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Genghis Khan the historic warrior leader of the Monguls over 1000 years ago is still the most revered Mongolian personality in that country, so Alex Hall reminded us in the recent lunch address.  

Alex was part of a small group of 16 students who raised over $25,000 to attend a community service trip to Mongolia. Funds raised by the group ‘went a long way in helping a boarding school located in the remote Mongolian community of Khovd’ in the North West of that country.   There the group carried out some local construction work for the school-concrete paths were paved, shelters and fences built.

Alex delivered a well constructed and interesting account of his trip and observations of Mongolia today.  As a new lad (just 17 years old) to the public speaking game there was no suggestion of "newness" as he described the cities (Ulaan Bator is the capital ) as  basic and derived from pre independence Russian influences.   Coal power stations are immersed and highly visible within the city of older grey concrete blocks!

In contrast the countryside , the community villages of gurs for the nomads, the snow capped mountains and green treeless plains (the steppes) have been the same for centuries, unspoiled by modern development but yet consistent with very basic living in the rural areas.   The food was mainly meat, boiled mutton chunks usually, and fermented goats and sheep's milk products (very bitter and not too tasty according to Alex).   Vegetables and fruit were rare.  

Overall Alex found ‘the contrast between the privileges we enjoy here in Australia to the poverty in Mongolia, striking’, but talked fondly of the friendliness of the people, and the teams interactions with them.    It sounded like a great trip and many of the older ones in the audience contrasted it sadly with their school experiences.
 
A heart-warming and inspirational story from a compassionate and enthusiastic 17 year old  (and son of our own club member, Norman Hall).  Thank you Alex, especially for the fashion parade aspect of the standard Mongolian outfit.