Year 9 Student Rises to the Mongolia Challenge for Christina Noble Charity Foundation

Year 9 student Isabella Djokovic recently took part in the CNCF Mongolia Challenge, a fundraising initiative supporting vulnerable children in Mongolia through education, healthcare and shelter.

The five-day journey, which began on 25 August, included a physically demanding three-day challenge of hiking and horseback riding through Mongolia’s rugged terrain in freezing temperatures. “I trained by hiking and running on a treadmill,” she shared. “But nothing could prepare me for the extreme cold!”

Despite the harsh conditions, she raised over $35,000, a making her the fifth highest fundraiser in the entire group. “It felt really great,” she said. “Knowing the money is going to such a good cause—it motivates you to try your hardest and raise as much as you can.” Some of her fundraising support came from her classmates in Year 9 as well as a teacher at AISHK.

One of the most impactful moments of the trip for her was helping to build a ger, a traditional Mongolian dwelling, for a family of five. The mother, who had tragically lost her husband, had been living with her children in a cramped shack. The new ger offered them a safe, warm home and a fresh start. “Seeing their gratitude was overwhelming,” she recalled. “It felt like we were giving them a brand-new life.”

For Isabella, the most memorable experience came on the final day, during a visit to Blue Skies Village, a safe haven for children who have been abandoned or mistreated. “Some of the children were left on the streets or came from abusive households,” she explained. “But seeing how well they’re doing now was really, really great. On the last day, they performed for us and we spent time painting and sharing stories."

Looking ahead, she is eager to continue making a difference. “I want to keep helping others,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to know that my actions can create positive change.”

Her advice to others? “Find a cause you're passionate about and take action. Even small contributions can have a huge impact.”