The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The 19th Tarayana Annual Fair was held at Coronation Park in Thimphu, marking the 22nd anniversary of the Foundation. The event also served as a tribute to Her Majesty The Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the founding President of the Foundation, in celebration of Her Majesty’s 70th Birth Anniversary.
The theme for this year’s fair was, “Celebrating Rural Prosperity: Strengthening Communities, Sustaining Futures.”
Twelve dedicated staff were honored by the Foundation in the opening event, with HM The Queen Mother presenting certificates for their service.
Among them were the Director of the Tarayana Research Center, Chhimi Dorji, who has been with Tarayana for over 20 years.
Founded in 2003, the Tarayana Foundation works with disadvantaged communities across the country, focusing on poverty alleviation, education, and economic development.
In 2024, the Foundation continued to implement several key programs and initiatives that serve communities in remote parts of Bhutan.
The Social Development Program of the Foundation includes several initiatives that address critical needs such as housing, food security, and social inclusion.
One of the initiatives under the social development program is the annual pilgrimage provided to a group of rural citizens annually, accompanied by two coordinators. The Annual Pilgrimage began in 2008 and is held each year to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo. More than 100 senior citizens have participated in this program since its inception.
Tarayana also provides scholarships and learning opportunities. In 2024, 11 students received scholarships, and 11 students graduated from institutions such as Regents International School in Bangkok, Norbuling Rigter College in Paro, and the Asian University for Women in India. Currently, 29 students are pursuing further studies.
Forty-eight students from various colleges and institutions were engaged with the Foundation in 2024.
The Tarayana Clubs were established in 2004 to promote volunteerism among youth. In 2024, 13 new clubs with 362 members joined, bringing the total number of clubs to 143 with 6,162 members. These clubs engage in community service activities such as assisting patients in hospitals, helping senior citizens with house renovations, and protecting water sources.
The 11th Green Technology Challenge, held in collaboration with the College of Science and Technology (CST) on 27th April 2024, focused on “Climate and Disaster-Resilient Houses in the Bhutanese Context.” Five finalist teams presented their innovative prototypes, and three prototypes are now being built in collaboration with the Bhutan TSHAR Institute and Karuna Foundation.
The Foundation promotes food and nutrition security through backyard gardens for households. Field officers provide support to promote food self-sufficiency in villages, complementing efforts by the Department of Agriculture.
The Economic Development Programme of the Foundation focuses on promoting sustainable livelihoods, income generation, and market facilitation.
In October 2023, the Bhutan TSHAR Institute was inaugurated to promote the bamboo industry in Bhutan, with a focus on innovation, product design, and skills training for artisans and entrepreneurs.
Funded by the Bhutan Foundation, the Agri-product Innovation and Local Enterprise Development, implemented in Trashigang and Mongar, supports food processing businesses and local agricultural production. In 2024, 300 kilograms of Adzuki beans were distributed to Tshegpa in Mongar and Lumang in Trashigang, and the Self-Help Group in Tshegpa successfully harvested 1,800 kilograms.
In Pemagatshel, a project funded by UNICEF Bhutan focuses on creating livelihood opportunities through cotton production. In 2024, the membership of the Bangyul Kapa Detsen increased from 14 to 23.
Implemented in multiple dzongkhags, the nettle enterprise development focuses on the development of the nettle fibre value chain. In 2024, three beater machines were procured and distributed to local communities to enhance production capacity.
The Environmental and Climate Initiatives of the Foundation address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly those in areas with high climate variability.
International Climate Initiative (IKI): The Living Landscape project, funded by the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU), covers nine dzongkhags in southwestern Bhutan. The project aims to secure high conservation values, promote human-wildlife coexistence, and develop sustainable livelihoods. In 2024, under this project, 55 water reservoir tanks were constructed and an intensive awareness and sensitization on sustainable land management was conducted at 27 villages of the project sites.
Funded by Stiftung Drittes Millennium, the Agroforestry and Climate-resilient Farming, implemented in Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, and Dagana, promotes climate-resilient farming practices, water sustainability, and community seed banking. In 2024, 3,000 fruit saplings were distributed to community members in Khebisa, Dagana, and other activities included organic pesticide production and mushroom farming training.
Funded by the City of Vienna, the climate-resilient water management focuses on enhancing water management in Lichibi village, Zhemgang. In 2024, a water user group was formed, and four toilets, four water tanks, and one intake tank were constructed.
Tarayana also conducts research and advocacy on critical rural issues, including climate change adaptation, gender equality, and social inclusion.
Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Bhutanese Knowledge for Indigenous Development (the B-KIND) Project focuses on natural resource management, food systems, and climate change adaptation.
Funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Tarayana has provided training to rural women in skills such as financial literacy, communication, and problem-solving, empowering rural communities through targeted skills training.
In Rukha village, the Foundation facilitated the construction of durable homes, revitalized traditional handicrafts, and introduced sustainable farming practices, leading to improved livelihoods and preservation of cultural heritage.
In Merak and Sakteng, Tarayana supported the Brokpa communities by providing tailoring machines and training, establishing community centers, and installing greenhouses. These initiatives not only bolstered income generation but also helped preserve unique cultural identities.
Tarayana’s comprehensive community development approach was recognized as a finalist in the 2015 World Habitat Awards, highlighting its effective strategies in poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Tarayana has done work in 20 Districts, 108 Gewogs and 995 villages since its inception.
As of 2025, Tarayana Foundation has built over 3,000 homes all over the country under the housing improvement program of the foundation, and sources say that 2,000 more houses are planned to be built soon.
