Each year the YLP class is divided into three teams which compete to create and implementcommunity development projects. These projects enable the participants to practice theleadership skills that they have learned and address some of the community issues that theyhave discovered through the program sessions. There are no losers in the competition as eachteam receives a prize for their efforts. A summary description of the three projects for this yearfollows below:

” Eco-environment” project, Team Plastic

The eco-environmental project was designed to teach Mongolians about the need to recycleplastic waste in the community. Educational training sessions were held in local public schools(five high schools and one kindergarten) to teach the young people about the hazards of plasticwaste and the need for recycling to protect the environment. Plastic was collected from theschools and delivered to a recycling facility which made various consumer products from thewaste. In addition, an eco-environment day was held at the Micheel Expo in cooperation withthe city mayor’s office to inform the general public about the need to recycle plastic waste andhow to do it. Working with the recycling company, San-Orgui Ltd., the team was able to help thecompany win a cash prize ($30,000) in an international exposition through their project activitiesand consulting with the corporate marketing department. Additionally, the team was able toobtain financial donations for their project totaling MNT 7,550,000.

Organizations with whom they collaborated:
Mayor’s office, Administrations of Bayangol and Bayanzurkh districts, “San-Orgui ltd”, Watersupply companies, 47th , 51st , 40th , 28th , 53rd high schools, 82nd kindergarten.

“Healthy women – future of the country”, Team Healthy Roots

The purpose of the healthy women project was to teach economically distressed women aboutthe dangers of cervical cancer and to provide medical screening for this community which doesnot normally receive medical examinations due to a lack of insurance or sufficient funds. Atotal of 50 vulnerable women received examinations for cervical cancer and additional fundingwas raised to cover exams for 200 more women in the future. In addition, a one day open housewas held at the National Gallery of Modern Art on women’s beauty and the relationship withchildren. Brochures were created on reproductive women’s health and measures for diseaseprevention. Five hundred brochures were printed and distributed to the public. A financial fundwas started called “Healthy Root” which will cover future costs of the project. The fund will besupported by Mongolia Beyond Co Ltd. The company will donate one percent of the sales ofeach of its products to maintain the fund. To date, the project has raised MNT 3,187,000.

Organizations with whom they collaborated:
Khan Bank Foundation, Mongolian Women’s Association, Mongolian National Gallery ofModern Art, Arts Council of Mongolia, Gurvan Terkh Family Practice of Bayangol district,Medical University of Mongolia, National Cancer Center of Mongolia , Association ofMongolian Female Scouts, Hospital of Songinokhairkhan district, Broadway Marquis restaurantand individuals.

“Saving our world 1/7” project

In these times where humanity is confronted by complex issues such as global warming, climatechange and nature’s balance being upset, people must do simple things to save our planet. Thisteam’s project goal was to inform and make people understand that they can save our planetby doing seven simple things such as: preserve water, plant trees, sort household waste, useefficient fuel, save energy, reduce use of cars and other engines and eat vegetarian food. Theseven actions were promoted to the public through print media and the team participated inthe citizen’s initiative TV show on the C1 television channel. The team also trained 300 scoutsand asked them to help with their activities. Energy efficient light bulbs and water glasseswere distributed to selected residents in the Khan Uul district. The going vegan campaign wasorganized at the New Media Marketing Co. where training was conducted on the importance of avegetarian diet. The company subsequently adopted a no meat day once a week at their facility.

Organizations with whom they collaborated:
Citizens of 2nd khoroo of Khan Uul district, The New Media Marketing Agency, C1 TV station