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Organization	The Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy (BCMD)
Region	Bhutan
Website	Website
Facebook	Facebook
Twitter	@Twitter
ProjectLeader	Chencho Lhamu

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This project aims to create a culture of participatory democracy in Bhutan. First, it "inspires active citizens" through projects that tackle social problems. Second, it "encourages and expands public discourse" by organizing forums focused on diverse topics such as the role of media and the crisis of democracy in modern times. Third, it produces "resources for democracy" targeted towards all citizens, ranging from rural teachers to government officials.

Challenge

In 2008, Bhutan's system of government peacefully transitioned to democracy. Yet, its society remains relatively unused to a culture of democracy. Indeed, most of Bhutan's people remain unaware of both their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Without education and engagement to give voice to all - but especially those who have not traditionally participated in the process of participatory governance - Bhutan will remain a democracy in name only.

Long-Term Impact

These programs have reached thousands of citizens from all walks of life - including gewog administrative officers, rural students, unemployed youth, other non-profit employees, and informal teachers. However, the most impactful side of our work is the large and abiding change it creates in individual people. As one of our recently graduated youth representatives stated, our Youth Initiative had "changed his life"; it gave him "lifelong friends" and "invaluable knowledge and skills."