About Us
Who are we?
Y-PEER Bhutan, or the Youth Peer Education Network Bhutan, is a youth-led network that works to promote healthy lifestyles, informed decision-making, youth leadership, and meaningful participation among young people in Bhutan. We are a platform created by young people, for young people, where peer-to-peer learning, dialogue, advocacy, and creative engagement come together to support the wellbeing and empowerment of youth.
At the heart of Y-PEER Bhutan is the belief that young people should have the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to take charge of their own lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We create safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly spaces where young people can speak openly about issues that matter to them, learn from one another, and develop the skills they need to become responsible leaders and advocates.
Y-PEER Bhutan is also part of Y-PEER Asia Pacific, an international youth peer education initiative launched by UNFPA in the early 2000s. This wider network was created to empower young people across the region to educate and support their peers through structured peer education approaches. In Bhutan, the network contributes to strengthening youth engagement in national development efforts and promoting a supportive environment where young people can actively participate in shaping healthier, more inclusive, and more equitable communities
How we started?
Y-PEER Bhutan was established in 2012, with the first Y-PEER network formed at Sherubtse College under the Royal University of Bhutan. The initiative was introduced to promote peer education among college students and to create a platform where young people could openly discuss issues related to health, relationship and personal development with support from UNFPA Bhutan and Department of Youth and Sports (now PYCD).
Following its initial success, the network gradually expanded to other colleges and technical training institutes across Bhutan. Over time, Y-PEER Bhutan grew into one of the most active youth-led peer education networks in the country, bringing together young volunteers who are committed to promoting youth wellbeing and social awareness. The network has now expanded its presence across multiple educational institutions and currently engages more than 1,500 youth volunteers from 19 networks across various colleges and training institutions. Through its programs and activities, Y-PEER Bhutan has trained hundreds of young people as peer educators and youth leaders on SRHR, equipping them with the skills to facilitate discussions, organize awareness programs, and support their peers in making informed decisions.
Vision
“A society in Bhutan where young people are informed, confident, and lead healthy, inclusive communities.”
This vision reflects our belief that young people should have access to the knowledge, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. It also reflects our aspiration for a Bhutan where youth are not only healthy and informed, but also active contributors to social inclusion, equality, and positive change.
Mission
“To equip young people with peer education, training and creative engagement (edutainment) so they can champion SRHR, gender equality, and meaningful youth participation.”
Our mission is focused on empowerment through action. We aim to build the capacity of young people so they can lead awareness, advocate for rights and wellbeing, promote inclusive values, and influence the spaces where decisions affecting youth are made.
Our Core Areas of Work
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
We promote youth-friendly awareness and education on sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, and responsible decision-making. Through peer education, discussions, outreach activities, and campaigns, we help young people access accurate information and develop the confidence to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.
Peer Education and Youth Leadership
Peer education is the foundation of our network. We train young people to become peer educators and youth leaders who can facilitate conversations, share knowledge, and support their peers. Through this process, we strengthen leadership, communication, teamwork, and the ability of young people to lead change in their institutions and communities.
Gender Equality and GBV Prevention
We work to raise awareness on gender equality and prevent gender-based violence by promoting respectful relationships, inclusive attitudes, and positive social norms. Our activities encourage young people to challenge discrimination, support equality, and contribute to safer and more respectful communities.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
We encourage open conversations on mental health and wellbeing, recognizing that young people need supportive environments where they can talk honestly about their experiences. Through peer support and awareness activities, we seek to reduce stigma and strengthen the emotional wellbeing of young people.
Youth Advocacy and Civic Engagement
We support meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes, youth forums, and development spaces. Our goal is to ensure that young people are not only consulted but actively engaged in shaping the policies and programs that affect their lives.
Partnerships for Youth Development
We collaborate with government agencies, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to strengthen youth empowerment initiatives. These partnerships allow us to expand our reach, enhance our programming, and create broader opportunities for young people across Bhutan.
Our Organizational Structure
Y-PEER Bhutan operates as a decentralized youth network with a clear national coordination layer and autonomous sub-networks. This structure allows the network to balance national leadership with local initiative, giving each network the flexibility to respond to the needs of its own institution while remaining connected to the wider Y-PEER Bhutan movement.
