What better way to spend the summer holidays than by learning life skills that can shape a better future? In Bumthang, 30 students and out-of-school youth are doing just that through the RENEW Regional Centre’s week-long summer engagement programme. The programme combined technology, life skills, and comprehensive sexuality education, encouraging participants to become responsible and innovative leaders in the future.
Children as young as eight gathered at Gangrithang Primary School in Bumthang to learn the basics of digital innovation, coding, electronics, robotics, and STEM education.
As part of the programme, participants developed practical prototypes, including an emergency alert device that sends an alarm to a linked mobile phone and a sensor-based sanitary pad dispenser.
The programme also included sessions on comprehensive sexuality education.
Students say the hands-on activities, role plays, and group discussions helped strengthen their confidence, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
“In six days, we managed to make all these by using STEM. Not only did we learn technical and scientific skills, but we also learned to keep trying even when things do not work,” said Khenrab Wangchuk, Student, Wangduechhoeling LSS, Bumthang.
The programme also brought together five out-of-school youth, allowing them to learn alongside school-going peers.
Organisers say empowering young people with practical skills and opportunities can create meaningful social impact and inspire community-led development.
“We understood that, where there is right, there is also a responsibility. We also learned about children’s rights, respect, equality and making responsible decisions,” said Tashi Yangzom, Student, Wangduechhoeling LSS, Bumthang.
Inspired by the students’ innovative ideas, the out-of-school youth also committed to building sensor-based sanitary pad dispensers. They are also exploring ways to develop the initiative into a sustainable social enterprise.
The programme, funded by SOS Children’s Villages Germany, inspired many participants to join similar engagements in the future.
“We are trying to make a slim watch, which serves two purposes: to check the time and, at the same time, when we press a button, it can provide an emergency alert through it. The device we have today doesn’t give sound, but we have a plan to install the buzzer next time,” said Sonam Yangchen Wangmo, Student, Jakar HSS, Bumthang.
By bringing together education, technology, and community engagement, the initiative has laid the foundation for a new generation of youth committed to building healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
Thinley Dorji, Bumthang
Edited by Phub Gyem
