Student Leaders Champions Community Plans

 Celebrating International Day of Democracy 2025

To mark the International Day of Democracy 2025, BCMD partnered with its Media and Democracy Clubs across several schools and colleges to host a series of activities that celebrated democratic values and encouraged active citizenship among youth and community members.

Schools in Tsirang observed the day with Essay and Art Competitions, inviting students to reflect on the theme “How do you see yourself playing an active citizen’s role in Bhutan’s democracy?” Meanwhile, young artists explored “The Future of Democracy in Bhutan: My Hopes and Dreams.” These activities provided students with a platform to express their views on the current and future aspirations of Bhutanese democracy from their perspectives.

At Taktse Central School, the Media and Democracy Club hosted an Inter-Class Quiz Contest. The event promoted democratic awareness and tested students’ knowledge of civic values, current affairs, and democracy, inspiring enthusiastic participation and reinforcing the importance of active citizenship.

Sherubtse College observed the day with a Democracy Talk Series, featuring the Director of the Election Commission of Bhutan as guest speaker. Addressing more than 800 students and 50 faculty members, the session emphasised the importance of voting, highlighted the challenge of low voter turnout among young people and women, and stressed the need for stronger civic education. The Director also explained Bhutan’s democratic system under the Constitutional Monarchy, helping students better understand the country’s unique democratic journey.

Media and Democracy Club Champions Media Literacy at Taktse Central School

Taktse Central School successfully conducted a Media Information and Literacy Workshop for Class XI students, led by the passionate members of the School Media and Democracy Club. Held over two sessions on 6th and 8th October, the workshop engaged students in six hours of interactive and reflective learning.

The sessions aimed to:

1. Create awareness on how to be responsible citizen journalists in a democratic society.
2. Build the ability to be critical and mindful media consumers.

The atmosphere was lively and participatory, with students enthusiastically sharing opinions, analysing real-life media examples, and reflecting on how responsible use of media can shape stronger and more informed communities. The activities inspired students to think beyond consumption, to become creators and contributors of positive social change through responsible storytelling.

In the coming weeks, seven other schools will also organise similar programmes, empowering more students to champion media literacy, critical thinking, and mindful media consumption.