About Us

3 mothers who have children with disabilities met and as they talked about their children, their struggles and shared what they are learnt with each other, They instantly got the feeling of comfort, belonging and connection between them that made them realize there is a need to have a group where parents and families who have children with disabilities could come together, talk and learn from each other.

It was during that time through Bhutan Foundation, one of the mothers was offered the opportunity to attend a parent congress of visually impaired children in the Philippines. She brought back ideas to advocate on behalf of the children and with the few other parents whom the mothers knew within their network came together to form an informal support group for parents with 7-8 parents. They often met hopping to different cafés in town and in parks talking about their children, the issues faced by parents in bringing up their children and what can parents do as a support group going forward.

The support group came up with a name for the support group and logo which was created and designed by one of the parents – “PHENSEM Parents Support Group, Bhutan”.

While still an informal group, with support from Bhutan Foundation and Helvetas, Phensem Parents Support Group, Bhutan (Phensem PSGB) piloted a project to improve inclusiveness of classrooms. Students with disabilities were taught alongside others with modification. Teachers too were given training. Phensem PSGB saw many positive changes. Members started to grow and when parents felt that their voices need to be heard and they need to advocate for their children who cannot advocate for themselves, Phensem PSGB went on to register as a Public Benefit Organization, CSO in June 2019.

In July 2020, Phensem PSGB was registered legally as the first Parents Support Group in Bhutan. The Group had about 68 parents and family members and few others who supported the cause bringing the number of members to total of about 100. Phensem PSGB had its first Board of Trustees who were all parents (three Co-founding mothers and other parents who have children with disabilities and members of Phenem PSGB coming from diverse fields and expertise). The Co-founders, first Board Trustees and the support from the donor partners played an important role in institutionalizing and building up the organization to where it stands today.

The organization is steadily growing and making its presence through many if its advocacy programs and activities carried out focusing on empowering and training parents/caregivers, teachers, facilitators and SEN Aides. Phensem PSGB with partnership with Save the Children, will also be reaching out families, service providers beyond Thimphu starting 2023. Phensem PSGB memberships have also grown steadily with 268 parents and families and 222 friends of Phensem making a total of 490 members so far. The journey has never been smooth and easy which was further added on with the COVID 19 pandemic. However, despite all odds, Phensem PSGB has been able to steadily pull through and though a small and newly registered CSO, it has been able to bring in small changes and bring hope to parents and families for a positive future for persons with disabilities.