Emma Slade, a British-born Buddhist nun also known as Ani Pema Deki, started her “A Woman with Altitude” walk across the Trans-Bhutan Trail this morning. She is doing this to raise funds to support children with disabilities in Bhutan. Her trek began in Haa, western Bhutan, and will end in Trashigang in the east, covering the ancient trail spanning more than 400 kilometres in approximately 37 days.
The 59-year-old is the founder and CEO of Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, a registered UK charity that has supported disability-inclusive education and infrastructure in Bhutan for the past decade.
She has raised around Nu 6 M so far to continue the initiative.
“What I wanted to do was make sure that the students studying in Draktso would be taken care of for at least a year. But, you know, if we raise a lot more money, then who knows, whatever happens, the money will go to help educate and support and find employment for children with special needs in beautiful Bhutan,” said Emma Slade.
Her charity also helped build a play park, accessible learning blocks, a library, and wheelchair-friendly facilities at Draktsho East, a vocational training centre for persons with disabilities in Trashigang.
In preparation for the journey, she recently completed a walk from Royal Thimphu College to Buddha Point along with students and staff of the college.
The Trans-Bhutan Trail, redeveloped in 2022, was once the main route used by Bhutanese pilgrims, traders, messengers, and the army to traverse the country. It now offers cultural, historical, and environmental experiences across Bhutan’s diverse landscapes.
Ani Pema Deki will be accompanied by Ugyen, the charity’s Bhutan Country Representative, Pemba from the Trans-Bhutan Trail and the film crew who will be documenting the journey.
“We really, really hope, many people will take part a little bit, even if it’s just for a couple of hours, because I’m going to need the strength of others to get me through this.”
Her trek not only aims to change the lives of Bhutanese children but also seeks to inspire compassion and social action around the world.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Phub Gyem
