In a significant milestone for youth development in the south, Samtse is set to have its first-ever youth center to provide recreational, educational and developmental opportunities to the Dzongkhag’s growing youth population. With Samtse rapidly emerging as one of the country’s key industrial hubs, the facility is expected to play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of citizens.
Spanning an area of 75 decimals, the center is expected to be completed in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Once operational, it will offer a range of modern facilities including a library, internet café, reprographic services, outdoor sports facilities, recreational areas, multipurpose hall, cafeteria and lobby. It will serve as a safe and inclusive space where young people can gather, learn and engage in positive activities that foster their physical, mental and social well-being.
As part of her Samtse tour, the Hon’ble Lyonpo accompanied by the Director of the Department of Education Programmes and senior officials visited the designated site for the youth center on April 19.
Bhutan’s first youth center was established in Motithang, Thimphu in 2000. Since then, the network has grown to 13 centers nationwide serving as key platforms for youth empowerment.
Over the years, these centers have helped numerous youths including out-of-school learners by providing access to valuable 21st-century transferable skills such as digital literacy, coding, programming, arts and drama, employability and basic entrepreneurship. Additionally, they have been instrumental in raising awareness about pressing social issues such as substance abuse, violence and mental health challenges.
