Ani Pema Deki honoured with British Citizen Award for supporting children in Bhutan
British Buddhist nun Ani Pema Deki, also known as Emma Slade, received a British Citizen Award for her decade of work supporting children with different abilities in Bhutan.
On July 23, Emma Slade, also known as Buddhist nun Ani Pema Deki, has received a British Citizen Award in recognition of her work supporting children and young people with different abilities in Bhutan.
Ani Pema Deki was named among the July 2026 recipients of the British Citizen Award, receiving recognition in the International Achievement category. The award acknowledges individuals whose work overseas has had a significant impact on communities beyond the United Kingdom.
The recognition comes after more than a decade of work through Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, the UK-registered charity she founded to support children and vulnerable communities in Bhutan.
Recognition for international work
The British Citizen Award, often referred to as "The People's Honours", recognises individuals for contributions in areas including community service, education, healthcare, volunteering and international achievement.
Ani Pema Deki received the Medal of Honour for International Achievement during the 2026 summer awards.
“I was very delighted to receive the award. Twice a year, only 28 people from Britain are selected through a rigorous process. They are recognised as unsung heroes, or what they call the People’s Honours,” she said.
She said the recognition was particularly meaningful because it brought together people who had dedicated significant parts of their lives to helping others.
“I felt very special to be honoured there. I spoke about Bhutan and England, what I have learnt from both countries, and how proud I am to be able to help Bhutan, a country that means so much to me,” she said.
A decade of work in Bhutan
Ani Pema Deki founded Opening Your Heart to Bhutan in 2015. The organisation works to improve access to education, healthcare and practical support for children with additional needs and vulnerable communities in Bhutan.
Its work includes providing access to medical care, disability aids and basic amenities, particularly in rural communities. The charity has also supported educational and vocational initiatives, including facilities serving children and young people with additional needs in eastern Bhutan.
Ani Pema Deki regularly travels to Bhutan to assess needs and work with local communities and partners on projects.
“I’ll continue fundraising and helping Bhutan in any way I can. It is the same as always trying to be a better nun and trying to help Bhutan,” she said.
From a 400km walk to international recognition
The award follows one of Ani Pema Deki’s most ambitious fundraising efforts for Bhutan.
In 2025, she walked more than 400 kilometres across the country along the Trans-Bhutan Trail, travelling from Haa in western Bhutan to Trashigang in the east. The 37-day journey raised more than Nu 9 million to support children with additional needs.
The walk took her through difficult weather and demanding terrain, while communities across Bhutan supported her along the route. It became another chapter in her decade-long commitment to improving opportunities for children with different abilities.
From finance to Buddhist life in Bhutan
Born in Kent, England, Emma Slade previously worked in finance, including roles in London, New York and Hong Kong.
Her connection with Bhutan developed after visiting the country and meeting a Buddhist teacher. She subsequently studied Buddhism and was ordained as a Buddhist nun in Bhutan, receiving the name Ani Pema Deki.
Her life has since remained closely connected with the country through both her Buddhist practice and charitable work.
Following the award, Ani Pema Deki plans to return to Bhutan, where she will spend a month in solitary retreat before continuing her work.
