2025 September

Brother and sister now in Anna Home

From the neighbouring province of Khenti, Gantsolmon and his little sister Gantogtokh were brought to us by child protection services. He is 7 and she is 4 years old. Living at home was no longer possible. Alcohol played a major role in this. Moreover, their mother will soon appear in court and is expected to be sentenced to prison. We sincerely hope that they will now find the warmth and peace to grow up into healthy people with a real future.

Summer camp

At the end of August they all went to camp in Bayantumen, not far from home. This time they joined the scouts. Zorigbaatar, head of the local branch of the Mongolian scouts, joined them and judged the different competitions. There were quite a few: volleyball, football and basketball, painting, clay modeling and dancing, Rubik’s cube, puzzles, shooting and speed stacking.

Taekwondo

At the beginning of August there was a youth taekwondo tournament with participants from China, Russia, and Mongolia. It took place in Manzhouli, a city in Inner Mongolia, China, close to the eastern tripoint. Eleven children went there on behalf of Mongolia, four of whom were our boys. Azjargal, Ganchinges, Purevdorj and Chingunee each won 4 medals — out of the 16, 6 were gold! Boldsaikhan, the trainer, coach, team leader, and motivator, was present. His two sons were also part of the Mongolian team, and they too won gold medals.

Sabbatical

As you read in the previous newsletter: Boldsaikhan is taking a four-month break. After 19 years of caring for the children, he truly deserves a short pause! He is doing all kinds of things: visiting his grandson in UB, dropping by friends in the countryside, taking his sons to China, joining the summer camp, and being there when Ganzorig finished his year of military service.

Next summer to Anna Home?

Wouldn’t you like to visit the children yourself? We may organize another trip. In July, when Naadam is celebrated in Choibalsan. The national festival with horse racing, wrestling, and archery. A very authentic celebration — in Choibalsan you won’t find any other foreigners. For anyone who has never been to Mongolia, it will be an unforgettable journey, I’m sure of it. If you feel the itch: let me know. Not as a definite commitment, but with genuine interest. On our side too we still keep several options open, but we have to start somewhere.

Maarten