The proposed project will consist
of converting a building in Ulaan Baatar, over a period of 5 months, to a
shelter capable of accommodating 50 street children who will be aged from 10 –
15. You will be working with local Mongolians
and some of the children to complete the project. The money you raise will go on
renovating and equipping the shelter, which is being built in cooperation with
the Mongolian government. When completed it will offer an alternative to life on
the streets.
We are looking for companies
or individuals who are prepared to co-operate through fund raising and
participation in this project. Any support will make a real difference to
the lives of these children, and will be formally recognised in the finished
shelter.
The
volunteers will work in placements of 3 – 6 weeks, providing enough time for
training by the local Mongolians, and for lasting friendships to be
formed. Training will be provided, although people with previous
experience in the fields of; construction, plumbing and electronics would be
appreciated. You will be working Monday to Saturday (half day) with
weekends and public holidays free for you to explore the surroundings.
The cost of the project will be US
$315 per person for 3 weeks, or US $590 for 6 weeks. This will include
accommodation and all meals, but it will not include flight tickets to Mongolia.
We also ask each participant
to fund-raise at least US $250 to pay for the building materials, and
shelter equipment. We will arrange a guide and transportation for the Naadam festival (a
celebration of Mongolian culture and sport), and other entertainments of
interest.
The project will commence on the 1st
May and will run until the 30th September
2001. Volunteers will be warmly welcomed on placements lasting from
3 – 6 weeks, during this period.
Accommodation will be provided in
or around Ulaan Baatar (depending on requirements), with showers and cooking
facilities. Wholesome meals will be provided for you, and we will be able to
cater for vegetarians with prior notice. There are numerous local markets and
supermarkets offering a wide range of food including much you would expect to
see in the West. There are also numerous restaurants catering for all budgets
and tastes.
Mongolia’s name ‘land of blue
skies’ comes from the 260+ sunny days per year. Daily temperatures remain
comfortable with low humidity and mountain breezes. Temperatures during
your stay should be in the range 10-25°C.
Direct flights to Ulaan Baatar depart from Moscow,
Berlin, Beijing, Seoul and Osaka. Once the project is completed you will have
the opportunity to travel within Mongolia. We will be able to advise you in
this, and can also arrange discounted travel depending on your requirements.
In
1999 Mongolia celebrated its 10th year of democracy.
Transitional changes from a
Communist state to a free market economy have left the most vulnerable members
of society ( Particularly children who represent 46% of the population)
increasingly isolated. Rising Unemployment
has caused increasing economic pressure on the family,
resulting in poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence. Increasing
numbers of children are choosing or being forced to live on the streets
supporting themselves through begging and prostitution.
This
project with your help aims, to establish a shelter for such children providing
a safe route out of the poverty trap and associated prostitution. The centre
will provide accommodation, medical services (increasing AIDS and STD awareness)
and vocational training, to enable the children to find employment, good
health and self confidence. 
This
project offers the opportunity for you to make a tangible difference to the
lives of these children.
If
you are interested in participating in this project, please do not hesitate to
contact us for further details.
Mongolian
cave paintings
Situated
between Russia and China, Mongolia has remained hidden to the outside world.
Known as “The Land of Blue Skies”, Mongolia
has the lowest population density in the world with only 2.5 million
people calling it home. The country
has wide open steppes with rugged snow-capped mountains encasing the horizon,
and crystal-clear lakes.
Mongolia
continues to justify the exotic visions the name invokes. Wild horses still roam
the steppes from which Chingis Khan first rode. Nomads herd their animals
relatively untouched by the passing centuries, whilst camels wander the vast
Gobi desert which is slowly revealing its dinosaurs
You
will be based around the energetic capital Ulaan Baatar, where cows pass along
roads hindered by newly imported cars. Here you can experience a country in
transition at first hand.
The
unspoiled natural scenery and a fascinating history and culture, combine with a
recent Buddhist revival to make Mongolia a truly unique country in the heart of
Central Asia.
MYF
Building, Room #112,
Baga
Touruu-44,
P.O.
Box
198,
Ulaan
Baatar-210648,
Tel:
976-1-314433
MONGOLIAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
www.owc.org.mn/mydc email: sssmydc@magicnet.mn