Five Bhutanese youths, currently studying in Australia, have returned to Thimphu to take part in the 18th Golden Youth Award camp, which began today. The programme is expected to broaden perspectives and encourage discussions on leadership, culture and Bhutanese values. They will observe and learn alongside 80 class ten students from across the country competing for this year’s award.
Although they will not be a part of the competition, these Bhutanese youths studying in Australia will take part in various camp activities, including leadership sessions, teamwork exercises and community service programmes.
“It has been a truly humbling and honourable experience to be able to participate in such a prestigious event back in our home country. And we believe that connecting to our roots, and together with the youths here residing back in our home country, will hold a future that is dear to all of us, and we will be able to help Bhutan prosper to a nation that all can look up to,” said Tsheyang Lhazom, Participant, Balcatta Senior High School, Western Australia.
“With the knowledge and the Driglam Namzha that I’ve learned, that we have forgotten, I would like to spread it to fellow Bhutanese in Australia, and I’m hoping that they will have a dramatic change in them as well,” said Kinley C Choden, Participant, Fremantle College, Western Australia.
“As a student living in Australia and studying for over eight years now, I think this is not just an amazing platform for me to meet so many like-minded students, showcase my talent and to build my leadership skills, but it is also a way to reconnect with my culture and my roots in Bhutan,” said Tandin Ngawang Zangmo, Participant, Churchlands Senior High School, Western Australia.
The Association of Bhutanese in Perth invited expressions of interest from Bhutanese youth who completed class ten in 2025. And five students were selected from the ten applicants based on the Golden Youth Award criteria.
“The main reason for sending youth residing abroad is to keep our youth culturally and spiritually intact. And in the future, we will try to incorporate the same programme,” said Wangda, General Secretary, Association of Bhutanese in Perth.
Meanwhile, the 80 participants, comprising 40 boys and 40 girls, were selected through a rigorous process involving local and national-level competitions.
Many of them have shared their optimism and excitement about the week-long programme.
“What I’m expecting from this camp, is that I will be able to foster my leadership skills, connectivity with the community, and along with being in the presence of many skilled individuals, eighty to be exact, I’m expecting to develop myself as an individual and become a better Bhutanese citizen in the future time,” said Ugyen Rigsel, Participant, Lamgong Higher Secondary School, Paro.
“At the end of this camp, I’m expecting to learn a new skill and to have a good experience with the rest of my participants. So, that’s all,” said Ugyen Tshomo, Participant, Pema Gatshel Middle Secondary School, Pema Gatshel.
“Through this platform, the Golden Youth Award, we provide the young people with the platform to develop their leadership and also at the same time represent the 20 districts, where we are also taking forward the vision of His Majesty, the great fourth, in shaping the future of the young people through the leadership they have,” said Roma Pradhan, Programme Director, Youth Development Fund.
The winner of this year’s Golden Youth Award will receive a full scholarship to study at United World Colleges, which is made up of 18 schools and colleges on four continents.
The Golden Youth Award recognises young individuals who demonstrate exemplary character, leadership, service and commitment to bringing positive change to their communities.
Since its inception in 2008, more than 1,500 students have participated in the programme, and 18 winners have received full scholarships to pursue higher education abroad.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
