Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck awarding the prize to one of the winners

November 14: The children and youth festival ended on November 12. The three-day festival drew a large number of youth.

The festival was intended to promote interaction among the youth and stimulate debate and discussions on various issues ranging from party politics to youth related problems like teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and unemployment.

Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck graced the closing ceremony of the three day festival.

The festival was organized to help the youth express themselves through art, music, poetry, film, photography, debates, quiz and essay competitions and games and shows.

At the closing ceremony, prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners in various competitions. Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck awarded the grand jury prizes to the participants. Sonam Yangzom and her group won the grand jury award in film and documentary.

The documentary titled Unheard Voices focused on youth and democracy. Talking about the festival, Sonam Yangzom said it was a wonderful experience.

Dorji Wangchuk, a member of the festival’s organizing committee said the festival was aimed at providing a platform for the youth to explore their creativity and boost their confidence.

The festival was sponsored by UNICEF and the UNDP. It was organized by the Kids Media Club, the New Theater Company, Youth Development Fund, and National Commission for Women & Children, Department of Youth & Sports, Kuzoo FM, and UNICEF.

The festival will be conducted annually. Gross National Happiness and Youth will be the theme of the festival next year.