L.Bayan-Altai, Country Manager and Representative of Save the Children in Mongolia
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests, representatives, and colleagues here with us today. On this beautiful occasion, one thing unites us all: our shared commitment to the children of Mongolia. We have gathered here as individuals who have dedicated our hearts and souls to ensuring a brighter future for these children.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 30th anniversary of Save the Children’s establishment in Mongolia, and I wish you all success and happiness in the years to come
Thirty years ago, in 1994, Mongolia embarked on a challenging and transformative journey, shifting from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. During the early years of this transition, the well-being of the population suffered. Unemployment and poverty soared, while the quality and availability of education, healthcare, and social services significantly declined
Unemployment and poverty became urgent social issues, with poverty affecting 36.3% of the population by 1995. School dropouts became widespread, both in urban and rural areas.
During that period, many families lost their sources of income, leading to a rise in alcoholism, family breakdowns, and an alarming increase in the number of orphans and children living on the streets. By the mid-1990s, the number of children without proper care or supervision had reached several thousand.
It was during this challenging time that Save the Children established its presence in Mongolia, launching projects and programs focused on child protection, education, healthcare, and social welfare
Founded in England in 1919, Save the Children has grown to operate in 120 countries worldwide. Save the Children Mongolia was established in 1994 with the support of Save the Children UK, and since 2009, it has been managed by Save the Children Japan.
Over the past thirty years, we have implemented projects and programs valued at approximately $40 million, with support from more than 80 donor organizations across 20 countries
This represents a long-term, sustainable investment in the survival, development, protection, education, and participation of Mongolia’s children. Over the years, Save the Children has implemented approximately 245 projects and programs, including 122 focused on child protection and child rights governance, 64 in education, 35 in humanitarian and disaster relief, 15 in healthcare, and 9 in other areas
Dear guests, united by the shared goal of advancing the well-being of Mongolian children and youth
It is a pleasure to highlight that Save the Children began its work by strengthening the child protection system and promoting a child rights-based approach. Over the years, Save the Children has made significant contributions to the field of child protection, playing a key role in the establishment of a national child protection system.
Methodological support was provided to train social workers to lead child protection efforts, and in 1997, the first group of professionally trained social workers began their work.
In addition, we have supported and empowered children to voice their opinions, engage with their governments, and gain a deeper understanding of democracy and human rights.
In addition to fostering an environment of equal access to education for all children, we have implemented—and continue to implement—inclusive education programs for herder children, whether they are raised in kindergartens or at home.
We also implement projects and programs aimed at reducing child poverty by supporting parents. Additionally, based on children’s active participation, we provide personal skills and entrepreneurship education that align with the demands of today’s labor market, preparing them for future employment opportunities
Healthy children are the future of our country. For this reason, Save the Children implements health projects in remote rural soums, supports local health centers, and provides health education to children
Our organization successfully implemented a project to enhance the response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential equipment to hospitals across all aimags and soums of Mongolia, while also organizing capacity-building training for healthcare workers in a short timeframe.
Due to the impacts of climate change, our country has experienced a repeated occurrence of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and dust storms. Over the past 30 years, we have swiftly implemented emergency relief projects in aimags and soums affected by these disasters.
Many of our humanitarian programs have been delivered in a timely manner, offering both emotional and material support to countless children and parents.
Dear guests,
Mongolia’s economy is growing and making significant strides, yet challenges related to child protection and education persist. Child poverty is on the rise, and violence against children remains a serious concern. Children with special needs still face barriers to fully and equally participating in education. Children’s health, particularly oral health, lags behind international standards. Additionally, new challenges are emerging, including those linked to climate change and natural disasters, while issues such as peer bullying and cyber safety continue to increase.
In the coming years, Save the Children will continue to work tirelessly alongside you to address these critical issues.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our domestic and international funding organizations and partners, whose valuable contributions have supported the children and youth—who are the future of Mongolia—and who have been with us every step of the way.
Happy anniversary to all the employees, partners, parents, and children who have shaped our history and continue to do so together.
May every child grow up joyful, healthy, educated, and with their rights fully protected. Every child is precious.
Thank you for your attention.