Project Champ
Bhutan | Project Champ - Global Shapers Thimphu Hub | 2024
Kuzuzangpo la!
We are the Global Shapers Thimphu Hub, a group of young changemakers working towards a more inclusive and empathetic Bhutan. In 2024, we launched Project Champ, a campaign to address the lack of legal literacy and persistent stigma faced by Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). Our mission? To build a society that sees these young people not as outcasts, but as individuals deserving of support, second chances, and dignity.
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22 to 32 years old
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The Right-Sized Problem
Children who come into conflict with the law often face lifelong discrimination and exclusion, making reintegration into society incredibly difficult. The lack of legal literacy further isolates them, preventing communities from understanding the root causes behind these issues. Without education, awareness, and empathy, the cycle of stigma continues.
What did we do?
Over 6 and a half months, we carried out a multi-platform campaign—on the ground, online, and on national media—to change the narrative and create real impact.
Offline Impact
📌 Advocacy in Schools – We engaged 688 students across 4 schools in Thimphu and Paro, educating them about the rights and duties of children and encouraging them to combat stigma.
📌 Sensitization Workshop – We hosted “Locked Stories: From Conflict to Connection”, bringing together school counselors, CSOs, and community volunteers. We also launched a booklet of the same title to deepen understanding of CICLs’ experiences.
📌 Stakeholder Engagement – We collaborated with 39 key stakeholders, including Nazhoen Lamtoen and Happiness Center, to strengthen aftercare and reintegration efforts.
Online & Media Impact
📱 Social Media Awareness – Through partnerships with Humans of Thimphu, we shared powerful stories of former CICLs, reaching 27,770+ people and engaging over 2,204 viewers.
🎥 Talk Show on BBS 3 – Our program, “From Conflict to Connection”, will air nationwide on January 10, 2025, ensuring CICLs' voices are heard at the highest level.
Campaign Impact
Increased Public Awareness – Students pledged to stand with their peers instead of discriminating against them.
Empowered Communities – Workshop participants reported feeling better equipped to support vulnerable children.
Systemic Change – Engagement with policy officers and national organizations is paving the way for stronger reintegration frameworks.
And in the words of another student, captured in a haiku:
“Promise
To do better,
Change for the better,
And not for bitter”
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. With the success of Project Champ, we’re determined to continue pushing for legal literacy, inclusion, and systemic change in Bhutan. The momentum is growing, and we won’t stop until every child—no matter their past—has the chance to rebuild their future.
Follow our journey:
📍 Facebook: Global Shapers Thimphu
📍 Instagram: @shapersthimphu
