Exciting news 'round these parts! I found out that one of the organizations I do side-project work at is one of three finalists for a major grant. About a month ago (through the grape vine) I heard about a program at the University of Texas-Austin that presents projects in underserved communities to investors/sponsors to fund. These companies pledge to give money to the project of their choice and the project with the most interested donors then gets the money for that summer's build season. UT also provides the labor for these projects once it's time to build. LEOS, the organization I taught English classes at this summer and did the Women's Empowerment Seminar for in July, has been trying to get a women's shelter built for the last 3-ish years. Currently there are NO shelters in Choibalsan or Dornod for women and their child/ren to escape domestic violence, and there is no permanent place to implement programming for women who, after leaving, need the skills for financial independence. I gathered up all the info I could from Bujin, the director of the Dornod LEOS branch, and sent the project info to the coordinators at UT. They LOVED the idea and on Monday chose this project (along with two others in UB) to present to their board. After a Skype conference this morning to hash out the last of the details, the UT staff will be sending the projects to the donors in the next four to six weeks, which means we now agonizingly wait to hear if the shelter made the cut and will be funded. Keep your fingers, toes, eyes, everything crossed for us!
Another wonderful happening here in Choibalsan is courtesy of my sitemate Koty. She visits Anna Home orphanage every week, teaching English and Life Skills to the kids through songs, games, sports, etc. She heard that Friends of Mongolia was seeking organizations to sponsor this holiday season, so she submitted Anna Home. And they were chosen! They are asking for donations of gently used clothing & toys, and some new personal care items & school supplies. You can find more information, including the Arlington, VA mailing address, here. Please consider making a donation if you can, and be sure to include a note in the box as to how you heard of this.
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