𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞

… 𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

By Tashi Tshewang

The Winter Youth Engagement Programme, organized by CORA Art Studio in collaboration
with the  Respect, Educate, Nurture, & Empower Women (RENEW) Community Service
Center (CSC) and the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) in TrashiYangtse, concluded on January 23
after delivering structured sessions focused on adolescent health awareness, youth safety, and
creative expression during the winter vacation.

Held from January 12 to 23, the programme provided a safe and supportive platform for youths
to gain essential life skills while addressing challenges commonly faced during adolescence. Key
sessions covered Adolescent-Friendly Health Services, sexual and reproductive health, including
prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Human Immunodeficiency
Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), as well as mental health awareness,
peer pressure, risk-taking behavior, and the impact of excessive screen time.

Discussions on drug abuse, crime, and violence strengthened awareness on youth safety, while a
Focus Group Discussion encouraged participants to identify safe and unsafe areas within their
community, promoting shared responsibility and critical thinking. Creative expression formed a
core component of the programme through art sessions facilitated by CORA Art Studio, allowing
participants to explore emotions through painting while building confidence, teamwork, and
creativity. Overall, the programme aimed to promote youth wellbeing, resilience, and positive
development by creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for young people.

Phuntsho, Programme Coordinator at CORA Art Studio, said, “Creative expression is crucial for
adolescent wellbeing because it supports emotional regulation, self-awareness, and holistic
development during a critical stage of life. Adolescents experience rapid emotional, mental, and
physical changes, and creative platforms offer a healthy outlet to process these experiences
constructively.

At CORA Art Studio, creative expression is not limited to art alone but is part of a broader multi-
skilling approach that integrates creativity, physical activity, environmental awareness, and life
skills. Inspired by His Majesty’s vision of locally rooted, globally competent, and multi-skilled
citizens, our programmes help youths build confidence, adaptability, and emotional resilience.”

The programme at CORA Art Studio encourages participants to explore multiple skills and
discover their interests through weekend engagements, seasonal programmes, and art camps.
Creative activities, combined with life skills training and outdoor programmes, allow youths to
communicate emotions, develop self-confidence, and strengthen leadership and teamwork
abilities while fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and culture.

He added, “Art provides a powerful medium for youths to express emotions that are often
difficult to put into words, such as stress, insecurity, or self-doubt. Through visual arts,
photography, music, calligraphy, literature integration, and nature-based creative practices,
participants can safely explore their inner experiences. Over time, we have observed youths
becoming more confident, expressive, and willing to try new skills beyond their comfort zones,
developing emotional maturity, adaptability, and resilience, which aligns with His Majesty’s
vision for the future generation.”

Pema Choden, Centre Manager of RENEW Community Service Center, TrashiYangtse, said,
“The programme creates a safe, inclusive and supportive space where young people can learn
and express themselves through creative ideas. Through sessions such as painting, poetry, sports,
and group activities, youths are encouraged to explore their creativity while team-building
activities help them connect with peers and understand the importance of teamwork.

Awareness and engagement programmes play a crucial preventive role by equipping youths with
the right knowledge, attitudes, and life skills, enabling them to recognize risk factors, improve
decision-making skills, and know where to seek support while avoiding harmful and risky
activities.”

The Winter Youth Engagement Programme brings together creative professionals, law
enforcement, and health partners to strengthen youth-focused initiatives. By combining creative
engagement with safety and awareness components, the programme addresses both psychosocial
and developmental needs, reinforces protective factors, and promotes positive youth
development in a nurturing environment.

She added, “Collaborating with creative professionals and law enforcement partners adds depth,
credibility, and diversity to youth initiatives. Creative partners such as CORA Art Studio help
deliver messages in engaging, youth-friendly ways, while law enforcement and health
professionals provide accurate information and real-life perspectives on safety, legal awareness,
and protection. Together with RENEW CSC, this coordinated approach supports prevention,
protection, and empowerment, strengthening the impact and sustainability of youth engagement
programmes.”

An official from the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), Division XIV, TrashiYangtse, said, “From the
Royal Bhutan Police perspective, youth awareness is a cornerstone of community safety. Young
people make up a large and active segment of our communities, and their choices have a direct
impact on public order, harmony, and wellbeing. When youths are informed about safety, crime
prevention, and responsible behavior, they are better equipped to make wise decisions, avoid
risky situations, and resist negative influences such as substance abuse, violence, and cyber-
related crimes.”

The police emphasized that informed and responsible youths contribute significantly to reducing
preventable incidents at the community level, while also strengthening trust between citizens and
law enforcement agencies. Youth participation, cooperation with families, schools, and local
leaders, and positive peer influence were highlighted as key elements in building safer and more
resilient communities.

The official added, “Young people can play a positive role by being responsible, alert, and
supportive of one another by following the law, respecting community values, and speaking up
when they notice unsafe situations. We encourage youths to use the winter vacation productively
by learning new skills, helping their families, and engaging in positive activities, while staying
away from alcohol, drugs, violence, and other risky behavior. Your actions today shape your
future and the safety of your community.”

Rinchen Namgay, Adolescent Health Focal Person, TrashiYangtse Hospital and Comprehensive
Health Unit (CHU) In-charge said, “Adolescents can manage mental health challenges, peer
pressure, and screen time in healthy ways by talking openly with trusted adults or friends about
their feelings, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or
mindfulness, and maintaining regular sleep, exercise, and balanced nutrition. Seeking
professional help when needed is also important.”

The session emphasized practical coping strategies to help young people navigate daily
challenges, encouraging them to build healthy routines, strengthen emotional resilience, and
make informed choices both online and offline.

He added, “To deal with peer pressure, adolescents should learn to say ‘no’ confidently, surround
themselves with supportive friends, and set clear personal values and boundaries. Managing
screen time is equally important by setting daily limits, taking regular breaks, engaging in offline
activities, and avoiding screen use before bedtime to improve sleep. Using screens purposefully
for learning and creativity, rather than mindless scrolling, helps maintain overall wellbeing.”

Sonam Kinga Yangdon, a Class VII student of Baylling Central School and a participant, said,
“Talking through topics like mental health and body changes made the information feel practical
and relatable. Being able to ask questions and hear different perspectives helped me better
understand how adolescent health and personal safety apply to everyday situations.”

The programme also encouraged participants to reflect on their surroundings and think critically
about safety within their communities. Through group discussions and interactive activities,
youths gained a broader understanding of how environments, situations, and personal behavior
influence safety.

She added, “The discussion made me more aware of my surroundings and helped me see my
community from different perspectives. I started noticing which areas feel safe and unsafe, and
learned that safety is not only about places but also about situations and behaviors. The creative
art sessions allowed me to express my feelings freely, relax, and understand my emotions better,
which helped me feel more confident.”

Cheoning Lhundup, another participant from Bayling Central School studying in class X, said,
“The session on adolescent health and personal safety helped me the most as it explained
physical, emotional, and social changes during adolescence in a simple and clear way. It also
taught me about personal hygiene, emotional wellbeing, and how to protect myself by making
safe choices and setting personal boundaries.”

The programme further encouraged participants to become more aware of their surroundings and
think critically about safety through interactive discussions and group activities.

He concluded, “The discussion on safe and unsafe areas changed the way I view my community.
I became more aware of which places are safer and which require caution, and it helped me think
about planning safe routes, staying alert, and knowing whom to contact for help. The creative art
sessions allowed me to express my thoughts and feelings positively, helping me relax, build
confidence, and express emotions that are difficult to put into words.”