Tshering Namgyal | Mongar

The three children of a man in Drepong, Mongar who was rendered immobile after a huge log crushed him in March of last year will receive support from the Youth Development Fund (YDF) to pursue their studies.

The YDF has pledged to support the educational expenses for all three children in Zunglen Primary School in Drepong, beginning with the next academic session.

The YDF, which is under the Royal patronage of Her Majesty the Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, will support the children under the basic scholarship scheme specially designed for need-based or economically disadvantaged students until they reach Class X.

YDF officials said the students will receive an annual benefit of Nu 10,000 each to buy essential items like uniforms, stationery, and toiletries, and to bear transportation under the scholarship.

Since its establishment in 2002, the YDF has so far supported more than a thousand students under various scholarship schemes.

Similarly, a private individual in Thimphu, Tshering Dorji, raised Nu 60,000 and helped the family to repay a loan borrowed to construct their house. They still owe the Bhutan Development Bank about Nu 150,000.

“It was only possible because there are still good people around,” Tshering Dorji said.

Although the loan repayment has been deferred until June of next year, the couple is worried because they have no means to pay.

The Institute of Management Studies (IMS) also donated Nu 5,000 for the medical expenses of the family.

IMS Interim CEO Ugyen Pelgen said, “We wanted to give immediate relief to the family especially to meet some medical emergencies. We thought this would enable the family to reach out for other assistance as well.”




“With the scholarship, I am content now. Since the accident, I have been worried about their education,” said the 38-year-old man from Zunglen in Drepong gewog. “I’m very grateful for all the help we have received.”

Jigme was severely injured when a log fell on him while sawing timber for a neighbour last year.

His wife said she was concerned about the loan in the absence of an alternate source of income. “I am relieved that my children can now study like others.”

Currently, the man is being treated at the Mongar Eastern Regional Referral Hospital and has been at the hospital for about four months.

Meanwhile, other agencies like Nazhoen Lamtoen are also exploring means to provide livelihood support for the family.