While the world is watching how Bhutan manages the implementation of GNH and the results - we have found that Bhutan represents an even more interesting story – one of the newest democracies in the world. Bhutan was a monarchy until 2006 when the The King of Bhutan abdicated his throne and ‘Instituted” a democratic government putting the power of the country into the hands of its people. The King had been working on this change since 1952 and one of the elements that he focused on was the education of the people of Bhutan. The Bhutan Canada Foundation has been working with the Bhutanese government for over 20 years sending Canadian teachers to Bhutan to facilitate this change.
Ultimately, we have learned that the key to a strong democratic nation is the education of its people. We think that an educated citizen casts an educated vote and educated voters are key to a successful democracy.
For more details on Bhutan visit http://bhutancanada.org/
Maddy Kelly is passionate about all things relating to learning and life - a consummate experience junkie and traveller - she likes to share her journey with the world at large.