We are celebrating – Yay!!! 

On the 16^th April 2020 we will formally celebrate the inauguration for Draktsho Vocational Training School in Eastern Bhutan and we would love for you to be a part of this even if you can’t join us in person.

In just over three years the Eastern Draktsho School has seen vast improvements to the facilities benefiting 120 disabled and disadvantaged students.   Much of this work has been enabled by the supporters of OYHTB with funds raised by the charity now totalling over £350,000.

When Emma first visited the Eastern Draktsho school she was
immediately compelled to improve the facilities so that the students could enjoy the similar standards that you would expect to find in other schools and also catering for the additional needs of wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties.

So over the last three years the school has seen a transformation and on the 16^th April Emma, Ugyen and Lisa will be representing the charity to attend the celebrations for the inauguration of all these wonderful facilities.

These projects have included a brand new purpose built library and learning block providing a flexible space for both academic and physical education; a new spacious dining area and industrial kitchen allowing food to be prepared and enjoyed in a much healthier environment; new pathways with safety railings to facilitate access to the whole complex for the 15 to 20 students who are wheelchair users and others who have mobility problems; provision of  a clean water supply and proper washroom facilities and a play park area is under construction right now!

The charity has also raised funds to provide a 4x4 vehicle to transport children to medical appointments and to collect children living in the remotest parts of the country and to provide extra staff to better serve the needs of the students and to reduce the stress on the existing small staff team.

Whilst the charity has facilitated these life changing projects through Emma together with a small team of trustees and volunteers that have given their time so freely and generously, they have only become a reality through the financial generosity of so many amazing supporters.  This support has taken many forms with people running marathons, riding bikes, hosting yoga classes and sound healing events, buying Emma’s book Set Free, buying the beautiful yak wool scarves sourced in Bhutan, using Smile.Amazon and Easy fundraising websites and through many personal donations.

OYHTB is immensely grateful for the generosity of all these supporters who through their kindness have made a huge difference to the quality of the lives of the students of Draktsho school.  The reward for this work is the enrichment of the lives of the students that live and train here and the charity is keen to support the ongoing work of the school. 

We are now reaching out to you, both our loyal and new supporters, to help us mark the inauguration celebrations with a donation that Emma can present to the students on the 16th April.  These monies will go towards the students welfare and as an example £15 will support one student for a week and £60 for a month.  So whether you feel compelled to organise a fund raising event or to simply make a personal donation please know that any support you offer brings a huge smile to the students that are benefiting from the transformation of the schools facilities.

As well as marking this special occasion with a one off donation our wish is to also establish a regular income stream that will contribute to the ongoing running and maintenance costs so that these new facilities are utilised to best effect and can deliver the vocational services and student care to the standard for which they were intended.  Ongoing support is essential to ensure that the funds already raised continue to be used to good effect.  You can do this very simply by setting up a regular payment (monthly, quarterly, annually) through a standing order with your bank.  This can be done via internet or telephone banking, or at your nearest branch and you can find more details
on our website here:

https://www.openingyourhearttobhutan.com/copy-of-get-involved

Thank you so very much and we are looking forward to sharing photos and videos of these special celebrations with you In April.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.