LocationsEuropean Union and UNDP empowering lives through Inclusive Education and Employment in Mongolia
October 15, 2024
Ulaanbaatar, 16 October 2024 – The members of the Female Ambassadors’ Group in Mongolia visited the Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre (RVTC). As the only specialized institution in Ulaanbaatar that provides vocational and technical training for persons with disabilities (PWDs), RVTC plays a key role in addressing barriers to employment and education. The center is a strong partner and beneficiary of the European Union-funded "SDG Aligned Budgeting to Transform Employment in Mongolia" (SDGBE) project, implemented by UNDP, FAO, and ILO.
The visit took place on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and this year’s focus is on "Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies," which highlights the often-overlooked social and institutional challenges faced by those living in poverty.
Mongolia faces significant challenges in its fight against poverty, with the 2023 Voluntary National Review highlighting regression in poverty reduction efforts. The poverty rate remains stagnant at 27.1% as of 2022, with persons with disabilities disproportionately affected due to limited access to education, employment, and essential services. In 2023, only 16% of working-age PWDs were employed, compared to 56.7% of the general population. Moreover, in Mongolian households with one or more PWDs, the poverty incidence is more than double that of households with no PWD as of 2019 according to ADB.
During the visit, the Ambassadors met with RVTC students and graduates as well as educators, who shared their experiences of overcoming challenges to gain inclusive education and employment opportunities. The Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Center also offers rehabilitation services and produces prosthetics and orthopedic devices. This comprehensive approach is essential for creating an inclusive society where no one is left behind.
“Providing people with the tools for education and employment is one of the most effective ways to combat poverty. When individuals have access to opportunities, it empowers them to create better futures for themselves and their families. This is at the heart of the European Union’s commitment to inclusive development in Mongolia” said Her Excellency Ina Marčiulionytė, Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia.
“Children and youth with disabilities need an effective educational programme that enables them to fully participate in society, increase their chances of living and developing independently, and pursue careers of their choice. Thus, with the funding from the European Union, UNDP is implementing a project in cooperation with employers, businesses, and NGOs supporting PWDs. For the first time, vocational training programmes have been developed and implemented in three professions specifically for persons with disabilities: e-service worker, archival and clerical worker, and service worker. Through this initiative, we are pleased to provide PWDs the opportunity to acquire the skills, confidence, and independence they need to build a better future” said Ms. Altmaa Buyanravjikh, Acting Director of the Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centre.
“This intervention underscores the vital connection between inclusive education, employment, and poverty reduction. It is essential that all individuals, especially those facing the greatest barriers, are equipped with the skills they need to thrive. We are grateful to the European Union for their crucial support in making this project possible, and we appreciate the Female Ambassadors for joining us today” said Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia.
With a focus on increasing employment through public finance management reforms, the SDGBE project is also implementing multiple inclusive education and employment initiatives, including creating accessible learning environments, developing competency-based curricula for persons with disabilities in the areas of e-service, archiving, and office, and support service as well as job mediation services for job seekers with disabilities.
The visit was joined by the Female Ambassadors in Mongolia including H.E. Giovanna Piccarreta (Italy) and H.E. Shen Minjuan (People’s Republic of China).
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About European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment, and economies, so that everyone can benefit
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.
For further inquiries:
Tselmeg Chuluunbaatar | Press and Communications Officer | EU Delegation to Mongolia tselmeg.chuluunbaatar@eeas.europa.eu
Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP in Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org
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