Organization for Youth Empowerment

Bhutan Jamchong Thuendrel Foundation (BJTF) was established on 28th February 2018. BJTF is registered under the Civil Society Act of Bhutan as a Public Benefit Organization with the registration number CSOA-PBO-31 and it also functions as the Bhutanese chapter to the South Asia Foundation (SAF)

Upon concurring approval from the Civil Society Organization Authority (CSOA), the name has been changed to Organization for Youth Empowerment (OYE) effect from 1st March 2021. OYE shall pursue with the same objectives as BJTF whereby organization was set up to support the Bhutanese youth in finding meaningful employment. OYE as a local initiative has grown out of concern for the high and increasing youth unemployment. So, its principle aim is to curb and reverse this trend. Furthermore, Our primary focus are youth that are school-going, enrolled in Technical Training Institutes, or those that have entered the labor market and experience difficulty in finding meaningful employment.

STAFF

Dr. Nima Gyeltshen
Executive Director
Dr. Nima is a retired civil servant with 39 year experience in various fields, including education and youth issues. Dr. Nima started his career as a teacher in 1980 and rose to the rank of a Dzongrab (Deputy Governor) of Wangdue Dzongkhag District in 2015 before he superannuated on 30th April 2018. Dr Nima holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Leadership & Management from The Thames International University, Paris, France in 2024.
Mr. Sonam Tashi
Program Officer
Mrs. Sonam Choden
Accountant/ Adm
Mrs. Deki Yangden
Program Officer

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

The Board of Directors consists of seven member team representing different aspects of society including a youth representative member. The Board of Directors acts as OYE's governing body by setting the strategic direction, providing oversight and guidance on performance and ensuring availability of funding. The Board meets at least 4 times a year, with the first meeting held on 3 March 2018.

Board members serve for a period of five years with possibility of renewal on a case-by-case basis. Board members do not receive any financial compensation or sitting fee.

Dasho Ugen Tsechup
Chairperson

Dasho is the chairperson of OYE, succeeding his brother Lyonpo Sangye Ngedup.

Dasho has served and continues to serve in various high-level public posts. Dasho serves as the chairman of the Singye Groups of Companies and Zimdra Pvt. Ltd, President of Bhutan Football Federation, Honorary Consul General of Thailand and served as the president of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Dasho has contributed immensely to the private sector development of the country.

Rev. Father Kinley Tshering
Member

Father Kinley Tshering SJ was the first Bhutanese MBA graduate from IIM Bangalore (1983). He worked for Her Royal Highness Ashi Deki Yangzom as a general manager for three years. In 1986, a chance encounter with Mother Teresa convinced him to pursue another life.

He has been an educator and has had an illustrious career as the Rector of St Joseph’s, Darjeeling, Principal of Loyola College of Education, and Dean of Sikkim Government College. He has also founded several schools and colleges, the most recent being St Xavier’s College, Mizoram.

Lam (Dr.) Kezang Chhoephel
Member
Lam (Dr.) Kezang holds a Ph.D from Thames International University, Paris, France. He started his career as a teacher and rose to the rank of Principal, DEO and after resigning from the civil servant, He also served in the capacity of the Secretary General of PDP, Executive Secretary for Damchen Company and CEO in APIC. He also served in the capacity of Secretary at Royal Kanjur Project. Since 2023, He is serving as the CEO of the Office of Holy Gold Script.
Mr. Dorji Phuntsho
Member

Mr. Dorji Phuntsho is the CEO of Royal Security Exchange of Bhutan Limited.

Mr. Vijay Gurung
Member

Vijay Gurung is the founder and CTO of iDRUK SOLUTIONS. iDRUK SOLUTIONS was founded with a vision to providing value-added high quality IT Solutions to clients by combining technology, domain expertise, process focus and a commitment to long-term client relationships. As a young and successful entrepreneur himself, Mr. Vijay has played a crucial role in building the start-up eco system in Bhutan, and served as the Senior Mentor for the start-up programs in the country.

Mr. Vijay Gurung is also the Program Leader and Lecturer of Bachelors of Computer Application at Royal Thimphu College.

Mr. Ugyen Choeda Jamtsho
Member

Mr. Ugyen Choeda is the Founder of ‘I Am An Entrepreneur’. This event has given massive media platform for various entrepreneurs to share inspire and motivate the people through their story telling and documentation. Mr, Ugyen also hosted the first national event bringing together all the entrepreneur from Bhutan together to share their experiences and show case their works.

Mr. Pema Gyalpo
Member
Mr. Pema Gyalpo holds Master in development management. He is the CEO of Research Impact Development, a private consultancy firm.
Mr. Jigme Wangchuk D
Member
Mr. Jigme is the Executive Director of Loden Foundation.