A teaching session held by an LOP counselor.

 

At the collapse of communism in 1990, Mongolia followed many former communist states in a shift to a market economy. This lead to a great deal of hardship as thousands lost their source of income. People fled the rural areas where they were no longer able to make a living as nomadic herders. Many moving to the cities were unable to find employment but even the more basic needs of food and shelter.

Volunteer providing food to family in need.

The final outcome of this demographic revolution resulted in a large population of homeless and very poor people who are old, mentally or physically impaired, or of single parent families.

To help support these homeless and vulnerable people, in 2005 Lamp of the Path NGO (LOP) was established to take over the social welfare activities of FPMT Mongolia . Its activities are centered in the “ger district” of Amgalan on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. With winter temperatures below minus 40 Celsius, the warm Lamp of the Path is a welcome respite for the homeless.

 

Medical professional offering services through the LOP medical assistance program.

Currently LOP has two main programs: a soup kitchen, which offers about 40-50 meals five days a week; a health clinic, which offers free health services to the very poor once a week.

If you wish to read the article about a Day in the Life in Mongolia by Massimo Corona please follow the link http://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-for-2014/january/a-day-in-the-life-in-mongolia/.

As you read through the description of the NGO’s projects or, as you watch the video, if you feel that you want to do something to help, please click here to make a contribution: even a small sum goes a long way.

 

Several community members being fed by the soup kitchen project.

A walled garden plot on the LOP property providing locally grown produce.