A living museum that will preserve traditional architecture, culture, and way of life and also create employment for the youth
Yangchen Zam fromThimphu:Traditional, shingle roofed structures made of old timber, windows and doorframes from demolished houses stand at odds with the surrounding at the NazhoenPelri Youth Center complex. Its interior is a reproduction of ancient architecture and lifestyle that are on the wane.
The idea behind this project is to create a living museum that will replicate traditional way of life, preserve Bhutanese architecture – something that is simply Bhutan in its truest sense.
“Simply Bhutan, supported by Drukyuel Foundation, is a distinct project that aims to preserve local culture and tradition while also generating employment opportunities for young job seekers,” said the project manager, Karma Gyeltshen.
Thirty two high school graduates and a graduate whom the labor ministry had taken in for a three-month attachment program run Simply Bhutan. They also helped in building the museum. They are paid Nu 3,000 a month.
Additional youth could not be employed due to budget constraints.
There are also plans to showcase Bhutanese music, mask dance, and painting among other activities. However all these are on hold for want of funds.
“It is mainly to empower young entrepreneurs through preservation, promotion and showcasing our traditions and cultural diversity,” said Karma Gyeltshen.
At present, youth at Simply Bhutan are engaged in activities like cooking in traditional Bhutanese kitchen and selling souvenirs in three stalls. They are also trained in development of various skills, cultural education, photography, videography, and entrepreneurship. There are seven trainers working full time at Simply Bhutan.
An estimated budget of about Nu 6mn was spent in materializing the project. However as many more additional activities are on the cards, the total cost is likely is shoot up, according to the project manager.
The museum will also be hired out to individuals and organizations to host activities or special occasions.
Meanwhile, since its launch on August 26, around 33 Bhutanese and two groups of foreign tourist s have visited the museum.
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