Since the 17th century, Bhutan’s official name has been “Druk yul” which translates into “the Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Noted for its quiet, majestic mountains and spiritual temples, this land of less than 800,000 people is transforming as operations get underway in its southern city, the Gelaphu Mindfulness City; a strategic initiative overseen by the King himself.
Even as this effort gathers steam to build economic forces for the land-locked country, an organization founded by the Queen over 20 years ago is helping struggling families and communities across the country. With 20 districts, 143 blocks and 1120 villages to cover in Bhutan, Tarayana Foundation wields it influence and resources to help families overcome extreme poverty and disease (see https://www.tarayanafoundation.org).
With Tarayana Foundation as field partner, GlobalRise will target a poor district – Lumang – in East Bhutan. Visiting this district in 2024, made possible by the Foundation, we met with community leaders who are passionate about changing the trajectory of life to a vibrant, healthy community. GlobalRise seeks to provide nutrition training, technological expertise and financial support to assist field agents at Tarayana to implement a locally contextualized, sustainable community nutrition program for the children of Lumang.