Students Leading Local Solutions: "Catalyst Student" 2026 Expands Across Mongolia

With funding from the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) at the Canadian Embassy, Teach for Mongolia is implementing the Catalyst Student 2026 project, led by students and comprising 10 small-scale projects across schools in 4 provinces and Ulaanbaatar.

During the first phase of the project, the Catalyst Student 2026 project team organized several activities for students, including:

• Trainings on environmental issues, climate change, teamwork, and project implementation skills

• A two-stage survey involving around 500 students to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding climate change

• Small-scale experiments that could be implemented in their schools and classrooms

The 10 teams that advanced in this phase successfully carried out research, planning, experiments, and initial project implementation. Students conducted surveys, awareness campaigns, small experiments, and product development, resulting in the following progress and changes:

• Improved leadership and teamwork skills among students

• Increased knowledge and awareness of environmental issues

• Practical solutions addressing school and local challenges began to take shape

• Enhanced participation, initiative, and responsibility of students

Training sessions for primary school students. Eco Solution Team - School 2, Tsogttsetsii, Umnugovi

Fresh parsley grown using hydroponic methods. Rootless Lab Team - Mandal School, Saintsagaan, Dundgovi

Despite challenges such as time and resource limitations, teams have demonstrated flexibility by appropriately adjusting the scope of their projects and effectively utilizing local resources to overcome these constraints.

At present, the teams are well prepared to move into the next phase, where they plan to scale up their initiatives, refine pilot activities into concrete implementations, and engage a broader group of students, parents, and local stakeholders.

The Catalyst Student project aims to empower students not only to identify problems, but also to become solution designers and agents of change. Through its continued implementation, the project is making a meaningful contribution to education, environmental sustainability, and civic engagement in Mongolia.

We would like to once again express our sincere appreciation to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) of the Embassy of Canada for their generous support and partnership in the successful implementation of this project.

Reusable beeswax wrap. Green Bees Team - Berkh International School, Khentii

A power bank made from recycled waste materials. Guardians Team - Berkh International School, Khentii