After Camp RUF 2018, the members decided to come together for the post camp initiative called Project Chodrup. The Project started on January 2nd, 2019 with the aim to provide basic schooling necessities to 200 students across the nation. We had set a target goal of Nu. 550,000.
I joined this project to stick to my New Year resolution of getting out of my comfort zone and also because I did not really have anything to do. I’ve always loved to stay in my comfort zone and I hate to do something I’m not comfortable with especially alone. However, I decided to push myself to do something productive before I have to go to college for my postgraduate diploma. Therefore, I took part in this project to get out of my comfort zone but also mainly because I did not have anything else to do. I thought that the project would be a good place to dedicate a few hours of my day to. Little did I know that I would be spending a lot more than a few hours a day…
I volunteered to become the treasurer on the first day itself. I chose to do so because I’m good with numbers, I’m accountable, I trust myself (after all, who wouldn’t?) and because I love to work with money! However, as time went on and as I took on more responsibilities, I sort of became a de facto leader. Considering the fact that I have never taken part in any project like this before, it was quite difficult for me. There were project members as young as twelve and I was the oldest of the group. Being so, I felt this pressure of having to be responsible for the members as well as the project.
This past month was possibly the longest time I’ve fully dedicated myself to something that was not related to school or did not promise any returns. In fact, we had around thirty or so volunteers who worked tirelessly each day without expecting anything in return. We went around Thimphu town asking for donations and even traveled to few other Dzongkhags. Although we were sometimes rejected or told off, there were others who gave support and encouragement.
We were short of our target goal by about Nu. 50,000. However, after some recalculation, we were able to manage with the amount we raised. In fact, we were able to increase the number of students we would help to 210 students across 30 schools all over the country. It is amazing how a group of kids who started with nothing but a good intention were able to raise around Nu. 500,000 to give back to the community. This has really restored my faith in humanity and the world.
As a “leader”, I may have had many shortcomings. There were many obstacles along the way and I am proud of how we, as a team, managed to overcome it. There were also many things that could have been done better or that I wish I could go back in time and change. Although I would never admit it out loud, being one of the leaders and the oldest of the group, I blame myself for some of our shortcomings. Yet, on the other side, I’m more proud of myself and our team for what we have achieved. In a period of just one month, we were able to dedicate ourselves to play a small part in helping change a few lives.
I had never realized how much work goes into these charity projects. I made a promise to myself that I would try to help any such projects or organizations in any little way I can. I’m glad that I began the year of 2019 with a busy month dedicated to giving back to the community. I got out of my comfort zone and I’m not gonna lie, there were times that I did regret it. However, at the end of this journey, I’m thankful that I chose to do this. I bonded with a lot of great people. Despite the age differences, I was able to connect with like minded people. More than anything, we played a part in making the lives of 210 students across Bhutan a little easier. What can be a better way to kick start 2019 and the year of the female pig?
