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Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by India in the south, east and west, and by Tibet in the north. This remote country was closed off from the rest of the modern world until the 1970s when Bhutan’s fourth king slowly began opening its borders. Bhutan has since begun a slow process of modernization. But instead of Gross National Product (GNP), the government focuses development around its Gross National Happiness (GNH) whose four pillars include: equitable and sustainable development, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and good governance.
Bhutan has one of the lowest literacy rates in South Asia and its remote communities may live hours from the nearest road. There is only one public library in the country and it is located in the capital, Thimpu.
In November 2008, READ Global signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bhutan Royal Education Council (an autonomous organization and a special initiative of the King of Bhutan) to establish a READ Bhutan office in Thimphu. The overall aim of the Royal Education Council is to promote excellence in education through "high student learning and achievement for all." READ Global is one of the very few International Non-Government Organizations (INGOs) permitted in Bhutan.
READ Bhutan’s Country Director has met with eight separate rural villages to explore community needs and share the READ model. READ will work closely with those communities to develop each READ Center's overall strategic plan and business proposal. Up to three READ Bhutan centers will be established by the end of 2009. |
 
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