Last September, we launched a mentoring program in Mongolia as part of our "All for YOUth, YOUth for all" project. We help young people with personal development and advise them on how to plan and build a career. We have already mentored 27 young Mongolians and this year we will continue.
Thanks to a project funded by the European Union, we connect young Mongols with mentors who are teaching them a variety of skills. There are reputable experts among the mentors, from many areas such as the non-profit sector to international development to government, business and academia. Each mentor devotes at least two hours a week to his or her mentee. And young people appreciate it.
"I want to create a society where everyone will have the opportunity to learn"
"One of my life goals is to do my best to create a society where everyone will have the opportunity to learn and put into practice what they have learned. Regardless of age, gender, nationality, race or health restrictions, ”says Lkhamsuren.A, one of the program's participants.
As Lkhamsuren.A says, he wants to be the one who can comment on all topics in his country and not be the one who only talks about the rights of people with disabilities just because of his own visual impairment.
"One of the things I am learning from my mentor is a planning skill. Besides that, I am also very happy that I am learning how to write a project proposal with the help from my mentor and his colleagues," continues Lkhamsuren.A. "As a mentee participating in this program, I view it as a gate for youths to be supported to develop themselves, successfully start their future careers, build a relationship with many experienced people and get useful advice from them," adds the young Mongol.
"If you wake up in the morning and wonder what to do today, join this program"
Lkhamsuren.A. he is not the only one who is happy with Caritas Czech Republic's project in Mongolia. "It is amazing that I am still able to move towards achieving my goals. Slowly but surely, without giving up. If you wake up in the morning and stare at the ceiling and wonder what to do today, I would like to say participate in a program like this one," shared Munkhsaikhan.B, another mentee of the program.
This programme is just one part of a larger “All for YOUth, YOUth for all” project to improve NGO capacities, increase youth employment and entrepreneurship, promote civic participation amongst young people, and promote volunteerism amongst youth.
About the Project: Financed by the European Union, Caritas Czech Republic is working on the project “All for YOUth, YOUth for all”, along with two project partners – the Mongolian Youth Center and Center of Citizenship Education – in Ulaanbaatar City and Selenge, Khentii, Dornogobi, and Bayankhongor aimags. Last year, as a part of the project, we organized a media campaign to support the participation of young voter in parliamentary elections.