Plastic Ban Pledge

Theme: Weather, Climate and Climate change education

Background

A school-based action to support the government's plastic ban. With the plastic ban reinforcement from 1st April 2019, schools across the country stand to support this green move. Although, most of the schools already have a waste management pledge and actions in place, this "No Plastic Initiative" will further instill the good values of more sustainable lifestyles in the schools.

Objectives

i.    Create awareness on climate change through plastic ban pledges
ii.   Instill the value of proper waste management
iii.  Encourage staff and students to minimize the use of plastic bottles by
      bringing their own reusable drinking cups

Target group: Whole school.

Program details:

1. Present scientific facts on effects of plastic pollution

Here we see that in 2010:

• global primary production of plastic was 270 million tonnes;
• global plastic waste was 275 million tonnes – it did exceed annual primary production through wastage of plastic from previous years.
• only plastic waste which is improperly managed (mismanaged) is at significant risk of leakage to the environment; in 2010 this amounted to 31.9 million tonnes;
• of this, 8 million tonnes – 3% of global annual plastics waste – entered the ocean.
• The amount of plastic in surface waters is not very well known: estimates range from 10,000s to 100,000s tonnes.

Source: 
plastic pollution from https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution
the plastic initiative from https://theplasticinitiative.org
plastic pollution from https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/02/here-s-how-much-plastic-enters-ocean-each-yearhttps://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/02/here-s-how-much-plastic-enters-ocean-each-year
global trends plastic pollution from http://www.plastic-resource-center.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Global-Plastic-Production-RisesRecycling-Lags.pdfhttp://www.plastic-resource-center.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Global-Plastic-Production-RisesRecycling-Lags.pdf


2. Advocate the national policy on plastic ban and local practices
3. Adoption of school-based plastic ban policy
4. Take individual pledges
5. Share on Social Media. Use hashtag #supportplasticbanBhutan

Expected Outcome:

1. School adopts plastic ban policy
2. Individual actions (action on individual pledge) for fighting climate change
3. Sensible and responsible plastic users
4. Climate action Advocators

Clean Toilet Challenge

Theme: Responsible Citizenship

ASPnet School Name: Zhemgang Central School

Background
One of the biggest challenges in Bhutan are the toilets in schools and public. If we think back to our school days, I think we can all remember a time when we were afraid to visit our own toilet, and nearby toilets. School toilets can be extremely daunting particularly for young children if the toilet is dirty, and unfriendly. According to some unofficial records children have frequently reported smelly, dirty or unpleasant toilets in their home, schools, and public places. Therefore, with this activity in place, we create toilets children want to use it.

Objectives:

1. understand and realize the importance of hygiene and its impact on daily life
2. actively consult and involve the pupils in managing the toilets
3. implement and maintain an effective toilet cleaning, supervision and inspection system to ensure proper standards throughout the school day

Program details:

Target group: Whole school action

Timeline: February to mid-march 

1. Sensitization on clean toilet
2. Create a clean toilet movement in the school
3. Use hashtag #mytoiletmyresponsibility
4. Upload on Social Media platforms

Note: 
Recommend to use Harpic and Phenol to clean toilet pots. 

Process: 
1. Wet or pour water lightly around the toilet pot
2. Then spread, or sprinkle Harpic in the necessary areas 
3. Keep untouched for around 15-20 minutes
4. Start to scrub with the help of brush
5. Flush with water

Outcome:
1. Understand the importance of toilet
2. Relate clean toilet and sanitation
3. Reduce the usage of sticks, papers
4. Promote healthy toilet habits

When Onion Makes us CRY?

Agriculture is now more likely a failed policy hanging over a longer period of time now. Let us keep in mind this loose phrase –If agriculture fails, nothing will succeed. So far, no political agenda is solving this long-standing problem of ours. However, now it is likely becoming a sketchy equation to solve with an ever growing population.

Some scholars claimed that ancient hunter-gatherer societies as peaceful paradises, and argue that war and violence began only with the Agricultural Revolution, when people started to accumulate private property too much than the other.”

Over the years, the onion has become a very essential, and unavoidable ingredient in the kitchen in most cuisines. It became a very important staple food for all kinds of people. However, the current price is something very upsetting, and unkind. The price ranges from place to place Nu. 100.00 per kg to Nu.170.00 per kg across the markets which have affected large sections of society including farmers, traders, and wholesalers. The sudden uprising of the price of this kitchen item has also adversely affected especially the small business, restaurants, and street food vendors. The bitter price rise of this food item has been attributed to a decline in production in Indian farm houses which was due to unseasonal, and errant rainfall that led to an acute shortage. 

This is a very interesting phrase I came across recently – “during pre-industrial warfare more than 90 percent of war dead were killed by Starvation rather than by Weapons.” Which I feel is very close and synonymous in current situation. If this trend continues, time isn’t very far from now. 

What measures the government are taking to curb such a sudden rise in consumer goods? Should we leave up to Indian business individuals to decide everything or our livelihood? The more we depend on somebody, more they become dominant, and less we become workable, and productive.

One that keeps me worried every time is the mistake we already made. The Foreign Aid in the agriculture sector so far has not done a very promising job. I am sure the Foreign Aid that cashed in must have made few mountains. By calculation, by now we should have a fairly comfortable livelihood and productive farming society if not complete independence. What have we done so far with our Foreign Aid for agriculture?

There is not time for simplicity, and complacency, when the neighbouring friends are keep pushing hard, and unfairly hammering for their export goods. Chilli taxed us so much before, and now onions are making us cry. 

Although, almost all our lands are sloppy, and mountains, and rocks, however, we can do better than this in producing some consumer goods and other necessary items in our own soil.  

We need somebody committed, who can be with the community throughout assisting, helping, and generating some easy farming ideas in the actual field like Engineers, and technical experts in the DNC project. Instructions from the office so far have not helped by an inch at any part of society. Therefore, ideas without action aren’t ideas! 

I Admire Her Feet

Dasho Neten Zangmo (Former Chair of ACC)

As a little boy, I heard many good things about this motherly lady –a woman of very different, and unique personality, and smartness. To my best knowledge, she is not as curled as her hair style, for which people regard her as an "Iron Lady." During her tenure she had served in different government offices in various capacities. However, her position in the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was more significant, and visible. During her tenure as ACC boss, she became so famous for her level of personal integrity, and dedicated service above self in serving TSA-WA-SUM with loyalty, and sincerity.  

She is still known for her Anti-Corruption personality today in all her footsteps. It was during her time that ACC acts of Bhutan became so tight, rigid, and narrow.

However, during the 2018 election period, she came into the big picture, and was the main highlight of BKP as party president. Furthermore, the party was also better known by her rigid, and hard ACC personality, perhaps, the party was known as ACC Party. However, she failed horribly in the election battle. I don't know exactly how and why she and her party failed horribly. But my guess is very simple and straight –corruption is something very odd, unusual, and terrifying for all offices, and the people across. Nevertheless, people also felt that her party would simply impose a corruption act for any issue or matter all across. I feel politics don't favour anyone with clear motives, and a straight personality like Dasho Neten.  

Although, she failed in politics, but not necessarily in her personality, integrity and honesty! She is someone more than a manhood.

As far as I know, she was known for Hard Personality of the time for her honesty, and integrity to her service. I think she is the first and probably the last lady who have served with full dedication to King, People, and country. 

...and I wish for more lady leaders like Dasho Neten. But, not as straight, and blunt as President Trump. Perhaps, more humble like Obama, and as smart as Google.

Academic Practice II: Pie Chart Illustration

The two pie charts compare the different modes of transportation people used to commute to one university for work, and study percentagewise in the year 2004, and 2009. In general, buses overtook cars to be commuters’ top choice for transport medium. 

Overall, the bus, and the cars services were availed the most in 2004, and 2009. However, the choice for both train and bicycle were not very popular, and common. 

In 2009, over a half of people (51%) travelling to the university used cars as their main mode of transport, making automobiles the most ideal one, followed by bus with 33%. However, the figure for users experienced a nearly two-fold decrease to 28% in 2004.  The trend of preferring buses to cars could be owing to installation of a new bus stop in 2006 onward. 

On the other hand, both bicycle and walking modes of transport seemed the least popular amongst all the people going to university. In 2004, train service availed was just 3%, while it increased slightly by 1% in the year 2009. However, a more substantial rise, from 9% to 16%, was seen in the bicycle users. In contrast, people travelling on foot was just a vice-versa, 4% in 2004, and 6% in 2009. 

Academic Practice: Writing Task I

Writing practice: Bar Chart

The bar chart shows/illustrates the sales of 5 different fiction novels namely young adult, classics, mystery, romance, and sci-fic, & fantasy in each year between 2006 to 2010. Y-axis (vertical column) shows the gross income, while x-axis (horizontal) indicates the sold years (2006 to 2010).

Overall, the gross earnings show the romance books were sold significantly higher than the rest of the novels throughout the period. However, sci-fic & and fantasy gave the least gross income in each year between 2006, and 2010.

The sales of the romance books in the year 2007 was the highest with the gross earnings of little over $110,000.00, and the least sale was in the following year with gross earnings of around $70,000.00. However, the sales of mystery novels in each year was the second highest between 2006 and 2010. In the year 2007 the book earned a gross earnings of little over $80,000.00 but in the rest of the years the sales of the books were very similar ranging from $60,000.00 to $ 50,000.00.

On the other hand, young adult, classics, sci-fic & fantasy were sold out the least in each year. Young adults gave very constant gross revenue in all the years. However, sci-fic & fantasy gave the least gross income as compared to classic books. The year 2007, was very important and significant because the sales of all the fiction novels was the highest income generators of the five categories earning only $20,000.00, and a mere $10,000.00 in 2009, but the rest of the years seems very similar, and constant.

Speaking Practice I

Part I: Introduction

1.      Tell me something about your home town or village, what kind of place is it?

It's quite a small village, about 60 km away from Damphu town. Indeed, it is a very quiet and beautiful village. We have just a few shops nearby because most of the people are very oriented towards farming culture. 

2.      What is the most interesting part of your home town or village?

Well, my village doesn't have any holy places, yet people are very religious, kind, and helpful. 

3.      What kind of jobs do people in your home town or village do?

Most of the people are engage in farming, social works, local government officials, business, and community services. However, we also have some health officers, engineers, and doctors who work in government offices. 

4.      Would you say it’s a good place to live?

Definitely yes, because people are friendly, kind, and helpful. Nevertheless, my village is small, and naturally beautiful. It is also beyond the call of pollution, and other human disturbances. 

Part II: Individual long-turn

1.      Describe something about yourself which is very important to you.

One of the most important things I have right now is my DSLR EOS 60D Canon camera, because I like photography, and it’s something I am very close to as a little boy. I value my camera so much since it was gifted by my wife during our first anniversary. Perhaps, hanging out with my camera gives me lots of space to forget work stress. As a passionate nature lover, I get lots of chances to connect myself with nature because every image that I take has some story of rich biodiversity, and human connection.   

Part III: Two-way discussion

1.      What kind of things (possession) give status to people in your country?

The First thing I can remember is the car. Almost everybody wants to own luxurious cars, something very expensive, and voguish one.  The others I can remember are clothing, house, and mobile phone. 

2.      Have things changed since your parent’s time?

It's something more than –beyond the "Earth and the Sky." It's absolutely different now and during my parent’s time. One very visible thing is the way we live, and eat. The others are the growth of technologies, fashion in clothes, architectures, networking, and mobile phones, etc…

3.      Do you think advertising influences what people buy?

Absolutely yes. In today's world most of the people have access to either social networking, or television. These are basically the main sources of information people get from. I have seen many of my friends, and perhaps, some of my family members have bought lots of stuff after they have seen it on the media. These days almost 95% of buying and selling things happen online, that basically is influenced by online, and television advertisement because everyone wants to try in a similar fashion like tv stars, and advertisement models. Thus, good advertisement is smart marketing in the world of ever-growing technology, and information overload. 

The Perfect Weekend Outing

Saturday wasn't that great. Champions City fell 11 points behind the top rival Liverpool in EPL fixtures after nervy 14 games down already. Therefore, the hope of winning a third consecutive EPL crown for City is becoming slimmer and daunting. Anyway, I am hoping the best to happen on the City side in the coming days. 

However, Sunday was full of different experiences as I could visit recently revived Dangkhar Menchu to soak myself despite a hectic schedule. The Menchu is located 8 kms (app. 4.9 miles) away from Zhemgang town towards Trongsa. It was face-lifted jointly by Zhemgang Forest Division, and the people of Dangkhar village for the preparation of recently (Nov. 11 - 13) held "Bhutan Bird Festival" at Tingtibi.  Perhaps, it was a gift for all of us. However, as of now, the Menchu is managed by the Dangkhar Community, and is open to all ages, and kinds. 

Time: Anytime of the day. However, the best is during weekends and other holidays.

Charges: As of now, the fees are very reasonable, and affordable. It is Nu. 100 per hour per person. One tub (Waa) can comfortably accommodate two persons at a time. If you like to visit the Menchu, you may kindly inform the caretaker (head of the committee) two-to-three hours in advance for the necessary arrangements. (contact number#+975-17537204).

Benefits: Healing effects –boost blood circulation, reduce stress, piles, body, and joint ache.

Recommendation: Although, the place is very suitable, serene, and ideal for both family and individuals outing. However, car parking and safety railings are required not only for kids but also for senior citizens right in front of the main entrance and the way that leads to the toilet. Although the location of the toilet is quite far away, however, toilet facility is superb, and impressive. 

During my first visit, I found the caretaker (manager) of the Menchu very polite, lively, and approachable because in many offices and organizations these human qualities are actually missing today. So next time you visit Zhemgang, don't miss to visit and soak yourself in the Menchu. 

However, I am a bit skeptical about its sustainability, and the management. 

RESPECTED THROMPON, THIMPHU

Our Thimphu Valley is teeming with populations of all kinds. It is not only one of the most loved places, but also one of the highly visited cities in Bhutan. All works of people make their visit officially or unofficially at least in their lifetime. It was not long ago, one granny whom I know very closely has visited our Capital City only to find carelessly built buildings, poorly framed drainage systems, and pitiful roads. However, we never give up talking big about "High Tourist Destination, and Carbon Negative Country."

Therefore, I write to your reputed self to express my concern over Planting of Trees (greening of urban) in and around our Thimphu city. Although, I have seen you working extremely very hard for the people of the whole 20 Dzongkhags. Over the years, Thimphu has seemingly become one of the crowded places, and there is nothing much we can do now. We need to do something urgently, when the population is still manageable, and grounded, because it seems everything should start from our Capital City.  

Therefore, I request your good office to kindly initiate to Plant some Trees (Look for: Ginkgo trees, abies densa, cherry, garosu-gil, spruce, willow, maple, bottle brush, etc) and some flowers around our Thimphu THROM, especially around main street - Nordzin Lam Stretch, backyard of Changlimithang Stadium, and around every building, which now is at its ugliest face. I still remember the Willow Tree in front of Clock Tower Square, that now has gone very old, and ugly. Therefore, at the capacity of your office, or Thimphu Municipal, please look for its replacement urgently.

However, while looking for urban trees, you need to look for trees/plants that can live under the most difficult urban conditions of air pollution, weather, dog urine, soil compaction and some human abuses. You also need to check that it should grow big, high enough to shade buildings, streets, and cool the air.

It was also found out that, planting of trees, and flowers (greening of city) have enormous benefits not only for human-being, but also it can help maintain a good ecosystem.

Some of the benefits of urban trees are; it can play an important role in increasing urban biodiversity, provide animals with food and protection, and it can absorb lots of CO₂. Therefore, trees play an important role in climate change mitigation especially in cities with high levels of pollution. Trees can improve not only air quality, but also help to cool the air. Large trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants, it can improve physical and mental well-being of urban communities, trees also regulate water flow and play a key role in preventing floods and reducing the risk of natural disasters, and planning urban landscapes with trees can hugely attract tourism, and business.

Although initially it may appear quite strange, and ugly trends, but latter part of this development, and initiative can improve our town by its looks, and presentation.

I find you the most powerful individual, and an office holder in Thimphu Throm to solve my concern more skillfully, and appropriately. I appeal to your office to kindly look into this matter, and start this seemingly odd project under your guidance, and kindness. I hope you can take this concern more aptly.

Yours Sincerely

A Concerned Citizen

Carbon Negative Land

Japanese Made Bridge to Remember - Part III

Recently I had a trip to Trongsa. The ongoing DNC Bridge construction project between Zhemgang and Trongsa National Highway, which is a few kilometers away from Trongsa Town, had immensely surprised me. It feels good to see Japanese people working absolutely very hard in the land of Drukpas (in GNH land). Like no other people, they have a very pure heart to serve our people. Honestly, not even our professionals do this in any field.  

Every time I pass across their Bridge it gives me different feelings, the massive satisfaction. Of course, I didn't know the exact number of DNC (Japanese) bridges in Bhutan, but I know most of them are fully serving its purpose.

It seems we are absolutely not getting their mission, and the core motives of such grand, and aids of Japanese and the government of Japan. When shall we understand their mission, and the motives? Their Work Ethics. Their testament of quality. Their safety control at the site. Their systematic work brain power. Their work organizing skills. Their time management skills. And their monitoring trends.

It seems to me as always; Japanese people are seemingly the best working force, hard working people, and trusted partner. For varied reasons, they are not only the promising and faithful partners, but also a very dedicated above service and faith.

One of the officials from the DNC Project stated that, "I learned from my superiors who said, before starting work, we need to visit the field. During the paperwork, we need to imagine the field. This is the best way to make our work accurate, efficient, and to secure quality." 

Will this happen in our construction development board?

Overall, as an ordinary Bhutanese, I have seen them working very hard, seems like they have very patriotic feelings for Bhutan and towards their work. For a long period of time, I like their motives, and their WORK ETHICS! However, by nature and sticking by the developmental philosophy we should be more mindful, better serving people, trusted one, and good human-being than possibly anybody else. 

One thing I dislike is the hydropower project being blatantly executing between Bhutan-and-India. The sinking of PHPA-I and II are actually cutting down some thickly polluted Bhutanese fats now both financially, and environmentally. The debt is multiplying at the speed of light, and the projects are happening at the slowest snail pace. 

The only hope left is to shy away from signing new Hydropower project contract until all the ongoing projects are complete safely at the lowest additional cost. 

However, this lines of Udai made me feel proud for some day our own Bhutanese can become a bomb shield, "I hope that my son will completely acquire necessary skills and knowledge in DNC. Then, my ambition is to enhance the capacity in the construction industry in Bhutan with my son."

What if we think to tapping Japanese skills and the expertise to ensure similar technical pass-down from experienced Bhutanese working in DNC to the younger generations. What if we encourage more educated minds to take a chance to work, and learn from them. We need their working ethics someday. I believe that such foremost skills, and knowledge are one of the most irreplaceable fortunes in Bhutan, and that imperceptible fortune should be taken advantage in all the construction sites, to develop a reliable construction industry across Bhutan. 

Along with these, let us also not forget to ensure the safety and the implementation of the quality system across all our development sectors. I personally pray for the secure, transparent, and vibrant system to enshrine someday in the Land of Drukpas. 

THANK YOU JICA. THANK YOU JAPANESE AND THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN.  You continue to shine, we continue to enjoy your good service. Your sincere work ethics is deeply valued in Bhutan for all the times. 

The Story of a Night Guard

Born and brought up in far South of the country, Mr. Bovey Daju has long-standing story of both success and failure.

Not everyone is born with Silver Spoon in the mouth. Thus, endurance is what it takes to complete one's short life.

Owing to some family obstacles, he didn’t get chance to go to school for any formal education. Since, education during those time was not as easy as today. Unfortunate in many ways. However, he did not stop to keep working hard for his family.

As he sits down with his favourite Doma Khamto, he narrates his rich life experiences – "Being the eldest son in a family is not easy. From an early age, he looked after many family matters which in fact, have taught him endless endurance of life. As he helped his parents raise their siblings, he knew he has to be the role model. Back home he not only looks after his younger siblings, but also looks after whole house hold activities. In fact, there are many times where he acted more than a father in his family. As a little boy, he also learnt to cook and do some house-hold chores seriously."  

However, after his marriage, he felt the importance and the need of education, if not for his children. What education means for a living? The power of education! And all?

Thus, for the sake of his kids, he left home. It was almost twenty years he is away from his parents to pursue the wildest dreams of his kid’s proper education, simply for EDUCATION. However, some still continue to blame government for not doing enough, simply they want free SICKLE. Until now, he had worked for different companies. Some great, and few horrible. However, as a night guard he found it heavily challenging and risky. He found night duty, especially in a chilly and outwardly stationed school, he had faced some very extreme human outrange of discrimination and abusing. As he matures now, have varied field of experiences, if one thing that matters above all, and that is necessary part of living a beautiful life, that is EDUCATION. Through, his rich experiences of East to West journey, he always keeps in mind that Education is mother of everything.

By his looks, he is very similar to mid-twenty SALMAN BHAI of TERINAAM.  His height is approximately 5.70 and face cut is very close to Korean Stars.

If everything goes as planned, he wants his children to be well educated, and if possible, have one decent government jobs. Because in his entire life, he found government jobs not only gives stable income but also earns lots of respect in the society.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle. 

                                                         –By Sun Tzu

Night and Light

Flash Back

Special Royal Address

Every time I come across these heartwarming lines from His Majesty the King, it gives me unparallel hope for living a life. I wish every human leader possessed such greatness and humanness nature, and not their selfish ego. Leadership is in fact, missing here in some context from our leaders/simply boss. With such a caring Royal Words, I shall take a self-promise of serving this nation in my best ability and dedication. 

                                  LONG LIVE YOUR MAJESTY!

“Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality.”

- His Majesty's Coronation Address to the Nation

Photo Courtesy:

The official Facebook page of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck