Nazhoen Pelri – A cool place for youngsters to hang out
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29 November, 2008 – It is just what youth today need. Spread across two and half acres, Nazhoen Pelri (youth paradise), the youth development centre (YDF), offers facilities like sports complex, cafeteria, Internet and skill development programs, all under one roof.
It comes at a time when schools are closing for winter vacations and young people not clear on how to spend their time. The sports complex, according to the program director of Nazhoen Pelri, Dorji Ohm, comprise badminton, squash, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, gym and steam room.
“The gym will hopefully be fully equipped by next year and we’re also exploring the idea of having a skating rink because we find students out on the road,” said Dorji Ohm.
According to the youth development fund’s (YDF) mandate, youth are those aged between 0 to 24 years. “We don’t have residential facilities, but we’ll provide them skills so they can look for opportunities,” said Dorji Ohm. “We’d welcome ideas and youth should tell us what they need.”
At its inauguration yesterday, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Pem Wangchuck said, “I hope this facility will benefit in particular our young friends, this project will be meaningful if it becomes a healthy and lively hub for the youth and it’s our hope that Nazhoen Pelri will become the pride of Thimphu.”
The centre will also organise family-centred activities, yoga and aerobics classes. “We’re also looking for mentors to help and guide our troubled and unemployed youth,” said the executive director of YDF, Yandey Penjore.
To maintain the place, a nominal fee would be charged. “You can be a member and, if the youth can’t afford to pay, they can do a social work and buy a membership here,” said Dorji Ohm.
Some of the programs already implemented and on the agenda are the youth leadership program, young warriors, a green thumb project to keep the centre green and beautiful, young scientists to enhance creativity, tutorial and support youth and GNH photography competition.
Although the timing of the centre is yet to be decided, the program director said that they plan to keep it open 24 hours, except during maintenance work.
The about nine crores ngultrum project began in 2005 and was funded by the government of India.
By Sonam Pelden (Kuenselonline)