Bhutan Media Foundation is pleased to announce the results of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) Reporting Publication Fees. This initiative is supported by Helvetas Bhutan and funded by the European Union under the project “CSOs as Actors in Governance and Development.”

The publication fees are granted based on proposals submitted following the Sensitization Workshop on CSOs and CBOs for the Media, held on 14–15 July 2025 in Paro. Out of 12 applicants, six media professionals have been awarded support to produce well-researched, in-depth stories on civil society and community-based initiatives in Bhutan. These stories will highlight the important roles and contributions of CSOs and CBOs, with a special focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

Ms. Dorji Choden, Reporter, Kuensel – She will cover the story “Left Behind No More: How Draktsho East is Filling the CSO Gap in Rural Bhutan,” which explores how Draktsho East overcomes funding shortages and systemic barriers to support youth with disabilities. A follow-up piece, “After Draktsho: What Comes Next for Youth with Disabilities in Rural Bhutan?” will highlight the challenges graduates face after training, including limited job opportunities and persistent stigma. Together, the stories will showcase both the successes and resilience of the students.

Mr. Krishna Bahadur Ghalley, Reporter, Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) Radio – Krishna will cover the Chithuen Phenday Association’s work rehabilitating youth and alcoholics through vocational training. Since 2011, over 300 individuals have rebuilt their lives, and the story will highlight personal successes and the role of CSOs in promoting a drug-free, resilient Bhutanese society. A follow-up story on “Life of a Counsellor”, will feature their own roles, impact, and challenges that they encounter in the process of shouldering their responsibilities.

Mr. Til Bdr Ghalley, Reporter, Bhutan Times – He will cover Bhutan’s chronic kidney disease crisis in “Kidney Health Matters,” highlighting rural dialysis challenges and Bhutan Kidney Foundation’s role in promoting equitable healthcare by setting up of Kidney Patients’ Guest Houses in Gelephu, Wangdue and Kolkata. A follow-up story on “How the Bhutan Kidney Foundation is Transforming Lives Through Community Health”, will showcase the Foundation’s work since 2012 in patient care, advocacy, and empowering women, youth, and rural families alongside government dialysis and transplant reforms.

Ms. Tshering Dema, Reporter, The Bhutanese – Tshering will cover the story of single mothers in Soondrang, Zhemgang, building a thriving cardamom enterprise with the Bhutan Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAOWE) and ADB support. The story highlights CSO’s role in empowering women and tackling challenges like price fluctuations and digital gaps, with a follow-up story on BAOWE’s efforts in e-commerce and rural digital inclusion. A follow up story on “Navigating Challenges Ahead for Tama’s Turmeric Entrepreneurs”, will feature voices of participants, dzongkhag agriculture policy officers, BAOWE leadership, and external stakeholder.

Kelzang Chhophyel, Reporter, BBS TV – Kelzang will be producing a documentary on “The Lhop Ecolodge: Tradition at the Heart of Change.” The documentary will highlight how the Tarayana Foundation empowers the Lhop community in Samtse through sustainable eco-tourism, cultural preservation, and youth- and women-led initiatives, showcasing the vital role of CSOs in promoting inclusive and resilient development.

Ms. Tshering Denkar, Freelancer – She will produce a documentary “Promoting Lotus Eco-Lodge in Pemagatshel,” highlighting how a youth-led community-based organization is transforming the district into an eco-tourism destination, creating jobs for women and youth, and promoting inclusive growth, resilience, and environmental stewardship. Her documentary will also amplify the voices of a group of young people in remote Bhutan, capturing their choice to remain in their communities while others seek opportunities elsewhere.