I am a simple girl from a herder family living under the vast blue sky of Mongolia. Due to our livestock-based lifestyle, my family lives separately—some in the countryside and others in the provincial center. For example, my parents and younger siblings live in the countryside, while my sister and I live with our grandmother more than 100 kilometers away so we can attend school. Although I miss my parents and sometimes find it difficult to be away from them, I stay strong by remembering their words: “Become a well-educated girl.”
Alongside my studies, I try to learn new things and develop myself through clubs and extracurricular activities. That’s why I joined my school’s IMPACT+ Club last year. The club organizes many interesting activities, such as raising awareness about climate change and its negative effects, and preventing peer bullying.
One of the greatest opportunities the club gave me was being selected to attend the 2025 Young Minds Camp. When I first heard that I would be going to this event in Bangkok, Thailand, I couldn’t believe it—it felt like a dream.
Soon enough, that dream became reality. I flew on a plane for the first time and traveled to the distant country of Thailand. There, I met children from many different countries and participated in various activities. I learned that children can express the issues they face not only through words but also through drawing, video-making, and even acting in plays to communicate with adults.
On the other hand, hearing the life stories of children from other countries moved me deeply. I learned that some children, just like me, miss out on scholarships or healthcare simply because they don’t have birth registration. We discussed topics like migration and children’s rights, and even visited the United Nations headquarters to share our thoughts with adults—can you imagine?
I experienced days filled with pride, excitement, and at times a little nervousness—this journey completely changed me. It helped me realize that I have the power to create positive change and that my voice truly matters.
I remember feeling so excited, thinking, “I can’t wait to go back home and share what I’ve learned with other children, and help them solve the issues they’re facing.”
Since participating in the Young Minds Camp that lit a fire in my heart, I’ve dreamed of becoming a leader who supports children in rural areas and helps bring national issues to the international stage.
I also hope that more people will work with World Vision, support children, and help establish many more IMPACT+ clubs across the country.
No matter where a child comes from, every voice is powerful!
Zulaa, 12 years old