In an effort to further build upon and strengthen service support to our beneficiaries and other community members, FPMT – Mongolia and LOP staff members continually reach out to and encourage support from both local and international volunteers. These partners help us to bring much needed services and increase positive support and interactions to the beneficiaries that we serve. These volunteers include students from Ulaanbaatar international schools, Mongolian medical staff and professional and peer counselors, international visitors bringing medical care and supplies in order to provide treatment and many more.

Since alcoholism continues to be such a pressing issue for many of the men in Mongolia, the team has revitalize links with Alcoholic Anonymous outreach workers and organizes visits by peer educators on a weekly basis to the Soup Kitchen to informally interact with our clients. The aim here is to explore and possibly motivate those who want treatment and to also share experiences with those who have managed to become and remain sober. In addition, LOP has connections to a psychologist who comes once a month to meet with clients needing more in-depth counseling.

In addition to immediate care and support, the team has also been exploring additional livelihood and skill development opportunities for interested community members facilitated by other partners whom have expertise in these areas and engage with other similar communities across the country. This includes the Mongolian Quilting Center and representatives from various cashmere companies who are seeking interested women or disabled persons to serve as off-site employees in order to generate additional income. Future plans also include, due to the heavy rain and severe flooding that Mongolia experienced in July and August of 2023, exploring a more formal partnership with the Mongolia Red Cross Society in order to provide financial support for emergency relief supplies for displaced ger district residents in times of need.

Lastly, Lamp of Path receives a number of in-kind and financial donations from interested Mongolian individuals who are keen to support our activities and work. This includes food and supply donations, cash to cover special events and gifts for children on holidays and for the purchase of new or replace equipment which is needed for the continuous running of the Soup Kitchen and the sharing of nutritious food.