Blog – Bhutan Canada Foundation

Gross National Happiness in Schools | Educating for GNH in Bhutan

Posted on March 20, 2020March 23, 2020 by Jasmeen ChandiLeave a Comment

This International Day of Happiness (March 20) falls amidst difficult times. Still each day we are reminded of feelings of warmth and happiness. We’re also reminded of Bhutan’s development approach: Gross National Happiness (GNH). Last fall, we filmed an interview

Remembering Ambassador James George, 1918-2020

Posted on February 28, 2020February 28, 2020 by Lucie Edwards

James George, 1918-2020 Bhutan lost one of its greatest friends, and Canada one of its most eminent diplomats, with the death this month of Ambassador Jim George at the age of 101. Jim George was a legendary figure in the

Event Celebrating International Development Week – Gender Equality Through Disruption

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Jasmeen Chandi

The 30th International Development Week is being celebrated this week, February 2-8, by the Government of Canada, civil society organizations and advocates through events held across Canada. Bhutan Canada Foundation joined in on the celebration by partnering with World Vision

Official opening of the Special Education Needs Unit: Story from a BCF teacher

Posted on January 31, 2020January 31, 2020 by Chris Godman

Chris is a teacher who volunteered for the Reading Program at Tang Central School. Chris returned to Tang for the second time with her friend Barb to continue to support learning outcomes for youth. Both Chris and Barb organized the

Trans Bhutan Trail – End of 2019 Highlights

Posted on January 9, 2020February 7, 2020 by Catherine Smart

Last month marked the first official meeting of the Trans Bhutan Trail Steering Committee. Representing a diverse group of stakeholders including government ministries, CSOs, and autonomous groups, the members include: Dorji Dradual, Director General, Tourism Council of Bhutan Kado Zangpo,

[VIDEO] Developing a nation through education: interview with Principal Sonam Chhogyel

Posted on December 20, 2019February 28, 2020 by Jasmeen Chandi

We had the opportunity to interview Principal Chhogyel from Haa to discuss education in Bhutan. We talked about the role education has had in shaping the nation and his outlook on the future. Watch the video to hear Principal Chhogyel’s

The Trans-Bhutan Trail: Reinvigorating a cultural treasure

Posted on December 2, 2019February 7, 2020 by Catherine Smart

The earliest records of the traditional trail linking together what is now the Kingdom of Bhutan, dates back to the 16th and 17th Centuries. Likely the trail existed long before that, weaving its way through deep river valleys and over

BCF and RIM: Promoting a gender-responsive civil service

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Kent Schroeder

Bhutan has made notable strides in promoting an environment to improve gender equality. Yet significant gaps remain, particularly in women’s experience with governance and policy. In response, the Bhutan Canada Foundation is working with the Royal Institute of Management (RIM)

From the field: experiences as a volunteer teacher in Bhutan

Posted on August 14, 2019November 14, 2019 by Jasmeen Chandi

Photo: Teachers Grace, Caterina, and Trish at Phobjikha Valley, taken by Grace Miranda. For many teachers, volunteering in the Reading Program marks their first time visiting Bhutan. For some, it is also their first time teaching internationally. As experienced teachers,

Bhutan and New Zealand: Leading the way on wellbeing

Posted on June 10, 2019November 14, 2019 by Kent Schroeder

New Zealand made international news recently with its plan to introduce a “wellbeing budget.” Based on the notion that people’s wellbeing rests on much more than just economic growth, New Zealand’s new budget will frame public spending around addressing mental