The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, a UK-based charity, has raised Nu 7.58 million (mn) for its “A Woman with Altitude” campaign, a 37-day walk along the Trans Bhutan Trail to support children with special needs.
The target amount is Nu 16 mn.
The campaign began on 17th October, with Ani Pema Deki (Emma Slade), founder of Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, and Ugyen Tshering, the charity’s Bhutan Representative, setting off from Haa towards Paro.
Of the total funds raised, approximately Nu 3 mn was donated online through the charity’s Just Giving page, while Nu 3.9 mn was collected offline. Domestic donations made within Bhutan are still being calculated. Contributions are being deposited into the Draktsho Trust Fund, which supports education and empowerment of children with special needs.
For those wishing to contribute, the organization has advised donors to contact Ugyen Tshering, the Bhutan Representative, whose contact details are available on the charity’s website.
On the donation page, well-wishers have shared messages of encouragement. One donor wrote, “Dear Anila, your dedication to Opening Your Heart to Bhutan is truly inspiring. Thank you for your compassion.” Another expressed, “Your work is incredibly powerful and inspiring — wishing you strength, good health, and meaningful moments on this remarkable journey across Bhutan.”
According to the charity, Ani Emma is not paid, and only six pence of every pound goes toward administrative costs. The rest directly supports projects in Bhutan that provide education and vocational training for children with special needs.
The organization explains how donations are used. A contribution of £100 (Nu 11,600) provides school uniforms, shoes, and stationery for a child. £500 (Nu 58,000) funds special needs training support, while £2,000 (Nu 232,000) covers daily meals for 70 children with special needs for one month.
The walk follows the Trans Bhutan Trail and encourages public participation. On the first day, Ani began her journey from Haa towards Paro. On the second day, she was joined by a team of deaf instructors from Wangsel Institute for the leg from Paro to Damchengang. On the third day, the team trekked from Damchengang to Tshaluna. On the fourth day, faculty and students from the Royal Thimphu College (RTC) joined Ani from Tshaluna to Buddha Point. The RTC group included 15 students, including one international student, four faculty members, four staff, and four support staff.
The fifth day was marked by the Colours of Ability art exhibition, featuring artworks created by children with special needs from East Draktsho. During the event, RTC handed over Nu 174,588 to support the campaign funds raised through the college community’s pre-walk sponsorships. The exhibition will remain open until 25th October.
On the sixth day, Ani and her team walked from Buddha Point to Hongtsho, joined by the Draktsho team and 87-year-old Michael Rutland, OBE, the oldest participant so far.
Anyone wishing to take part in the walk can do so by contacting the Bhutan Representative. The charity encourages locals and visitors alike to join Ani’s journey and help support Bhutan’s children with special needs.
All the donations made from this campaign will be going towards the development of the two Draktsho centers in the country.
