Trekking to Tiger's Nest

Tiger’s Nest in Paro (Paro Taktsang) is a monastery that seems impossible to access. Indeed the story is that Guru Rinpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava, meaning “born of the lotus”) flew up the mountain on the back of a tigress.

But when we climbed up Tiger's Nest, which is 500 meters above ground, we made the impossible possible. Although it was a steep climb that strained our muscles and lungs, we were able to make it all the way to the monastery - and all the way back down - and marvel at how far we had come, both literally and figuratively.

We wouldn’t have been able to make the impossible possible without each of us leading and guiding each other. It was amazing to see the different kinds of leadership at play as we climbed together. Some of us were pioneers, exploring the way through the difficult terrain for the rest of us and inspiring us with their initiative; some of us were mood-setters, keeping up team morale and setting the pace; some of us were healers, looking out for the needs of each other and how to address them; and some of us were guides, keeping us focused and on-track. The very best part was that each of us exhibited these different qualities at different times; we not only played to our strengths but tried to lead us each other in the best ways possible.

The trek also helped us grow stronger as a team, from our discussion on religion and spirituality that began in the car ride over to remarking on how far we came in our hike. We are more comfortable questioning and challenging ourselves and each other. We learned about our team on a much deeper level, and as a result, the bonds between us have become much stronger. It’s just one way being in a new country and a new society –even for such a short period of time--has transformed us.

Our Vision

Today starts the first day of the training of the trainers. We will meeting with 30 teachers from across the country to begin prepping them for the camp so that they will be able to teach it to the children next week. As we continue to pursue our mission and goals, we wanted to share with you our vision so that you can begin to understand the purpose of our program. We will also soon be posting our incredible pictures from our hike to Tiger's Nest yesterday.

Here is our vision:

At the Leadership Institute at Harvard College, we believe that all worthwhile education is powerful. Its impact must always start at the student, but must never end there. When placed in the right hands, its effects proceed to reverberate across the ­­­­­­­­intricate windings of society, picking up momentum along the way, and leaving individuals and communities forever altered.

Our Youth Lead the Change curriculum derives its value from this philosophy. We begin the program by guiding the students along a path of self-discovery and reflection in which they identify their interests, passions, strengths, and weaknesses. Then we cultivate an appreciation of service leadership so that students can comprehend that outstanding leaders are those who are devoted to compassionately satisfying the needs of others and addressing injustice.

Essentially, our goal is to inspire then empower. We help students to realize whom they want to serve and how they want to lead. We equip them with the skills and tools that they will need to navigate a complex society so that they can diagnose community needs and fulfill them. Then we help them to align their visions with those of different people to form a single driving mission. Students thus leave the program with the ability to both unite and work harmoniously with others, in the contexts of a team, a community, a nation, and a world.

As they find purpose in their communities and nurture their capacity to contribute to society by refining their leadership skills, students reach a new level of peace and happiness as their sense of self-worth soars to new heights. These students emerge from the program as confident leaders; this means that some of them will be at the forefront of movements within their communities and policy-making within the Kingdom of Bhutan. Formal service leadership training through Youth Lead the Change will leave students sincerely invested in the prosperity, wellbeing, and governance of Bhutanese citizens. Therefore, students will be devoted to achieving the four pillars of Gross National Happiness, and they will harness the lessons of our teachings for the development of their nation.

What an Amazing First Day!!

After a minor setback of being held in the Indian airport for a few hours because of missing paperwork, we were able to board Druk Air for the most beautiful flight in the world. Our 50 minute flight was filled with an amazing view of Mt. Everest.

(The peak is hidden in the clouds in the left-middle of the picture)

We picked up some of our teaching partners including Karan and Sid in Bhutan and also made some new friends including Yngcku (our tourguide), young teens playing Carams, and a really friendly group of monks.

(A picture with some of the monks at Paro Dzong)

For our first night, we stayed in Gangtey Palace in Paro. Here, we had lunch with a Bhutan delegate who is one of the most powerful and respected men in Bhutan. He is the son of the first Bhutanese Prime Minister and had so much to share with us. Tobgye Dorji told us about the history of the country and the religion of the Bhuddist faith. One the coolest things he showed us was his most prized possession: the Dalai Lama's handprints on the back of one his painting in his family's temple.

(Tobgye Dorgi's Temple)

We made two short hikes on the first day to see some of the landmarks of Bhutan. The first visit was to Paro Dzong monastry. It was a beautiful white stone building that was built around 1638. Then we stopped at Drukial Castle, where the Bhutans hid from the invading Tibetan army in the 16th century. It was an amazing castle ruin.

(Paro Dzong on the hillside of Paro)

The day ended with dinner being held for us in a local Bhutanese restaurant. We were visited by the Speaker of the National Assembly, which is similar to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in America. He had intriguing stories and was very excited about our leadership program in Bhutan.

(A view from Paro Dzong of the city of Paro)

Bhutan is such a wonderful place. The air is so fresh and the people are so friendly. The food has been delicious as well. Tomorrow, we are off to Tiger's nest and then Thimphu to get ready for teaching on Monday. Stay tuned!

(Our group on top of Brukial Castle)

Guten Tag! (Hello) From Germany

Our team in front of the Frankfurt Airport sign...

A much needed nap...


After arriving in Frankfurt at 5:30 a.m., we had a five hour layover in the airport. We met up with two of our team members who flew on a seperate flight, leaving just one more who is already in India.

A recap of our expensive but nice stay in Germany:
Breakfast McGriddle from McDonalds...$8
A German Deck of Playing Cards...$23
Finally on our next leg of the trip to Kolkata...Priceless!


Next time you hear from us, we'll be in Bhutan!!

A HUGE Thank You To Our Sponsors!

As we head off to Bhutan tomorrow, we wanted to give a special recognition to the people who allowed this trip to happen. It was through their generous offerings that we were able to fundraise the necessary budget. As we continue to receive more support, we have become very close to our goal. We have raised $4,275 just short of our initial goal of $5,000. Thank you so much to the following people for their support of our mission.


Our wonderful sponsors:
Patricia Adams
Erika Allen
Jerry and Terry Averyt
Nancy Barry
Michele and Tim Breene
Barbara Burkett
Steve Clary
Deborah Douglas

Fred & Susie Harburg
Ben Harburg
LIHC Challenge Innovation Grant
Nilesh Manisha
Keith Martinez
Vicki Mullins
Linda Nelson

Mary & Sherif Nada
Susan and David Smith
Carol Toler
Kay Wilson

Thanks again for all of your support. You are not only changing our lives but also the students and people of Bhutan who will be forever grateful for the opportunity that you have helped provide. We can't wait to share with each of you our experience in Bhutan.

Visas are here! Bags are packed. Bhutan in 5 days...

The Teaching Team!

L to R: Reid McCann, Akansha Tarun, Emily Harburg, Sheba Mathew, Ujunwa Akanwenze, Dalumuzi Mhlanga