The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Camp Rural Urban Friendship x Youth Initiative is a 10 day national camp organised by the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy in collaboration with Camp RUF, which is currently going on in the Gelephu Mindfulness City from 22nd December to 1st January.
The camp brings together around 120 children and youth from 17 Dzongkhags, including participants from high-poverty index communities, rural and remote areas, indigenous communities, regions such as Laya, Lingzhi, and Sakteng, as well as children with disabilities from Draktsho East and students from the Wangsel Institute for the Deaf.
All group discussions are documented and synthesized into a youth-led policy brief.
This policy brief reflects real community challenges identified by children, solutions proposed by youth themselves and recommendations lined with Bhutanese values and principles.
On the final day, the camp hosts a Youth–Stakeholder Forum, where youth present their findings and recommendations.
The policy brief is shared with officials from the Gelephu Mindfulness City Office and relevant stakeholders, whereby a dialogue is created between children, youth, and decision-makers
Rabsel Kuenden Wangchuk from Dungna middle secondary school in Chukha said, “I learnt so many new things and I am glad I am here.”
Rabsel said that he is very interested to work in the Gelephu Mindfulness City and contribute. He said that he consistently learns about different analyses alongside having fun activities.
Another camper, Nima Dhendup from Lingzhi said, “Camp RUF plays a very important role in our community. I have friends who have gone to camp RUF previously and I myself am coming to camp for the second time. It helps us make new friends and I am learning a lot.”
Nima also said that he wants to contribute to GMC as much as I can because even if it’s just a little help, it is for the future of our country.
17 year old Thinley from Draktsho East said, “I feel very happy and included. I have made lifelong friends in just a span of 4 days.”
Thinley is currently learning traditional bhutanese painting and says that he wants to paint for GMC one day.
Jigme Khandu, a programme officer from BCMD said, “This camp demonstrates that children are not just future leaders, but present stakeholders. Their ideas, when supported and structured, can meaningfully contribute to Bhutan’s development journey, especially as the country prepares for transformative initiatives like the Gelephu Mindfulness City.”
The camp is funded by the European Union.
