So much to do. What to do?

The phrase 'What to do?' is a common expression in Bhutan. It's quite funny when you hear it in conversation. It refers to a mixture of exasperation and frustration. More often than not, it is said with a complacent tone and for some it is used as an excuse.

A conversation could go along the lines of 'There is high unemployment in Bhutan, but what to do?' or 'We tried to teach drivers to use a roundabout, but they ignore us and we have many confused chillips - but what to do?'. The reason I mention this expression, is that I used it today.

I was discussing Bhutan, work and the state of this country with some people and felt an almost overwhelming feeling of loss, depression and hopelessness. When you spend time here and take time to think about some of the social, health and education problems this country faces it is hard not to get disheartened.

For someone like me who wants to help and make an impact, it is particularly difficult as there are so many causes that can use your time and efforts. The problem is there is just not enough time.

Bhutan can use assistance in relation to womens issues, environment, youth employment, youth recreation, education, cervical cancer prevention, disability, reducing domestic violence, alcohol abuse, littering, or just about anything you can think of. Those that I have listed above are just the topics I have discussed today.

So for me, this experience is somewhat overwhelming, and with so much to do, I ask myself.. 'What to do?'

As I mentioned in earlier blogs, my priority is to do my job the best of my ability, so aside from this - where I can - I am donating some time to RENEW, Bhutan's fledgling women's non government organisation. RENEW is an acronym for Respect, Empower, Nurture, Educate Women.

I met some of the women when I went to Bumthang with the Queen. I have helped them write and produce a brochure and will assist them with some advocacy work to raise the awareness of domestic violence in Bhutan which will hopefully get them some donor funding.

When I return to Australia I'll also look at doing some fundraising for them, so they can use the money for advocacy back in Bhutan.

So I'm putting aside the hopelessness, visualising a positive future for Bhutan and doing what I can in the time that I have. Please be aware, it is certainly not all that bad here. There are organisations that have been developed for most social issues, they are just at an early stage of development. I guess I'm just impatient.

I guess the moral of this experience is that whilst it is good to know of the different social issues that are occuring in any society, the challenge is to do something about it. Anything. Some people can get on their soapbox about different issues, but what you need to ask what are they actually doing.

My parting thought is while talk is good, action is louder.

Tashi Delek.