Researchers from Fukui University Visit Mongolia

-Delegation explores challenges in children’s learning and living environments-

In collaboration with Save the Children Mongolia and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a team of researchers from the University of Fukui, Japan, is visiting Mongolia from September 15–20, 2025. The mission aims to study issues related to child protection, children’s rights, and education, while strengthening partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations working in these areas.

The delegation includes Emeritus Professor Hideo Teraoka of Fukui University, Professor Akemi Tomoda from the Research Center for Child Mental Development, Associate Professor Tomoko Awahara from the School of Global and Community Studies, Yuki Nakamura, Secretary General of the NGO Asian Development with Disabled Persons, and Tsutayo Kimizu, International Cooperation Coordinator of JICA Hokuriku. During their visit, the team is collecting data on the challenges children face in their learning and living environments, while also raising awareness of JICA’s programs.

On September 16, the researchers met with leadership of the General Authority for Child and Family Development and Protection. Head of the Authority, Mrs.B.Bayarsaikhan, welcomed the visitors and highlighted her past involvement with JICA projects, remarking:

“Since 2016, when I served as State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Science, I have had the opportunity to oversee several JICA-funded projects. I truly appreciate the meaningful outcomes of these initiatives in particular, the 1000 Engineers project was especially impactful.”

The two sides discussed issues such as improving children’s living conditions, preventing violence, strengthening parenting skills, and the influence of the social environment on child development. Both parties agreed to deepen future collaboration.

The delegation also visited Save the Children Mongolia to learn about ongoing projects. From 2018-2022, the organization implemented the JICA-funded project Strengthening the Child Protection System in Mongolia, which focused on capacity-building of multidisciplinary child protection teams and raising public awareness.

L.Bayan-Altai, Country Manager of Save the Children Mongolia, remarked: “The team from Fukui University and JICA is here to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges children face in their learning and living environments in Mongolia, while also learning about our programs and exploring opportunities for future collaboration. Last year, I attended one of Dr. Tomoda’s lectures in Japan and invited her to visit us. I am delighted that her visit to Mongolia has now become a reality.”

In the afternoon, the delegation visited Special School No. 55 in Ulaanbaatar, which has over 500 students and 145 staff. Unlike most special-needs schools in Mongolia that follow a 9-year program, School No. 55 offers a full 12-year curriculum with career orientation and life-skills training for senior students. Principal Ch.Ganbileg, Honored Teacher of Mongolia, introduced the school’s programs. During discussions with staff and parents, Dr. Tomoda emphasized the importance of a supportive environment for children with special needs: “Children with special needs often have brains that are highly receptive to external stimuli. When surrounded by encouragement, they develop more rapidly and learn to enjoy school. A key sign of independence is when a child can express themselves even simply by saying ‘SOS’ or ‘Please help me’ when needed. Helping children develop this skill is vital.”

Dr. Tomoda also performed a short piano piece to inspire students and staff.

On September 17–18, the delegation will continue visits to the Rehabilitation and Development Center for Children with Disabilities, General Education School No. 71, and the Association of Parents of Children with Disabilities.

The visit will conclude with a public lecture by Dr. Akemi Tomoda on September 19 at the Mongolia-Japan Center, titled “Creating a Society Free from Child Maltreatment: Uniting Adults to Raise Children Together.”

Dr. A Tomoda is a renowned expert on the impact of child abuse on brain development and currently serves as Professor in the Department of Developmental Support Research at Fukui University’s Center for Child Mental Development Studies.