Mongolia_Hoyeol Lee 2024

Mongolia, historically known as Outer Mongolia, is a landlocked country in north-central Asia. It experiences a distinct continental climate, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool-to-hot summers. The country boasts diverse landscapes, including upland steppes, semi-deserts, and deserts, alongside forested high mountain ranges and lake-dotted basins in the west and north. Mongolia is home to a population of approximately 3.5 million.  In 1991, the Mongolian government established bilateral relations with the Holy See, leading to the Vatican sending missionaries to Mongolia in 1992 to initiate a Catholic mission. In 2001, the Salesians arrived in Mongolia at the invitation of the local Bishop in Ulaanbaatar to establish a high technical school for young people.  By 2024, the Don Bosco Day Care Center was in operation, serving children from grades 1 to 5. Its primary goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where children can complete their homework with the help of professional teachers, as well as rest and play with their peers. However, the center faces challenges due to tuition fees, limiting access for many children from low-income families. Despite subsidies, many families still struggle to afford the cost.  To address this, the center seeks additional donors to help sustain its mission, maintain healthy facilities, and provide nutritious meals for the children. The generosity of GCF donations has already enabled the center to reach more children, offering them a brighter future.