Mongolian Children Play and Learn in UNICEF's Mobile Kindergartens

In the remote Khuvsgul province of Mongolia, mobile kindergartens are providing a new solution to the challenges of educating a nomadic population. Provided by UNICEF, Khuvsgul’s mobile kindergarten takes place in a traditional Mongolianger, or tent, that can be moved to different communities around the province.

Six-year-old Erka is one of the 24 students that attend the ger kindergarten. Her teacher, Dolzodmaa, says that one of the main functions served by kindergartens like these is socialization, which is imperative for children like Erka who come from isolated, herder families.

“We concentrate on teaching the children to interact and socialize,” Dolzodmaa says. “This is their main opportunity to meet strangers, make friends, and express themselves.”

Mongolia’s mobile kindergartens operate throughout the summer and reach many rural families. In addition to providing early childhood education, they give teachers and parents the chance to communicate and allow parents time to tend their livestock and prepare for Mongolia’s harsh winters.

Erka’s parents say the kindergarten has made a huge difference in their daughter’s life. Disabled by polio as an infant, Erka has improved her speech and made friends through the socialization, songs, and games in the kindergarten.

“I like coming to the kindergarten,” says Erka. “I enjoy singing songs, playing with puzzle games and reading poems. My favorite poem is about a baby chicken and my favorite song is about getting an excellent mark at kindergarten.”

Mobile kindergartens are only part of UNICEF’s education efforts in the province. Community development officer Zoya Badua says their program also trains teachers, provides learning materials, and works with schools to develop emergency preparedness plans and address health and sanitation issues.

According to regional governor Erdene-Bat, the ger kindergarten program has been a huge success.

“Parents here are very happy with the ger kindergartens,” he says. “We know it’s been successful because it’s created demand. If a particular [community] doesn’t have a ger kindergarten, the parents come to us and ask for one.”