Project diary Bhutan

Join us on a journey into a fascinating world of unique customs, rich traditions, and exciting updates. We’d love to bring you closer to the culture of Bhutan while sharing the latest progress from our project in Bumthang.

February 2026: Royal Visit and Renewed Commitment to the PATRIZIA Akelius Vocational Training Centre in Bumthang

During a recent visit to the Kingdom of Bhutan, the PATRIZIA Foundation strengthened its enduring support for the Foundation’s Bhutan Programme, which operates under royal patronage. Wolfgang Egger, the Foundation’s founder, travelled to Thimphu to reconnect with valued local partners and to underline a shared dedication to widening access to education and opportunity.

A particularly significant occasion during the visit was the audience with Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck. Discussions also took place with the Foundation’s established national partners, the Gyalyum Charitable Trust (GCT) and RENEW. The collective commitment to sustained collaboration in the education sector was formally renewed through the ceremonial signing of a Deed of Partnership Reaffirmation at Gawailing Happy Home—a women’s refuge established under Her Majesty’s patronage to support women and children affected by domestic violence.

At the heart of the partnership lies a shared ambition to expand educational prospects for children and young people across Bhutan. Particular attention is being given to the rural region of Bumthang, where vocational training opportunities—especially for girls—have historically been limited. In cooperation with RENEW and the Akelius Foundation, the PATRIZIA Foundation is developing the Bumthang Vocational Training Centre as a flagship initiative. This new facility will reinforce the programme’s long-term strategy of equipping young people with practical skills and strengthening sustainable livelihoods, while opening meaningful educational pathways for girls and young women.

Reflecting on the visit, Wolfgang Egger remarked:
“Education remains one of the most effective instruments for creating opportunity. Our continued presence in Bhutan demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our joint resolve to dismantle obstacles, enabling young people—particularly girls—to fulfil their aspirations.”

The visit represents a further milestone in a partnership defined by mutual trust, long-term vision and a shared sense of responsibility for the next generation in Bhutan.

October 2025: Shaping the Future – Workshop on 5-Year Planning at the Vocational Training Centre Bumthang

On the 7th and 8th of October, a joint workshop with our project partners took place in Thimphu to develop the 5-year plan for the Vocational Training Centre Bumthang. The first day focused on welcoming the participants, presenting the project partnership, and reviewing the progress made so far. In addition, key foundations for the further implementation were introduced and discussed, followed by an insight into the construction plans and the next steps.

On the second day, participants worked in three expert groups on the topics of Curriculum, Finance & Sustainability, and Impact & Monitoring. The results were compiled in group presentations and integrated into an overarching 5-year work plan. The workshop thus provided a valuable opportunity to jointly structure the coming years of the project.

October 2025: Project Trip to Bhutan – Insights into the Culture and Personal Exchange with Project Partners

In October, our program team, together with other Bhutan experts, had the special opportunity to visit the fascinating Kingdom of Bhutan. The purpose of the trip was to meet our partner organizations RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women) and the Gyalyum Charitable Trust (GCT) in person and to work together on the further development of the planned Vocational Training Centre for children and young adults in the rural region of Bumthang.

A tour of Thimphu – the capital of the Himalayan kingdom – offered fascinating insights into local life. In addition to impressive monastery complexes and stunning landscapes, the visit also provided a glimpse into the traditional way of life—among other things through tasting a typical Bhutanese drink: butter tea with roasted rice.

A highlight of the stay was the visit to our partner organization RENEW. The headquarters not only houses offices and the RENEW Microfinance Institute but also a showroom where products from RENEW projects, such as handwoven clothing and scarves, are sold as part of the Socio-Economic Empowerment Programme. Here, valuable conversations took place, deepening future steps in the collaboration.

On the way to Bumthang, where the team, together with representatives from the national authority, the Office for Natural Resource Management, and an energy supply company, inspected the site for our KinderHaus, they crossed a mountain pass at around 4,000 meters altitude—a breathtakingly scenic moment. A shared dinner with representatives from RENEW and GCT provided additional space for personal exchange and strengthening the partnership.

We thank our partners for their warm hospitality!