A walk for a cause, Emma Slade, the founder and CEO of “Opening Your Heart to Bhutan,” a registered UK charity, is taking on a challenge, a difficult one. Widely known as Ani Pema Deki, she will walk the 400-kilometre-long Trans-Bhutan Trail. Her goal is to raise Nu 35 M to support children with disabilities.
59-year-old Ani Pema Deki is from England. Graduated from the University of Cambridge, she worked in New York, London and Hong Kong as a financial analyst.
A life-threatening robbery in Indonesia transformed her world, leading her to become a Buddhist nun. Driven by her love for Bhutan, Ani Pema Deki has visited the country over 40 times.
She is now walking the 400-kilometre trail to help children with disabilities. Ani walked for eight hours from Haa to Paro along the trail on Monday as she prepares for the final trek.
She will be accompanied by Ugyen, the charity’s country representative.
“So, I will be walking the whole of Bhutan from Haa to Trashigang along the Trans-Bhutan Trail out of my profound love for Bhutan. Most importantly with the idea to raise quite a lot of money for helping special needs children of Bhutan.”
The long trek to Trashigang will start in October. She hopes to complete the trek which was redeveloped in 2022 in about 40 days. It begins from Haa in the west and ends in Trashigang in the east.
It was the only route Bhutanese ancestors used to travel and communicate with others across the country. The trail was mostly used by pilgrims, traders, messengers, and the army.
People can enjoy countless historical and religious sites, diverse climatic zones and a variety of immersive experiences. Her charity has been helping children with disabilities in Bhutan for the last ten years.
The Draktsho East School in Trashigang now boasts a playpark, outdoor washing area, wheelchair accessibility, library and learning blocks, all supported by her charity.
She says, “We decided to bring in the media, perhaps make a documentary and bring in a lot of attention and love to this project.”
The BBC, Sky News, and some other international news organisations are covering the trek. This initiative proves that one person can make a difference. It will not only change the lives of children but also inspire many to walk the path of kindness.
Jamyang Loday & Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
