Volunteerism in Bhutan

Bhutan, landlocked between two of Asia’s biggest giants, China (Tibet) to the north and India to the east, south and west is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. Throughout history Bhutan has remained isolated and relatively uninfluenced by the changes that were taking place in other parts of the world. In the early 1960s, Bhutan cautiously opened its doors to the forces of change and modernization.

Bhutan is a country of rolling hills and towering crags, with only small patches of cultivation and very little deforestation. Bhutan is often compared to Switzerland, not only because their sizes are similar but also because many parts of Bhutan looks like the Swiss Alps, with green hills, houses that look like chalets and snow peaks sticking out of nowhere.

Bhutan is an extraordinary place. It has one foot in the past and one in the future. Our farsighted leaders recognise the necessity of being part of the modern world, but they also realise that once the forests and culture are destroyed, they can never be recovered. Bhutan has maintained a very traditional culture, and yet adapted to the needs from modern technology. Thus a visitor will find monks transcribing ancient Buddhist texts into computers and traditionally dressed archers using the most modern high-tech bows and arrows.

Volunteerism is embedded in Bhutan’s traditional belief systems and community practices. In particular, the principals of self-reliance, participation and community networks are revered as the key to community development and social cohesion. These principles are also found in Bhutan’s path to development as reflected in the vision of Gross National Happiness. Alongside the traditional, the focus is also on emerging contemporary forms of community organisation towards addressing a wide range of issues including urbanisation, environmental conservation, community services, disadvantaged groups and cultural development. Several local volunteer groups exist in Bhutan (visit the ‘Volunteers in Bhutan’ home-page for a list).