Children are at risk
Mongolia has been working on different growth initiatives to improve the lives of children across this very sparsely populated country. Children account for 33% of the total population, and most of them live in the capital Ulaanbaatar. However, it is difficult to reach the children in rural areas, who are part of the nomadic population, and they often miss out on schooling. Children are also more vulnerable to the many climate risks Mongolia faces, which in turn means they live in poverty without access to nourishing food
68%
Of rural children are enrolled in early childhood education
Education
68% of children in rural areas attend early childhood education, compared to 89% in the capital Ulaanbaatar. However, it is difficult to reach children of nomad communities. To solve this, the government provides housing next to schools, and also offers remote classes and e-learning for nomadic families.
There is also a risk of children not being able to go to school due to the consequences of climate change. Finally, there is a lack of accessibility of education for children with disabilities and ethnic minority groups.
28%
Of Mongolia’s population is poor
Poverty
Poverty is still widespread in Mongolia. 28% of the population lives in poverty. Surprisingly, many of these poor people live in urban areas rather than in rural areas. Indeed, as people in rural areas have to face difficult weather conditions, many move to cities. However, they move to the outskirts of a city, where the quality of life is very low. They search for jobs for which they are underqualified, in one of the most polluted cities in the world. Children are most vulnerable to this poverty.
21%
Of the population is undernourished
Malnutrition
21% of the population is undernourished. 80% of the agriculture in the country is focused on raising livestock.
However, this livestock is in danger, due to Dzuds, a phenomenon specific to Mongolia when cattle die due to starvation in severe climatic conditions. This affects the herders, who are dependent on their livestock.
Children in Mongolia are even more vulnerable to malnutrition, 9% of children under 5 suffer from stunting, which is a low height for age.
Together we can make a difference for children in Mongolia
20
Children and young people
Are supported on their way to independence
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Arban has found a safe home at SOS Children’s Villages Mongolia. Arban loves school, and with the help of an educational coworker, she excels at at Math and Mongolian, while also being enrolled in an art club. Her eyes twinkle, as everything surrounding her looks magical to Arban (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Mongolia).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe, by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives