Mongolia: Children of the Tunnels Project

A decade ago 4,000 to 5,000 children in Mongolia barely survived their country's harsh cold winters by living under the streets of Ulaanbaatar in steam-heated tunnels. They slept on top of pipes carrying hot water to heat the city's buildings and apartments. The children struggled to stay warm and find enough to eat. Thanks to World Vision's persistent efforts the number of street children has been dramatically reduced to under 2,000. For them, World Vision will continue to reach out to these victimes of extreme poverty and often abuse in a country suffering a severe economic crisis.

World Vision offers children hope. When possible, World Vision social workers reunite children with their families and support the families so they can care for their children. When that is not possible, World Vision invites the children to live in a Lighthouse (shelter) run by World Vision staff who offer the children food, shelter, clothing, educational programs, and most importantly, love and nurturing.

It is estimated that nearly 100,000 school-age children in Mongolia dropped out of school from 1990 to 2000. Women of Vision supported World Vision's nonformal education program for 12 years to fill in the gap and help students catch up. In 2010, the Mongolian government began funding this important program for their children. They have asked World Vision staff to continue as consultants.