The Next Big Thing: Help Lead the Way for Sonam

Last year, it rained a little,                                                                           
Drenched not even a little,                                 
Tried, still trying,                                                       
Let the spring zephyr bring joy.                       

What is this campaign about?

I am extremely excited and blessed that I have been selected by my university to go on an exchange program to Sookmyung Women’s University  (SMU) in Seoul, South Korea for a semester (4th March – 21st June 2019). My tuition fee has been waived. However, I have to manage my accommodation, airfare, food, health insurance fee and other necessary expense, which add up to roughly around $3600. Affording this much amount for my study is beyond my family’s capacity. Therefore, I am seeking financial support. Your small contribution will make a huge impact on empowering this promising young woman leader.  

Budget Breakdown: 

Accommodation: $1000 (approx.) 
Travel (airfare & transportation): $800 (approx.) 
Health Insurance fee & stationery: $800 (approx.) 
Food: $1000 (approx.) 
Total: $3600

My Background: 

Coming from a humble background and being the eldest among the four in the family, I was constantly encouraged to grow stronger and work hard for my education. Therefore, I hold on to the motto of ‘keep on learning and never give up.’ Growing up with this determination, I am one of the top 12 Bhutanese students to receive a full undergraduate scholarship from Asian University for Women  (AUW) in Bangladesh.

Currently, at AUW I am majoring in Public Health and minoring in mathematics. I am also working as a Student Health Assistant (SHA) under AUW Health and Wellness centre for over two and a half years now. I have also been teaching English online to some of the Vietnamese students. Besides academic activities, I am also actively engaged in extracurricular activities. For instance, I am a secretary of AUW book club, I have also worked as the Director of Logistics in AUW International Model United Nations in February 2018, competed in HULT Prize 2018 and I am a WEDU rising star. 

Another diverse community which I am part of is the Asia Pacific Youth Exchange (APYE) program.  I feel very fortunate to have been able to make it to the APYE program in the Philippines last summer. APYE program is one of my most valuable experiences which demanded a different me. I have learned a lot about leadership, entrepreneurship skills, networking skills and to contribute to society. Now, I don’t allow the fear of falling to stop me from committing, I allow myself to fail as soon as possible to succeed as soon as possible and I contribute to my community with, “Open Mind, Open Heart and Open Will.” 

(Picture: Asia Pacific Youth Exchange Program, Manila, Philippines)

I am also passionate about art and creativity hence, I am a member and one of the young artists of VAST Bhutan  (Voluntary Artists Studio in Thimphu) since 2014. So far one of my greatest achievements is two of my paintings got sold during the Art of Giving exhibition in 2017 and another one during the recent Bhutan Week Art Exhibition in India, 2018. 

(Art title: Life Supplement (left) & Dream Catcher (right))


What would I gain from this opportunity to study in South Korea? 

I want to study in Korea because their education system is very commendable with advanced learning system, vibrant culture and they provide the same liberal arts education like my university. Most importantly, SMU offers my desired “Development, Economics and Policy” courses. By taking those courses, I would be able to excel my understandings in these fields which will be an important asset for my career. This opportunity will also inspire me to work harder and become a more capable and independent woman. Furthermore, I want to see the evident Korean developments such as technological advancement, a blend of traditional and modern arts and architecture and their unique culture. Thus, the knowledge that I would gain from this experience would substantially inspire and motive me to transfer it towards the development of my own country.

My Future Plan: 

I aspire to work for Public Health Management and Policy (PHMP) after my graduation and studying in SMU in one of the finest countries in Asia will not only complement my academic credibility but also be a perfect platform to develop my leadership skills in a more diverse community.  

Why should you donate?

Your generous contribution can change the lives of others and by helping me achieve my dream of getting an education, you are already investing in women empowerment who in-turn aspires to empower other women in her society. Your kindness of even a penny will bring immense happiness and hope for my future. 

What donors can expect to receive? 

-         Budget summary report
-         Exchange program report
-         Appreciation Letter at the end of the exchange program 

(Please don't forget to send me your email address after the donation). 

I am thankful to every one of you who is reading this campaign and please take a minute to help spread this campaign. 


Thank you very much.                                                               CLOSING date: 31st March 2019

                                                                                                                                      DONATE NOW!!!
Yours sincerely, 
Sonam Deki. 
Email: [email redacted].bd 
Mobile: +880-1919091020
Skype id: sonamdeki504
Wedu Rising Star
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonam-deki-3213aa135/