Shaping Dagina's Future: How Nurturing Care Helps Children Thrive

Three-year-old Dagina* and her family live in a ger-a traditional yurt-on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, where limited access to basic services and infrastructure restricts opportunities, especially for young children. Dagina and her baby sister spend most of their time inside the cramped home with their mother. Jagaa. especially during the long winters when temperatures can plummet to - 30°C.

Dagina's family migrated to Ulaanbaatar, seeking better opportunities but struggling to gain residency. Like 840,000 others labelled "temporary citizens," they face chronic stress from harsh living conditions and low wages, making it difficult to provide consistent, responsive care for their children.

"Before OneSky, I was angry and frustrated with my daughters when they asked questions or wanted to talk and play," Jagaa says. Through the Family Skills training, which equips parents and caregivers in responsive caregiving skills and practices, Jagaa leamt to engage with her daughters, transforming their home life. "Now, Dagina is more open with me. She isn't afraid to express her thoughts and feelings. She oven shares more with her sisters. What I've learnt has helped our whole family."

Even after graduating, Jagaa and her children continue to visit the OneSky Family Centre and the Children's Play Centre. "The chores never end, but this is our happy break," she says. "/ talk with other mothers from the ger district who share the same struggles i do. Our children play together, and when we go home, we're full of ideas and laughter. Somehow, our yurt doesn't seem so small anymore."

"The name has been changed to protect the individual's privacy

Story provided by our partner, OneSky