The tranquil grounds of Phochu Dumra Monastic School in Punakha buzzed with activity yesterday as Bhutan hosted its inaugural World Children’s Day celebrations, aligning with the global observance aimed at championing the rights and well-being of children worldwide.
Embracing the 2024 theme, “Listen to the Future,” the event spotlighted the imperative of elevating the voices and aspirations of Bhutan’s youngest citizens. Organized by the Dratshang Lhentshog in collaboration with UNICEF Bhutan, the celebration attracted approximately 300 young monks, aged five and above, alongside dignitaries from the Central Monastic Body, government officials, dzongkhag administrators, and representatives from UNICEF Bhutan.
Andrea James, UNICEF Bhutan’s Representative, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the precarious crossroads at which children stand today. “In Bhutan and across the globe, children face a future shaped by rapid changes such as climate instability, disruptive technologies, and significant demographic shifts. These forces present both opportunities and challenges, fundamentally altering the landscape of childhood,” James remarked. She highlighted the heightened vulnerability of disadvantaged children, whose rights are frequently jeopardized by conflicts and systemic injustices. “Every child deserves a safe and sustainable future and a healthy planet,” she asserted.
A highlight of the day was the launch of the Integrated Child-Friendly Intervention (ICFI) within monastic schools. This groundbreaking initiative offers a holistic, child-centered suite of services addressing essential areas including health, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), nutrition, education, protection, and play. Developed through extensive consultations with students from three monastic institutions—a nunnery in western Bhutan and schools in central and eastern regions—the ICFI is tailored to meet the diverse needs of children across the country.
At Phochu Dumra, the introduction of the ICFI has led to significant enhancements, such as the installation of inclusive WASH facilities, the creation of a playground and outdoor gym, the implementation of digital skills courses, and the introduction of English language classes. Additionally, the school now provides three nutritious meals daily, an innovative feature not previously available in other monastic schools.
The celebration also marked a momentous occasion—the 50th anniversary of the partnership between UNICEF and the Government of Bhutan. This milestone underscored a renewed commitment to ensuring that every child in Bhutan has the opportunity to realize their full potential.
In tandem with the festivities, UNICEF released its flagship report, “The State of the World’s Children 2024.” The report examines the future of childhood amidst three major megatrends: demographic changes, climate crises, and breakthrough technologies. These factors are projected to significantly influence children’s lives up to the year 2050 and beyond.
Bhutan’s dedication to children’s rights is longstanding. As one of the first nations to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1990, Bhutan has consistently prioritized the welfare of its youth. This commitment was further reinforced in 2020 when His Holiness the Je Khenpo issued a decree during the Children’s Day celebrations, urging the nation to place children’s well-being at the forefront of national priorities.
As Bhutan joins the global community in honoring World Children’s Day, the initiatives launched at Phochu Dumra Monastic School represent a significant stride toward fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for the nation’s children, ensuring their voices are heard and their futures secured.
