Mongolia’s Street Children

These teens are learning to become apprentice metal smiths at the Aruka Company. They are making elaborate silver belt buckles and adornments. Mongolians put these buckles on large leather belts used to decorate horses for Naadam, a national holiday. Similar belts are on display at the Ulaanbaatar museum.

Some of these teenage boys had been in jail. This vocational training gives them self-confidence as well as means to earn a living. They themselves say this apprenticeship gives them hope for the future. They are proud of their work.