Habitat Mongolia hosted a special one-week build in the capital Ulaanbaatar as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations. During the Blue Sky Build, some 400 international and local volunteers from Japan, South Korea, China & Hong Kong, Singapore, Nepal, the USA, New Zealand and Australia built 30 houses in Bayanzurkh district, about 15 km. from the city center.


During the week, the volunteers' goal was to put in insulation materials for the walls and complete the remaining portion of the brick walls and roofing works. Spread over a 1.9 ha site with land donated by the district government, the houses were built with wood frames, Styrofoam, fiberglass insulation, clay bricks, wood rafters and galvanized iron roof sheeting.
On the final day, volunteers took their places at the houses they were working on, helping skilled construction workers with roof rafters, putting up galvanized iron roofing sheets or mixing mortar and laying brick walls to give a hand to families needing more help. Shortly after lunch, photo opportunities were aplenty as Habitat's photographer went from house to house to capture the moment and simple house dedications were held.
One of the house leaders, Justin Tam, a maintenance engineer from Hong Kong, was similarly satisfied. "We built friendship even though we are from different backgrounds." Tam's team comprised first-time volunteers, including his wife Melody Lau.


In addition to the international volunteers, local volunteers from Habitat's partners including corporations and non-governmental organizations also contributed time and labor.
As volunteers bid farewell to one another, some may well meet again ? on another Habitat build. Hong Kong volunteer Lye Sin Wong preferred to go on Habitat builds rather than other volunteer stints such as teaching English to children in rural areas. "It is very meaningful and there are more immediate benefits. When we build a house, a family is able to live in that house after a few weeks. It is also humbling to meet people who have very little and yet can be happy."
■Photos of the Build Week■
1st Day (June 27th)：Orientation & Pre-build
2nd Day (June 28th)：Opening ceremony & Work (Insulation installation)
3rd Day (June 29th)：Work (Brick walling & Cement making)
4th Day (June 30th)：Work (Brick walling, Cement making & Roofing)
5th Day (July 1st)：Work (Roofing & Interior work)
6th Day (July 2nd)：Work (Finalizing the build & Closing ceremony
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