The 21st batch of Scouts Leadership Training concluded yesterday at the National Scouts Center in Paro with the Hon’ble Lyonpo for Education and Skills Development awarding certificates to the scout leaders.
The training held from July 1 to 21 brought together 150 scout students including 70 boys and 80 girls from schools across all 20 Dzongkhags and four Thromdes. It focused on equipping young scouts with holistic leadership skills rooted in patriotism, discipline, service, teamwork and self-reliance. It also played a crucial role in enhancing physical and mental health through structured and intense activities.
In her address, Lyonpo congratulated the new leaders and highlighted scouting as a “powerful and transformative educational journey” that offers a unique platform for students to grow and thrive. She emphasised that completing the training marks the beginning of greater responsibilities and encouraged them to continue serving as role models and sources of inspiration for others.
On the day, Lyonpo also presented Messenger of Peace scarf to three individuals for their exemplary volunteer contributions to the scouting program.
The training was initiated in 2013 under the Royal Command of His Majesty The King to revitalise the scouting programme and enhance meaningful youth engagement across the country. To date, there are 2,622 trained scout leaders including 1,328 male and 1,294 female. In addition, there are 4,222 trained adult scout leaders including male 2,326 and female 1,896. Currently, Bhutan has 146,697 registered scouts representing nearly 94% of the total student population.
The Scouts and Sports Division under the Department of Education Programmes jointly with the Royal Bhutan Army’s Commando Wing in Shaba organised the training. It is held twice a year with the next batch expected to be held in December 2025.
According to the organiser, scouts who complete the leadership training often take on significant roles such as patrol leaders, event coordinators, community service organisers and youth advocates.
Additional pictures are online at SherigBhutan
