Mongolia 21|21 Gathers Momentum
Onzul Headed to Rotary International Convention in Taiwan
A Bridge Between Two Continents
Mongolia 21|21 is proud to announce that scholarship recipient Onzul Altanhuyag will be attending the Rotary International Convention in Taiwan this summer, thanks to an inspiring partnership between the Rotary Club of Oakdale, California, and the Rotary Club of Khangai in Mongolia.
The opportunity came together when Eska, a Mongolian Rotarian based in Oakdale, California, reconnected with Onzul and shared her progress with the Oakdale club. Impressed by Onzul's dedication and achievements, the California club immediately proposed splitting the costs of sending her to the RI Convention with her home club in Mongolia. Within hours, Ariuna from the Rotary Club of Khangai enthusiastically agreed to the partnership.
Both clubs plan to send delegations to Taiwan, creating a unique opportunity for Onzul to strengthen connections with Rotarians from both countries while experiencing one of the world's premier international service gatherings.
About Onzul
Born in 2005 in Selenge province, Onzul is currently a second-year law student at the National University of Mongolia's School of Law. After initially studying philosophy, she successfully transferred to the Law School in pursuit of her dream to become a lawyer—demonstrating the determination and resilience that first caught the attention of Mongolia 21|21 scholarship evaluators.
Beyond academics, Onzul has distinguished herself as a youth leader:
- Youth Parliament 2021: Selected as one of 90 members and elected as Selenge province representative
- Mini Parliament Founder: Created and led this student organization at her high school
- Children's Council: Elected Vice Chair of Selenge Province Children's Council
- Academic Excellence: Named "Outstanding Student of Soum" (2022) and graduated as "Best Alumni" from her high school
- Urguu Rotaract Club Member: Active in organizing community service projects including the "Human-Treasure" National Heritage Entertainment Day and the "Spiritual Compass" project
Onzul joined Urguu Rotaract Club in December 2023, quickly becoming involved in organizing major events and service projects. She's also a member of YOUTHinc (Mongolian Young Professionals Association) and her university's Student Union.
A Global Network of Support
This Taiwan opportunity exemplifies Mongolia 21|21's mission in action. The scholarship program doesn't just provide financial support—it connects Mongolian students with an international network of Rotarians committed to their success.
"The RI Convention will expose Onzul to thousands of Rotarians from around the world," notes the program coordinator. "These connections can open doors to internships, mentorships, and professional opportunities that will shape her career as a lawyer and community leader."
The partnership between Oakdale and Khangai clubs demonstrates how Mongolia 21|21 creates lasting bonds that extend far beyond a single scholarship check. What began as support for Onzul's education has blossomed into a sister-club relationship spanning two continents.
Looking Ahead
Onzul is currently focused on improving her English language skills and maintaining strong academic performance in her law courses. She's also preparing to participate in the Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) to be held in Mongolia in 2025—another milestone in her growing involvement with the Rotary network.
"I will study well to achieve my goals and not lose your trust in me," Onzul recently wrote to her Mongolia 21|21 supporters. With opportunities like the Taiwan convention, that trust continues to be well-placed.
The Rotary International Convention will take place in Taiwan this summer, bringing together Rotarians, Rotaractors, and supporters from more than 200 countries and geographical areas.
Support more students like Onzul: Donate to Mongolia 21|21
Learn about our scholars: Meet Our Students
Rotary Club of Khangai meets with Mongolia 21|21 Students
On Friday, 29 August, Ariuna (current President of the Rotary Club of Khangai) and some of their members met with the Mongolia 21|21 students for lunch before University classes started. It was a great casual event where students and Rotarians introduced themselves, their degrees or occupations, and learned about the Rotary Club of Khangai's initiatives. The students all received a welcome bag with gifts and a certificate for the Mongolia 21|21 program. The Rotarians were already discussing club members for a potential mentorship program for the students. We were happy to see the students excited for University, and wish them all the best as they begin their new semesters in Mongolia and Taiwan.
A Taste of Mongolia in Pennsylvania
To address the immediate needs of one of our most accomplished Mongolia 21|21 students, we organized a fundraising event at Ridgeview Farm and Winery. We successfully contacted Tumendemberel Ragchaa, Principal of the Mongolian School of the National Capital Area (MSNCA), who generously provided young Mongolian performers from Arlington, VA to entertain our generous benefactors.
We were captivated by the grace of traditional Mongolian dances, witnessed performances of the distinctive horse head fiddle and Mongolian songs.
On the recommendation of her professors, our student was invited to attend the University of Asia in Taipei, Taiwan, where she will pursue a dual degree.
We were honored by the presence and insightful remarks of Michael Klecheski, a former US Ambassador to Mongolia. He provided a candid overview of the responsibilities of an Ambassador, elucidated the tangible benefits of diplomacy, and shared his experiences in Mongolia.
Paula DePriest, President of the Board of Directors for the American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS), also delivered a speech. She shared her initial connection to Rotary and how Mongolia and its people profoundly impacted her. Her experiences there were both inspiring and enlightening.
2023-2024 Students Selected for Khovd & Selenge Provinces
We encourage you to learn more about our Mongolian Scholars—visit our students page & click on any of the students' names to learn about their backgrounds, aspirations, and goals.
You can view the Mongolian 2023-2024 Scholars here.
Our initiative is gaining steam and a few Rotary clubs have been in contact with us about sponsoring a province of their own.
Our Inaugural Event Nets Funding for Multiple Students & Educational Supplies
Due to outstanding generosity displayed on June 10, 2023, at our inaugural event held by the Allentown West Rotary Club, we can provide tuition payment ($1400) for four Mongolian students for the 2023-2024 Academic year. We have also included $200 per student for expenses such as Rotaract dues, books or supplies.
Our students have chosen from the applicants living in Khovd Province. We have developed a Memorandum of Understanding between FOM and Mongolia 21|21 (Allentown West Rotary Foundation).
It defines our various roles and responsibilities as well as expectations for our students. Please plan on attending next year's event, which will probably be in mid-June. Let us know if you have suggestions for the event.
Mongolia in the News
For Mongolia's Displaced Nomads, City Life Brings Broken Hearts And Burning Lungs
Forced to abandon their ancient herding lifestyle, rural Mongolians struggle to manage in the smog-choked capital city.
ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia ― One afternoon in the mountain pasture where her family had grazed their livestock for as many generations as anyone could trace ― about 800 miles west of this polluted capital to which she was forced to flee ― Ishtsooj Davagdorj accidentally ran her sheep and goats into those of another herder, one she'd never seen before. He was from another remote village. As their animals blended and bleated, she blushed. Her heart fluttered.
This Country Is Responsible For Less Than 1% Of Global Emissions. Climate Change Is Tearing It Apart Anyway.
What happens when the way of life that sustained your family for millennia is no longer compatible with our planet?
SANT, Mongolia — Davaadalai Gongor, 41, tried feeding his family exactly as his ancestors had for thousands of years, traveling these central grasslands of the Asian steppe herding sheep and goats for dairy and wool. It didn't work.
He did everything as he was taught to do. He grazed his animals on land that his family has relied on as far back as anyone can trace. He lived humbly in a ger — the octagonal tent, sometimes called a yurt in English, in which Mongolian nomads traditionally live — with a herd well within the government's recommended limit to avoid competing livestock devouring all the grass. He piously maintained a Buddhist shrine. The most vibrant item he owned was a handmade snuff bottle containing a fragrant, snortable tobacco.
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