BHUTAN NUNS FOUNDATION
LOCATION: THIMPHU
FOUNDER: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN MOTHER TSHERING YANGDOEN WANGCHUCK
INCEPTION: 2009
ABOUT BHUTAN NUNS FOUNDATION
Bhutan Nuns Foundation (BNF) is a charitable organization that provides support and resources for girls and women living in the nunneries throughout Bhutan.
BNF empowers and educates Bhutanese girls and women, improving the living conditions and economic vitality of rural villages, and preserving Bhutan’s strong, sustainable culture as it faces rapid economic development.
Many girls and women in Bhutan enter nunneries for short to long periods to gain educational opportunities and to escape poverty and abuse, dedicating their lives to serving society. They are very involved in local communities, helping families in need and serving as role models for other girls and women who, despite possessing great potential, have an otherwise limited support system.
The foundation’s mission is to benefit Bhutan’s Buddhist nuns enabling them to reach out to society, including other women and youths in need of support, by offering them assistance and empathy in these challenging times of profound change. Bhutan’s Buddhist nuns have a major role to play, equipped with spiritual values they have the immense potential not only to create a meaningful life for themselves, but also to benefit society, to inspire and to teach others.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Her Majesty Queen Mother Tshering Yangdoen Wangchuck was born on 21 June 1959 in Nobgang, Punakha District. Her Majesty is the Queen of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan, and mother to His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Her Royal Highness Princess Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck and His Royal Highness Prince Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Her Majesty was educated at St. Joseph's Convent, Kalimpong, India and founded the Bhutan Nuns Foundation in 2009. The Foundation provides a high leverage means of empowering and educating Bhutanese women, especially nuns. It aims to improve economic and living conditions in rural villages, and preserve Bhutan’s strong, sustainable culture and spiritual heritage.
Her Majesty is the patron of the Royal Bhutan Flower Exhibition, an annual event to inspire appreciation for beautiful spaces, foster community vitality, and encourage the growth of floriculture’s vibrant entrepreneurship across Bhutan.
