One of the impressive characteristics about CHF is its ability to plan ahead. I am enjoying working on an exciting transition here as this new Non Profit evolves and becomes a reality. One must understand, however, this has been in the planning stage for five years with a lot of thought and work going into this transition during the past five years.
CHF started in Mongolia about six years ago with a two year contract. It has now been working here for six years and is getting ready to begin a new two year Grant Program from the U.S. Dept of Agriculture. It is an interesting story how the Dept of Agriculture got into this and even a more interesting story on how CHF ever got started in Mongolia in the first place but those stories will have to wait. CHF has been able to stretch a two year contract into an eight year contract by planning ahead.
I heard the Ambassador from the U.S. talk the other day about the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) here in Mongolia. One of its four components of 25 million dollars has to do with developing Vocational Schools here in Mongolia. Knowing CHF is involved in Vocational schools in Haiti, I mentioned it to Glenn and Brian. They in turn handed me a 73 page report prepared by CHF in preparation of applying for funding for the Vocational School program here in Mongolia, when MCC releases its notice to accept applications for funding. It is this kind of planning ahead that keeps CHF serving and growing.
You might ask what the pictures of the uncompleted buildings have to do with Planning ahead? They are pictures of how to do it if you don't plan ahead. The one picture of the half moon building, if it is ever completed will be a truly unique building but will it ever be finished is the question. The construction cost due to its design, the energy cost, the maintenance cost for this building will be enormous and the market for office space has already been overbuilt. The other pictures of building that are half constructed is a common sight almost anyplace you look in the city. There is no way the market that is very soft will be able to absorb all of this space with tenants.
It is great to be involved with a project, even as a short termer, where years of planning ahead make the work delightful rather than frightful.
