𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

…𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Kezang Choden

Tshering Peldon, a mother of four, has emerged as a community advocate helping unemployed youth and struggling parents secure jobs across the country.

After completing the Basic Entrepreneurship Course on New Business Creation for Domestic Human Resources Service Group and Unemployed Youth in 2023, organized by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) and the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship (DoEE), she decided to contribute to her community by helping people find work. Without charging any fees, Tshering has already assisted more than one hundred individuals in securing jobs by guiding them toward opportunities and connecting them with employers. She has also kept detailed records of her work, submitting them to MoICE to demonstrate the impact of her efforts.

She explained that single mothers in particular face immense challenges in raising children with very limited support, often depending on minimal contributions from divorced partners. “For these women, finding decent employment is not just about sustaining themselves but about securing a stable future for their children,” she said. To address this, Tshering is preparing to provide guidance and job placement services specifically for single parents. Her initiative also aims to support caregivers responsible for elderly parents, sick family members, or children left behind while relatives live or study abroad. Her vision is to create opportunities that allow families to balance caregiving responsibilities with meaningful employment, restoring confidence and dignity in the process.

Tshering recalled that after attending the entrepreneurship course in 2023, she initially feared she might not be able to start her work. With steady encouragement from her husband, she moved forward and has since dedicated herself to supporting single parents and caregivers. To provide moral support, she created an online program titled Talk Show with Aum Tpee on TikTok. The show provides practical guidance, shares encouragement, and connects audiences with opportunities. Episodes highlight confidence building, balancing work and parenting, and directing people toward relevant services.

Her husband has complemented this effort with an advocacy tour under the theme Say No to Divorce. He visited all gewogs to engage communities in conversations about the social and economic costs of family breakdown, encouraging early dialogue and counseling. Together, the couple’s work focuses on strengthening families, reducing stigma for single parents, and opening pathways to employment.

Beneficiaries of Tshering’s efforts say her initiative has made a difference in their lives. Sangay Dema, a single mother of four children, spoke about the struggles she faced after her divorce in 2019. “It was so hard to raise my four children after the divorce. I went through a very difficult time. Sadly, I had no choice but to send one of my children to stay in hostel and one with my brother, as I could not manage everything on my own,” she said.

Her turning point came when a friend connected her with Tshering. Through that support, she found work as a caregiver in Thimphu, which gave her relief and independence. However, she was unable to continue due to illness. “Even though I could not keep the job because of my health, I am truly grateful for Tshering’s support. She gave me hope when I thought I had none. After my recovery, I am hoping to contact her again and find another opportunity to work so that I can support my children,” Sangay said.

Dhi Raj Biswa, a freelance plumber originally from Samtse and now living in Thimphu, also credited Tshering with creating new opportunities for skilled workers. He explained that she has developed platforms where young people can access short-term jobs and overtime work, especially in trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and electrical services. “Tshering keeps us connected through group chats and constantly reminds us that we should help each other. Because of this, many youths are now able to find part-time or extra work to earn something for themselves,” he said.

Biswa noted that freelancers in Thimphu often face challenges, as most households and offices prefer to hire workers through referrals or trusted networks. Without these connections, many skilled youths struggle to secure jobs despite their abilities. Tshering’s initiative, he said, has helped bridge this gap by connecting workers directly with those in need of services, creating income-generating opportunities while addressing the city’s demand for reliable service providers.

Her efforts have also been welcomed by families seeking reliable caregivers. Sonam Yangchen, a resident of Thimphu, said the initiative came at the right time, as she and her husband will soon leave for Australia to pursue further studies. She was concerned about the wellbeing of her father and son, who will remain in Bhutan. “Knowing that I can now arrange for a Bhutanese caregiver gives me peace of mind. It feels more trustworthy to rely on our own people, who understand our values and family culture,” she said.

For many families temporarily separated by education or employment abroad, such initiatives are providing crucial support. Sonam added that she hopes more people will come forward to use these services, ensuring that families can remain cared for and connected even when apart.