WHERE
Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar
CONTEXT
The project focuses on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, and specifically on several schools in the Songinokhairkhan and Bayanzurkh districts. These areas are characterized by rapid urbanization, the presence of ger areas, high levels of air pollution, and widespread economic and social vulnerability. Schools are severely overcrowded, and many students come from low-income families, resulting in challenges related to nutrition, stress, and psychosocial well-being. Youth distress manifests itself through bullying, cyberbullying , mental health problems, and school dropout. In this context, the project proposes an integrated approach that combines environmental education, psychosocial well-being, and individual awareness, promoting eco-clubs, school gardens, yoga and mindfulness programs, and sustainability education activities to concretely and sustainably address the needs of younger generations.
OBJECTIVE
General objective
Promote the psychological, physical and environmental well-being of young Mongolian generations through sustainable and mindful practices
Specific Objective
To improve ecological awareness and self-care and environmental skills among students in at least 6 schools in Songinokhairkhan and Bayanzurkh districts, involving teachers, school social workers and families.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
- Developing a baseline document.
- Establishment of seedbeds and school gardens.
- Establishment of Eco Clubs and Ecological Workshops.
- Workshops and training on environmental issues and deep ecology.
- Yoga, mindfulness, Aikido and Jujitsu workshops.
- Production and distribution of video material.
RESULTS
- A baseline document was developed that analyzes the psychosocial, nutritional, and environmental needs of students in the target schools, providing the knowledge base for detailed programming and planning of the intervention actions.
- Improve students’ knowledge and practical skills on healthy eating, sustainable farming, and deep ecology through the creation of seedbeds, vegetable gardens, eco-clubs, and school eco-workshops.
- Improved self-awareness and awareness of one’s psychological and physical well-being in relation to the environment, and increased awareness among the school and local community on issues of self-care, sustainability, and the balance between body, mind, and nature.
BENEFICIARIES
Directs: 630 (600 students + 30 teachers)
Indirects: 38,500 (school communities, online users, families)
PROJECT FUNDED BY
Italian Buddhist Union