DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
To commemorate the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women) formally launched the Academy for Counselling and Social Work Advancement on 26 August in Thimphu.
The institute, approved as a continued education provider, aims to develop skills and knowledge of counselling professionals and social workers in Bhutan.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, President and Patron of RENEW, together with Edith Cowan University (ECU) Vice Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock.
The initiative represented a milestone in strengthening the professional of counselling and social work in the country.
Speaking at the launch, Her Majesty underscored the importance of building a skilled workforce in mental health and social services.
“This academy is a significant step toward ensuring that Bhutan has trained counsellors and social workers who can provide professional care to individuals and families in need,” Her Majesty said.
The establishment of the training centre follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between RENEW and ECU in 2023.
Under the agreement, ECU will provide institutional support to RENEW in developing the academy and building the capacity of Bhutanese professionals.
Professor Clare Pollock, who travelled from Australia for the launch, highlighted ECU’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s aspirations in the social services sector.
“Through this partnership, we are proud to contribute to strengthening counselling and social work education in Bhutan. Our collaboration with RENEW ensures that Bhutanese professionals will have access to international standards of training while remaining rooted in the country’s cultural values and context,” she said.
ECU’s School of Arts and Humanities has previously worked with Bhutanese institutions to develop academic programs and professional training in counselling and psychotherapy.
The MoU signed in 2023 broadened this cooperation, paving the way for curriculum development, faculty training, and scholarship opportunities.
The academy is expected to offer a range of programs focusing on counselling, social work, trauma informed care, and evidence based therapeutic practices.
It will also provide continuing education pathways for existing counsellors and social workers, with training modules designed to meet national accreditation requirements under the BQPCA.
According to RENEW officials, the centre will serve as a hub for professional development, research, and knowledge exchange in counselling and social work.
It is envisioned as a long-term investment in Bhutan’s social infrastructure, equipping professionals with both technical skills and ethical standards necessary for effective service delivery.
As part of the partnership, the Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck Scholarship was also instituted in 2023 to enable selected Bhutanese counsellors to pursue postgraduate studies in Australia.
Through this program, candidates will have the opportunity to undertake a Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Edith Cowan University.
Professor Pollock explained the scholarship’s role in building human capacity.
“These scholarships are not only about academic achievement but also about creating a pool of highly skilled professionals who will return to Bhutan to strengthen its mental health and social services sector,” she said.
The first group of scholarship recipients is expected to begin their studies in 2026. Upon completion, they will be required to return to Bhutan to contribute their expertise through practice, training, and policy support.
The launch of the academy comes at a time when Bhutan is increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health and psychosocial support.
Non-communicable diseases, substance abuse, and rising cases of stress and depression have highlighted the need for professionally trained counsellors and social workers.
Dr. Sonam Pelden, Academic lead said that the institute’s accreditation marks an important step in setting standards for the sector.
“With the academy now registered as a continuing education provider, Bhutanese counsellors will have access to structured training programs that align with national professional requirements,” the she said.
Founded in 2004 under the patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, RENEW has been at the forefront of advocating for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and protection from domestic violence.
Over the years, the organization has expanded its work to include psychosocial support, shelter services, and community outreach.
The establishment of the Academy for Counselling and Social Work Advancement is seen as a natural extension of RENEW’s efforts to institutionalize professional support systems in Bhutan.
By combining its local experience with ECU’s international expertise, RENEW aims to create a sustainable model for capacity building.
Dr. Sonam Pelden emphasized that the launch of the academy is only the beginning of a long-term partnership.
Plans are underway to introduce certification programs, short-term workshops, and diploma courses that will be accessible to both professionals and students interested in careers in counselling and social work.
Professor Pollock reaffirmed ECU’s long-term commitment.
“This partnership will continue to grow. Our goal is to ensure that Bhutanese professionals have the opportunity to learn, exchange, and develop in ways that will benefit communities across the country,” she said.
The academy is set to become a cornerstone institution in Bhutan’s social sector, combining global expertise with local commitment to strengthen the nation’s capacity for mental health and social care.
