Bhutanese Youths Engagement in Winter

Despite what might be expected, these routines can cause stress, social isolation and unhealthy relationships among the youngster. To help them identify and set realistic goals, they ought to know what is happening within their circles and make changes. Here are a few winter activities for youths' civic engagement that is happening annually.

(Source: Bhutan Youth Development Fund)

Where are you spending your winter holidays?

It is a question most of the youth often get asked to as the schools close for holidays. And the responses turn out to stating, Bangkok, Bali, Neykor to Dorjidhen, Sikkim, Nepal, so on and so forth. Further down these top holiday goals, many plans to visit urban communities, get along among companions, party, go for excursions and hike. 

Also, for the fact that the demand for these travel destinations are distinctively turning out to be propensities among the growing youth population. I was also boarding the same until recently, I bump into a group of children.

By the bridge and alongside the highway in Panbang, there are groups of children as young as six who run stalls that sell local farm produce and homemade cookies/fast food. They are often seen playing among themselves and also waving to any vehicles that pass by. This is no unusual. This group of children who are residing in the rural pocket of Bhutan are helping parents and earn to meet their expenses for the next academic season. Also, many such students occupy the construction sites during winter vacations. For them, if not for these holidays, then never.

However,  there are youths in urban focuses, who are in a surplus of opportunities and choices. From having gotten to experience holidays in foreign destinations, good foods, to staying in a luxury home and gaming in high-end electronic gadgets like iPads, iPhones. Too much exposure. Well, that's holiday faring admirably.

Despite what might be expected, these routines can cause stress, social isolation and unhealthy relationships among the youngster. To help them identify and set realistic goals, they ought to know what is happening within their circles and make changes.
Here are a few winter activities for youths' civic engagement that is happening annually.

1.CG7 Football Academy
The first-ever football academy in the country was founded by Chencho Gyeltshen,  the national football player. The academy accepts admission of children below 16 years of age and above 4 years. The timing for the practice is scheduled based on age. So any youths (girls/boys) of the given age group can participate.

2.Camp RUF
It is 10 days educational program that brings together rural and urban youths to share indigenous learning and civic engagement. It is an annual program held in a rural setting. Camp RUF for 2019 is happening in Panbang, Zhemgang.

3.Y-Peer (National Training of Trainers - Supported by Department of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education)

4.Police Youth Partnership Program (PYPP)
It is an annual program for students/youths in partnership with the police. The program imparts community-based learning such as crime prevention, child rights, drug education, traffic safety, first aid, emergency responses etc.

5.Gokab
It is a platform for dance and singing enthusiasts. Gokab focuses on self-discovery, talents and helps enhance your skills. Also, you get to participate in different dance competitions organized by Gokab and other organisations.

6.Internships
Especially during the winter holidays, various organizations and agencies offer internships to students. Think where you are interested in and approach. Interning will help you enhance your communication and management skills.

Above are some of the healthy headspace for youths to get engage during their school holidays. Rather than devoting time to good nights of sleep and electronic gadgets, engaging in the above activities will help revitalise their social networks and aid in building a conducive environment for learning. Also, these programs create a platform for youths to help them empower knowledge and skills, and to helping their peers.