Save the Children in Mongolia will implement the ‘I Support My Friend’ program in Khanbogd soum

Through a new partnership with the Khanbogd Development Accelerator Fund (OTHS), Save the Children in Mongolia is set to launch the “I Support My Friend” program within general education schools in Khanbogd soum, Umnugovi aimag. The implementation agreement was finalized on May 14, 2026, by L. Bayan-Altai, Country Representative of Save the Children in Mongolia, and M. Khaliun, Acting Executive Director of the Oyu Tolgoi Catalyst Fund. This collaboration represents a milestone as the first joint child protection initiative between the two organizations, specifically designed to support parents, caregivers, students, and practitioners in the social and education sectors. The program’s goal is to detect and address adolescent concerns early by leveraging peer-support networks in schools. Alongside fostering a positive and safe environment, the project strengthens the collective child protection expertise of schools and joint teams. The program implementation phase begins in June 2026 and concludes on November 30, 2026.

 

At the event, L.Bayan-Altai, Country Representative of Save the Children in Mongolia, highlighted that while Umnugovi aimag’s thriving mining sector is vital to the national economy with a GDP per capita triple the national average it also faces complex social challenges. Rapid industrial growth and migration have placed unique pressures on local families. “Save the Children in Mongolia is proud to introduce the ‘I Support My Friend’ project in Khanbogd soum to foster peer support and collaboration,” he noted. He further explained that demanding mining schedules often limit the time parents can spend with their children, affecting their development and mental health. Consequently, the organization is collaborating with local partners to expand initiatives concerning child protection, positive discipline, and good parenting throughout the aimag.

 

The Child Protection Program of Save the Children in Mongolia aims to promote positive parenting methods, prevent and protect children from violence, and strengthen systems capable of providing effective child protection response services. Our track record includes the successful delivery of initiatives such as ‘Supporting the Protection of Child Laborers,’ ‘Family-Based Alternative Care Services,’ and ‘Increasing the Capacity of Civil Servants in Child Protection.’ Other key contributions include ‘Strengthening the Child Protection System in Mongolia Phases 1 and 2,’ ‘Child Protection in Emergencies,’ ‘Social Circus,’ ‘Children and the Lens,’ ‘Khot Ail,’ and ‘Improving Child Protection in Partnership with Schools.’ Additionally, we maintain a lasting impact through the operation of the ‘Child’ Center and the Child Protection and Research Center (CPRC). Furthermore, within the framework of Save the Children Mongolia’s long-term Child Protection strategic goals, the “Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting” program aims to eliminate physical and emotional punishment of children in all environments. Through the dissemination of effective methodologies, the program builds the capacity of parents and caregivers to raise children using positive reinforcement rather than violence. These efforts are vital in establishing nurturing home environments and building healthy, supportive bonds between parents and children.

The Oyu Tolgoi Catalyst Fund aims to support the development of Khanbogd soum into a safe, family-friendly, stable and modern settlement through active collaboration and partnership.