Byambaa, herder boy: I look like a big man when I sit on a horse

The winter of 2022 to 2023 was so harsh that the temperature dropped to -51 degrees Celsius in January. Tamir, the father of Byambaa, did his best to protect and care for the animals during this time, but he lost over 30 animals, which is a great loss for the family of six. Adding to the natural disaster, inflation in Mongolia skyrocketed in 2022, and the price of everything, including animal feed, fuel, and food, increased dramatically.This year, all goods and commodities have become more expensive. But the price of animal products such as sheepskins has decreased, so herders have run out of money, explained Togtokh, Byambaa’s father. This was a bitter burden for the herder families, like Togtokh, who have fewer animals and many children.During this time, Save the Children and Start Fund aid reached Byambaa’s place and supported needy herders and their children. The little boy's family has received animal feed to help their animals survive for a month. They also received a cash grant of $80 to help them buy necessary items such as food, medicine, and school supplies. “Thank you, brothers and sisters, who give this animal fodder, said Byambaa after receiving the animal fodder at his winter camp.

Mongolian traditional yurt in the winter camp covered by the heavy snow

In addition, Baynaa and his siblings received a hygiene kit for the dormitory that includes toothpaste, soap, and towels.

Tsetsgee, Byambaa’s older sister, said, I received a hygiene kit yesterday, it contained everything I needed. Sanitary pads, and wet wipes. Since I live in a dormitory with my two younger brothers, I share my toothpaste, soap, and shampoo with them. It's nice to have separate hygiene products now.

Tuul, Byambaa’s mother, also expressed her gratitude, “During dzud, we devote all our attention and resources to the animals. The children in the dormitory need many things. But I cannot always give my children what they need. The hygiene kit is a great help. Thank you very much to Save the Children and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Tuul*, Byambaa’s mother, expressed her gratitude © Save the Children / Delgermaa Altangerel

Background / Project information

In the winter of 2022 to 2023, Mongolia is experiencing a Dzud, a slow-onset natural disaster, in 13 of 21 provinces. It affects the livelihoods of nearly 100,000 herder households, who rely on their livestock for a living. Based on the needs and requests of the Mongolian government, Save the Children along with the START Fund, SEED humanitarian fund of Save the Children International, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, implemented humanitarian projects to assist herders and their children in Khovd, Zavkhan, Gobi-Altai, Bayankhongor and Tuv provinces, where the risk of dzud is highest.

1,380 of the most vulnerable households affected by dzud in 19 soums of the five provinces received 160 kg of animal fodder per household, as well as cash grants ($80 per household) to purchase essentials such as nutritious food, medicine, and warm clothing. The project also provided fuel for 6 rural hospitals and hygiene kits for 2,127 schoolchildren living in a school dormitory, far from their homes. 1,030 children from 15 dormitories also received a set of learning tools, books, developmental game sets, basic food supplies, warm blankets, mattresses, bed sheets, and winter boots.

Story written by: Delgermaa Altangerel

Country/Region of interview: Zavkhan Province, Mongolia

The names of the beneficiaries changed due to the child safety