Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck yesterday became the new king of Bhutan following the abdication of his father, who started the country's transition to democracy two years ago.

The new king, who is the world's youngest monarch at age 28, gave his accession speech to around 30,000 people, and celebrations across the country are planned for the coronation which is due to take place.

“My deepest concern is that as the world changes we may lose these fundamental values on which we rest our character as a nation and people,” he said in his speech. “Henceforth, even as more dramatic changes transform the world and our nation, as long as we continue to pursue the simple and timeless goal of being good human beings... we can ensure that our future generations will live in happiness and peace.”

“Ultimately without peace, security and happiness we have nothing. That is the essence of Gross National Happiness,” he continued. This comment was in reference to the Bhutanese alternative to Gross Domestic Product, Gross National Happiness, which aims to put happiness above monetary wealth when developing government policy.

“Throughout my reign, I will never rule you as a king. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son,” he continued. “As the king of a Buddhist nation, my duty is not only to ensure your happiness today but to create fertile ground from which you may gain the fruits of spiritual pursuit and attain good karma.”

“As citizens of a spiritual land you treasure the qualities of a good human being — honesty, kindness, charity, integrity, unity, respect for our culture and traditions, love for our country and for God.”

Following his speech, the new king handed out 20,000 commemorative coins to mark his new role in a country that did not have a currency until the 1960s.

Zimbabwe's 4.5 million students will not receive what was once the golden standard of education in Africa—or any education at all this school year.

Political violence during the country's recent presidential elections hit schools hard with strikes, murder and violence against teachers, and looting. Some schools were turned into places of torture after teachers were driven out.

The country's educators were targeted by Zimbabwe's ZANU-PF party, for alleged support of the opposition.

Now the country faces a second crisis due to economic troubles and an inflation rate of two trillion percent. The few teachers still around have seen their salaries made worthless and are unable to acquire teaching supplies. "We don't even have chalk, or red pens, never mind books," says Amos Musoni, one of the few teachers still working. Schools like the one where Musoni works have given up educating and simply entertain the children before sending them off for lack of equipment.

Not even Zimbabwe's four top universities have been spared. The universities have been unable to open without funds, water, or electricity, like many public schools. College students, unable to register, are left waiting for more information.

Pass rates in the nation went from 72 to eleven percent, with many schools not seeing even one pass. Schools in the countries have not been able to prepare students for tests without timetables or even the results from last year.