My Gakidh Village

In the year 2014, Aide et Action in partnership with Bhutan Youth Development Fund initiated My Gakidh Village, a bottom-up model integrating eco-friendly sustainable development with community needs. The project focused on curbing rural urban youth migration by providing livelihood skills and opportunities within their own communities. It encourages the resumption of traditional trades in the community and the use and management of renewable natural resources. The project has trained community members, especially youth on Home stay operations and local guiding. The project was successful in reviving the once defunct heritage trail of Lam Drukpa Kunley through installation of bridges, canopies, resting spots and railings along the trail from Dochula till Siluna. The trail is now operational and has been able to give employment to many youths to operate as trail guides and home stay organizers. The creation of new employment opportunities aimed to curb the massive rural exodus that Bhutan is experiencing today. In 2018, 140 young adults (including 52 women) benefited from this project.