In Mongolia, many communities face limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Harsh weather conditions, particularly extreme winters with temperatures often plunging below -40°F, make farming difficult and contribute to food insecurity. Over 27% of the population lives below the poverty line, with poverty rates higher in rural areas where poor road conditions restrict access to resources and markets, further trapping these communities in a cycle of poverty¹. This economic hardship drives many young people to leave rural areas in search of better opportunities in the cities, leading to population decline in these regions. In 1990, approximately 64.61% of Mongolia’s population lived in rural areas, and by 2023, this had decreased to about 30.91%⁴.
Mongolia’s brutal winters create severe obstacles to maintaining personal hygiene. The extreme cold makes it nearly impossible for families in rural areas to access warm showers, resulting in increased risks of illness and discomfort. Many people, especially children, suffer from skin infections and respiratory problems due to prolonged periods without proper washing facilities. This lack of access to hygiene exacerbates health risks for already vulnerable populations facing the harsh climate².
To address this issue, this summer, HXP Builders will construct a shower house in the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. The facility will provide consistent, warm showers right on school grounds to over 795 students, 72 teachers, and staff. The 60-year-old school dormitory currently has only one shower with no hot water for more than 200 students. Children in this area generally only shower once a week in the winter and have to take a cold well shower or drive an hour into the city for a warm shower. With sustainable, heated water, this new shower house will be a crucial resource, helping these kids stay healthy and warm during Mongolia’s freezing winters. It will provide year-round access to hygiene, reducing illness and promoting better health for the entire community³.
Sources:
¹ World Bank
² National Geographic
³ United Nations Mongolia
⁴ CEIC