2. Fostering Environmental Stewardship and Cultural Heritage through Natural Dyeing:
A Child Education Program at My Gakidh Village School

By Geewanath Sharma
The Child Education Program, supported by the Green Weaving Centre ,YDF at My Gakidh Village School (MGVS) in the remote village of Talhogang, Punakha, has provided an enriching and hands-on learning experience for both students and teachers, fostering a deep connection to local ecology, textile culture, and skills development. Over several weeks, the MGVS team and students participated in an educational program focused on natural dyeing and Bhutanese textiles.
Activities included collecting and processing nettle plants for yarn production, learning sustainable dyeing practices,
and experimenting with locally sourced natural dyes like Zim, Madder, Artemisia, and Dogwood. Through capacity-building sessions and community involvement, the program emphasized the importance of natural dyeing and sustainable practices, while enhancing students engagement with their environment and fostering skill development. The success of the program not only enriched the skills and knowledge of the MGVS community but also ignited a sense of environmental stewardship and pride in their cultural heritage.