Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) has been an important traditional partner of SJI. The establishment of its Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT) in 2011 is based on SJI’s research findings of 2010. CAT is recognized as one of the premier research centres of the Royal University of Bhutan. It has undertaken several projects targeted towards improving the livelihood of rural community through the use of appropriate technology. Most of these projects have been carried out in collaboration with SJI.
Recognizing the shared responsibility and common interests in enhancing the livelihood of rural communities through the use of appropriate technology and carrying out research to benefit the society, JNEC and SJI signed a memorandum of understanding (5 years) at JNEC on 12th October, 2016.
Among others, CAT-JNEC and SJI will regularly share vision, research, knowledge, ideas, and capabilities in the field of appropriate technology and particularly in its capacity to advance community, rural, regional, and national needs and development priorities in harmony with ecological, social, cultural, and governance objectives. As they share this broad vision and wider intent, they commit never to lose their roots in the local community or to neglect local needs and priorities, always to consult with local communities and to ensure that local communities always benefit from their actions.
This is SJI’s 1st ever MOU with anyone. It will continue its endeavour towards institutionalizing and building effective partnerships in realizing its larger vision.