A Safe Space for Every School

BACKGROUND

Nearly half of Mongolia’s population are children and youth under 25 years old, with one in four aged between 10 and 24 (NSO 2024). As the country undergoes rapid social and economic change, supporting the mental health and psychological well-being of this generation is critical for Mongolia’s stability, growth, and human capital development. Healthy minds empower adolescents to learn, dream, and transition successfully into adulthood.

CHALLENGE

Yet, recent trends reveal deep concern. The Global School-Based Student Health Survey found that 49 percent of adolescent girls aged 13 to 17 years had suicide ideation and 21 percent of them attempted suicide in 2023. Studies show that only a little over half of Mongolian adolescents (60.5 percent) present a healthy emotional and behavioral status. Over one-third, or 30.5 percent, of them have emotional and behavioral problems. Behind these numbers are young lives in distress, struggling silently in schools and communities.

OPPORTUNITY

Globally, untreated mental health conditions among children and adolescents cost economies approximately USD 387.2 billion annually in lost potential. We can help turn that around. Evidence shows that every USD 1 invested in school-based mental health interventions can generate a lifetime economic return of USD 21.50. Investing early in Mongolia’s young people will yield social and economic dividends for generations to come.

UNICEF RESPONSE

Since 2016, UNICEF has been a key partner to the Government of Mongolia in advancing adolescent mental health. We provide technical assistance to strengthen national policy frameworks, train professionals, and develop service delivery models that can be scaled nationwide.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The funds raised through Mr. Sukhburen Narankhuu’s “One Whole” fundraising exhibition, will be directed toward school-based mental health interventions, with a focus on establishing dedicated mental health counselling rooms. These spaces will provide a safe and supportive environment for students’ psychological well-being in two secondary schools in Ulaanbaatar.

IMPACT

The initiative will directly benefit approximately 3,200 students, providing them with safe and supportive spaces to address emotional and psychological challenges. These rooms will promote mental well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster resilience, helping students to thrive academically and socially.

BUDGET

The cost for establishing 1 mental health room per school - 14,000,000 MNT

(the cost may vary based on each school’s needs)