Vocational Training in Bhutan

On 11th June 2025 two former volunteers or Desuups, Ugyen Tempa Gyaltshen and Sangay Dorji who are currently working in the UK, talked to us about their experience of the volunteer programme.

Tibor Van Staveren of the PATRIZIA Foundation which is significantly contributing to vocational training in Bhutan also gave a presentation in this field.

In an initiative by his Majesty the King of Bhutan in 2011 the Desuups or Guardians of the Peace of Bhutan were formed.  These orange clad volunteers help in situations ranging from disaster operations, participate in charitable activities and social services. The De-Suung Integrated Training Programme is a value-based personal development programme intended to encourage active citizenry in the process of nation-building.

Following on from this in 2021 the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) was started to give the Desuups, with varying degrees of educational qualification, short-term vocational training in various fields in order to enter the job market. Trainers from around the world have been invited to assist in the programme. 

The PATRIZIA Foundation is supporting the establishment of a vocational training centre in Bumthang.  This project is under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck and her organisation Gyalyum Charitable Trust and supported by RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women, an organisation dedicated to fostering socio-economic cohesion through empowering and protecting women and children in Bhutan) as the implementation partner.