Her Majesty Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck granted an audience to the students and faculty of the College of Natural Resources at Lobesa in Punakha today. Her Majesty also graced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the College and the Tarayna Foundation.
During the audience, Her Majesty highlighted the importance of preserving Bhutanese values while working to support communities.
The Tarayana Club at the college also presented its ongoing social service initiatives and plans to strengthen community support.
The MoU aims to further deepen the collaboration between the college and the Tarayana Foundation. It will focus on research, community development and sustainable livelihoods. The agreement will remain in effect for five years.
“The Memorandum of Understanding is aimed at creating research opportunities and strengthening coordination between students and faculty. It will also support teaching activities. In the long term, it will help us explore funding opportunities beyond Bhutan, especially after publishing research findings,” said Singye Wangchuk, Administrative Officer, College of Natural Resources, Lobesa.
The Tarayana Club, established in 2017, has been supporting communities by providing essential items such as clothing, food, and assistance in construction across Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, and Zhemgang.
“We feel very fortunate to receive an audience with Her Majesty The Queen Mother. Her Majesty shared the work of the Tarayana Foundation and highlighted areas that need more attention. We feel motivated and are committed to serving our communities to the best of our abilities,” said Norbu Zangmo, a student at College of Natural Resources, Lobesa.
Meanwhile, an ongoing five-year project on a sustainable food system, supported by the Tarayana Foundation, is progressing well and nearing completion.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Sonam Pem
