As most of the children have missed some or all of their schooling, staff run a basic education programme at the centre. The first hour of every morning is for children who can’t read or write, and the second hour is for those who can. In the afternoons many children go to classes at the city’s art and craft centre, or attend music or sports sessions. Already some of the former street children have learned so much that they have been able to enrol in the local state school, and continue their education there.

The ultimate aim is to reunite the children with their families. A few have already gone home, and staff keep in touch to make sure they are settling in there. For the majority, though, going home is not an option. They may be orphans, or their family may be simply too poor to care for them. Younger children can sometimes find a foster family. For older teenagers, the best options are to get a job or a place in a technical training institute.

In the long term, World Vision Mongolia hopes to help families meet their basic needs. They hope that by doing this, they can prevent more children from coming to the streets. They run several projects, including day-care centres for young children so their mothers can work, vegetable plots for poor city dwellers, loans to set up small businesses, parent education and vocational training.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

How did the Light House Start | Why is it Called the Light House
Daily Life | Preparing for the Future | Peter and Sue | First Encounter
Street Children's Stories | Where the Money Comes From