On Friday, 29 August, Ariuna (current President of the Rotary Club of Khangai) and some of their members met with the Mongolia 21|21 students for lunch before University classes started. It was a great casual event where students and Rotarians introduced themselves, their degrees or occupations, and learned about the Rotary Club of Khangai's initiatives. The students all received a welcome bag with gifts and a certificate for the Mongolia 21|21 program. The Rotarians were already discussing club members for a potential mentorship program for the students. We were happy to see the students excited for University, and wish them all the best as they begin their new semesters in Mongolia and Taiwan.

To address the immediate needs of one of our most accomplished Mongolia 21|21 students, we organized a fundraising event at Ridgeview Farm and Winery. We successfully contacted Tumendemberel Ragchaa, Principal of the Mongolian School of the National Capital Area (MSNCA), who generously provided young Mongolian performers from Arlington, VA to entertain our generous benefactors.

We were captivated by the grace of traditional Mongolian dances, witnessed performances of the distinctive horse head fiddle and Mongolian songs.

On the recommendation of her professors, our student was invited to attend the University of Asia in Taipei, Taiwan, where she will pursue a dual degree.

We were honored by the presence and insightful remarks of Michael Klecheski, a former US Ambassador to Mongolia. He provided a candid overview of the responsibilities of an Ambassador, elucidated the tangible benefits of diplomacy, and shared his experiences in Mongolia.

Paula DePriest, President of the Board of Directors for the American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS), also delivered a speech. She shared her initial connection to Rotary and how Mongolia and its people profoundly impacted her. Her experiences there were both inspiring and enlightening.

We encourage you to learn more about our Mongolian Scholars—visit our students page & click on any of the students' names to learn about their backgrounds, aspirations, and goals.

You can view the Mongolian 2023-2024 Scholars here.

Our initiative is gaining steam and a few Rotary clubs have been in contact with us about sponsoring a province of their own.

Due to outstanding generosity displayed on June 10, 2023, at our inaugural event held by the Allentown West Rotary Club, we can provide tuition payment ($1400) for four Mongolian students for the 2023-2024 Academic year. We have also included $200 per student for expenses such as Rotaract dues, books or supplies.

Our students have chosen from the applicants living in Khovd Province. We have developed a Memorandum of Understanding between FOM and Mongolia 21|21 (Allentown West Rotary Foundation).

It defines our various roles and responsibilities as well as expectations for our students. Please plan on attending next year's event, which will probably be in mid-June. Let us know if you have suggestions for the event.

What happens when the way of life that sustained your family for millennia is no longer compatible with our planet?

SANT, Mongolia — Davaadalai Gongor, 41, tried feeding his family exactly as his ancestors had for thousands of years, traveling these central grasslands of the Asian steppe herding sheep and goats for dairy and wool. It didn't work.

He did everything as he was taught to do. He grazed his animals on land that his family has relied on as far back as anyone can trace. He lived humbly in a ger — the octagonal tent, sometimes called a yurt in English, in which Mongolian nomads traditionally live — with a herd well within the government's recommended limit to avoid competing livestock devouring all the grass. He piously maintained a Buddhist shrine. The most vibrant item he owned was a handmade snuff bottle containing a fragrant, snortable tobacco.

Read full story on The Huffington Post