Barrier free Renovation Works to support Children and Persons with Special Needs Completed and Handed Over at Bayanzurkh District Kindergarten No.167 and Enkh-Enerel Family Health Center
Save the Children Japan in Mongolia has been implementing the “Promoting sustainable holistic and inclusive developmental support in early childhood in Mongolia” project funded by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign, since March 2024. The project is being implemented in Bayanzurkh, Chingeltei, and Songinokhairkhan districts of Ulaanbaatar, as well as in Bayankhongor and Selenge provinces. The project is introducing a model for sustainable, holistic and inclusive early childhood development support within targeted public service providers, such as family health centers, branch commissions, and kindergartens.
As part of the renovation works at Kindergarten No. 167 in Bayanzurkh District, handrails were installed in toilets, wash areas of four classrooms, as well as along stairways, corridors to improve accessibility and safety for children with special needs. The completed renovation works were officially handed over on 6 October 2026.
During the handover ceremony, Mrs.Kyoka Harada, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, delivered remarks highlighting the significance of the improvements: “As part of this renovation, facilities such as the kindergarten’s restrooms and access ramp were upgraded. This is more than simply a renovation of the building. Previously, children with special needs faced difficulties due to the lack of accessible facilities. With these improvements, they are now able to attend the kindergarten and access the support and services they need.”
Ms.Akane Nakamura, International Programme Coordinator at Save the Children Japan, also stated: “As part of renovation works, level differences inside the building were improved, and handrails were installed in toilets, wash areas, stairways, and corridors. We are pleased to have successfully completed these works and to officially hand them over today. We believe that ensuring physical accessibility is a crucial first step toward building a more inclusive society. Accessibility opens doors for everyone, enabling children, parents, caregivers, older persons, and people with disabilities to access services safely and independently and to participate fully.”
The talented young children of Kindergarten No. 167 in Bayanzurkh District entertained the guests with songs and dances they had learned. The kindergarten’s Director, B. Bayarmaa, also showed representatives of the Embassy of Japan and the project implementing team about the renovated classrooms and facilities.
Following the ceremony at the kindergarten, the project officially handed over the newly improved accessible facilities for children and persons with special needs at the Enkh-Enerel Family Health Center in Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mrs.Kyoka Harada, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, said “Promoting an inclusive society with equal access and opportunities is one of Japan’s key priorities in its assistance to Mongolia. This project is being implemented in line with this priority. We are very pleased to see that an accessible environment is being created to meet the needs of people with special needs.”
Ms.Akane Nakamura highlighted the importance of the Family Health Center as a key partner in implementing the project, saying: “This Family Health Center is an important partner for us in implementing project activities aimed at improving the early identification and intervention for disabilities and developmental delays in early childhood. In the coming months, we will continue working together by organizing dissemination and learning activities to share key knowledge and good practices related to early identification and intervention.”
S.Saruultugs, Director of the Enkh-Enerel Family Health Center in Bayanzurkh District, showed the guests the renovated facilities. She said: “We provide health services to 8,045 residents of Khoroo 9 in Bayanzurkh District. As part of the project, ramps with handrails have been installed at the main, rear entrances of the Family Health Center to improve accessibility for children and persons with special needs. In addition, handrails were installed for the washbasins and toilets, and support handrails have been installed along the corridors.