.
Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy partnered with the Department of Youth and Sports for the first time to lead the youth consultation to review the national youth policy. The review of the policy began in January with 24 YI members during its winter camp followed by 18 YI members moving on to get trained in facilitating focus group discussions with other youths.
The 11 YI members interviewed more than 110 youths across the country, including, members of LGBT, women from Drayang (dance bars), youths in rehabilitation centres, and students. The review process also held an online survey involving 1,099 respondents from different walks of life. Meanwhile, a video on FGD will be produced by the end of this month to document the national youth policy review process.
This collaborative project with the Department of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education is supported by UNICEF.
Resource Guide for Youth Initiative
In a move to institutionalise the Youth Initiative (YI) as a programme, a guide called the Youth Initiative Guidebook was updated and developed as a resource to guide its members, who are mostly college students.
The guide provides essential information about the YI and other useful information to translate democratic values and practices into action. The guide also gives guidance on the basics of policy research and how to go about it.
Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy’s YI has been running successfully for seven years developing a cohort of highly motivated and engaged youth who are equipped to explore, critically examine and understand the socio-economic, and political landscape. YI is a biannual youth event involving youths in policy research. The YI camp begins in summer and ends in winter every year.
CISU supported the publication of the YI Guidebook.
Promoting Civil Society Through Song
In appreciation for efforts rendered by the selfless leaders, health professionals and everyone in the frontline of the COVID pandemic, a music video, “Lhayul; Ngoma Zogay” which translates to “Let’s Make a Heaven on Earth” was launched in solidarity as BCMD celebrates the works of civil society.
The song, “Lhayul; Ngoma Zogay” embodies the spirit of civil society -- solidarity, compassion and courage -- of everyone working together and harder to restore the light and bring hope to everyone. The EU Helvetas Bhutan supported this project.
Watch the song … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfWn66r0nDs
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