During the summer break, a child-led advocacy initiative titled “An Advocacy on Child Protection to Create an Enabling Environment for Our Children” was carried out in Norbugang Gewog, spearheaded by Nazhoen Lamtoen. Twenty children from all five chiwogs of Norbugang Gewog, came together to identify pressing issues affecting their wellbeing and to propose practical, community-driven solutions. This initiative aimed to empower children, promote their participation in decision-making, raise awareness among local leaders, and encourage child-focused development.
The children highlighted a range of challenges including academic underperformance, waste management issues, alcohol and substance abuse, parental alcoholism, school dropouts, lack of recreational spaces, teacher shortages, and unsafe environments for girls. A strong concern was also raised over the lack of children’s participation in community decision-making processes at the Gewog and Chiwog levels.
In response, the children proposed solutions such as setting up tuition centres, libraries, recreational facilities, parenting education programs, and awareness campaigns on alcohol abuse. Some shared personal stories of how their advocacy had a direct impact — including cases where parents reduced or quit drinking after hearing their children’s experiences shared publicly.
An introductory session on the Community Child Protection Team (CCPT) was conducted by Mr. Ugyen Tshering from Opening Your Heart to Bhutan. The CCPT, comprising Chiwog Tshogpas and community members, will work with the Dzongkhag Women and Children Committee (DWCC) to safeguard children’s welfare. Representatives from UNICEF (Samtse), Nazhoen Lamtoen, and Opening Your Heart to Bhutan also participated in the consultation. DWCC members shared valuable feedback and expressed appreciation for the children’s active involvement.
