Mongolia
Annette outlined the nature of the work the foundation did, and explained what had brought her here. The role of the CNCF is firstly to provide financial and administrative support for children who do not have the money to obtain a passport and identity papers, both of which are required for admission to a hospital in Mongolia. In addition, children can come along to the clinic there and have a medical checkup free of charge. There is also a ger village on the outskirts of the city where street kids and orphans can stay. Each ger has someone who acts as a mother figure looking after the children. Children leave the gers when they reach eighteen. CNCF also helps with the rehabilitation of children who, living in poverty, have ended up getting involved in crime and have been in prison. Some kids receive special schooling there. Finally the foundation searches internationally for parents prepared to adopt, and for sponsors.
The CNCF office in Mongolia had opened in October of the previous year. The first centre in Asia had been established in Ho Chi Minh City. The foundation’s headquarters is in Dublin. The staff there had found out about my trip through the Gerry Ryan Show, and had said that if I was passing through Ulan Bator and needed any help, then I should get in touch with the local office. I was very grateful indeed for this kind offer. (from "Against the Wind" - Poolbeg Press)
