On 17 February 2025, Dasho Kinzang Wangdi, our counterpart and local representative of the Association of Friends of Bhutan Austria, handed over working equipment, sewing machines and weaving seets worth 5,000 euros to the Bhutanese CSO Draktsho. The donation was provided by the VIC Women’s Group in Vienna. It will benefit girls and young women at the Draktsho centre in Trashigang in eastern Bhutan.
Vocational training and life skills
In this project, 30 girls and young women are trained in tailoring, embroidery, weaving, painting and the production of souvenirs at the Draktsho East Centre.
The training takes place daily under the supervision of trained teachers. The necessary equipment, fabrics, sewing silk, paints, brushes, scissors, embroidery frames, etc., as well as four sewing machines and weaving sets, could be purchased with the funds provided.
With regard to life skills, the girls and young women are also educated about menstrual health and hygiene and provided with the appropriate hygiene products.
Self-empowerment and integration
Draktsho is the first organisation of its kind in Bhutan and a civil society organisation dedicated to improving the living conditions of children and young people with various types of disabilities. Education and training should not only empower young people, but also enable their integration into the wider population. In addition to acquiring personal life skills, Draktsho focuses on vocational training. This should enhance the opportunities for gainful employment for young people with disabilities.
Project data:
Project name: Vocational training for girls and young women with disabilities
Financing: 5,000 EURO with a donation from the VIC Women’s Group
Project duration: November 2024 –
Thematic focus: Inclusive education and income-generating activities
SDG Tracker: SDG 4 Inclusive and equitable quality education;