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Reaching every young person: How a Mongolian Province Supports Youth Across Diverse Communities

Introduction

Uranchimeg has been working as a Senior Specialist at the Youth Development Centre (YDC) in Umnugobi Province for the past seven years. Since 2020, the province has notably expanded YDCs across all its soums, with initial efforts beginning in 2014. Umnugobi is considered as an "example province" in Mongolia,being the only one with fully established YDCs in every soum.. Uranchimeg reflected on her experiences working at the YDCs and how they have positively affected young people in the province.

Establishment of Youth Development Centres

The establishment of YDCs began in Khanbogd and Tsogttsetsii in 2014, laying the foundation for rapid expansion across other soums between 2020 and 2024.

YDCs play a vital role in addressing challenges faced by the youth in Umnugobi, a province characterized by significant migration due to the presence of Mongolia’s largest mining company. This influx of people has brought with it issues as divorce, gender based violence, youth and many more. Therefore, YDCs have become essential resources for youth in the region.

Sustainability of Staff

In 2020, under the “Nutgiin Khishig” program initiated by the mayor of Umnugobi, funding was successfully secured to support YDCs. The financial requirements amounted to approximately 30-35 million tugrik per soum for establishing YDCs. Until 2023, staff and teachers’ salaries were covered under the local “Youth” subprogram, while the soums committed to providing the necessary infrastructure.

However, a significant structural change occurred on 1 January 2024 when YDCs were formally integrated into local government administration. This shift raised concerns regarding the future of YDCs and their staff in the soums. In response, the mayor issued an order to provide official job positions for soum staff, enhancing job security and promoting sustainability. This initiative has led to  stable employment for YDC staff in the soums, ensuring the continuity of services for youth development.

Benefits of Establishing YDCs

With an estimated population of 100,000, including migrants, the province confrontes with challenges such as domestic violence, divorce, and reproductive health challenges.

YDC staff, in collaboration with local social workers,  regularly participate in training sessions to enhance their ablity to provide guidance and advocacy on sexual and reproductive health, gender related issues and soft skills. These sessions equip staff  to educate community members on essential life skills, family planning, and even basic computer skills, thereby making a significant impact on  the local population.

Outcomes and Innovations

In 2023, a digital hub was established in Bayandalai soum, featuring advanced technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and smart TVs. Initially, staff had difficulties using these technologies effectively, but they collaborated with local IT students, who provided them the necessary training. This program serves as an excellent example of how important it is to implement technology advancements, particularly in remote areas. Therefore, introducing local youth to new technologies has been  a significant accomplishment. Additionally, a "Unitel HUB" technology center, equipped with PCs and other relevant equipment was established in the province in partnership with the Unitel group and UNFPA. This hub has quickly become a favourite among students. While some came to learn how to touch on a keyboard, others came to build robots. In either case, the hub serves as a crucial space for youth development and innovation.

A further significant example is the story of a young person with a disability volunteered to join the Dalanzadgad YDC team. Beginning as an intern, this individual experienced personal growth and became more engaged in the community, which contributed to the overall learning environment at the YDC. “He eventually became  one of the mentors.. This is how YDCs actually operate. Everybody participates and gains knowledge” Uranchimeg highlighted. 

The founding and continued expansion of YDCs in Umnugobi Province demonstrates a strong commitment to youth empowerment and community support. YDCs have proven essential in addressing the various challenges faced by young people in the region, by embracing technological advancements and ensuring sustainable staffing. With continued training and support, YDCs  will have a greater impact,  helping to foster a more knowledgeable and resilient community.