About Us
Founded in 2023, BAAI was established to fulfil a long standing goal to enable people in Australia to support those in need in Bhutan.
Famously known as ‘The Happiest Country In the World’, in 2024 Bhutan’s 775,000 people are still grappling with some economic and developmental challenges and vulnerabilities linked to climate, economy and the impact of being a small, landlocked country in the middle of the Himalayas. Fortunately Bhutan’s people are friendly, happy and live together in a harmonious society, capably governed under a new democracy and ruled by their beloved King, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, who ascended to the throne in 2006.
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk
(Picture courtesy: His Majesty’s Facebook page)
After recent economic progress Bhutan graduated from Least Developed Country (LDC) in 2023. Sadly the pandemic had a substantial impact on the economy, and so Bhutan remains heavily reliant on foreign remittances, exports of hydropower and tourism.
Blessed with beautiful people and stunning scenery Bhutan makes a fantastic holiday destination, and they have exemplar policies in place to protect and retain both their distinctive local culture and environment, with over 50% of the landmass committed to national parks, and major undertakings in tree planting and environmental remediation across the country. Unfortunately, as with all Himalayan nations, Bhutan is subject to occasional earthquakes, landslides and ‘mountain tsunamis’.
As anyone who has seen the fantastic film ‘Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom’ will have seen, while education is universal in Bhutan it faces some issues with access and resources. We are committed to supporting schools in Bhutan by assisting them with materials and other support. This is a project close to the hearts of those of us here at BAAI and we are confident you will support us.
Small purchases of school supplies can make a big difference, allowing us to send pens, paper and other school basics to village schools in the remote areas of Bhutan. We are also raising funds for laptops and other digital devices, with software and other tools included to help give teachers and students access to a wide range of learning tools and experiences.
BAAI is also a conduit for providing special assistance during times of need. If there is a natural disaster such as an earthquake, BAAI can assist people to provide assistance to those in Bhutan by raising special appeals and sending money to support those most impacted.
Please help us, the children and people of Bhutan deserve a chance to enjoy the same benefits we enjoy in Australia, and your donation can make a huge difference.
