In line with a 2024 presidential decree promoting the preservation and dissemination of the Morin Khuur or horse headed fiddle, the Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic College of Production and Art has introduced a new training program dedicated to the making and tuning of the traditional instrument.

The college, which boasts a 60-year history, is one of Mongolia’s pioneering vocational institutions in the service sector and has trained more than 40,000 skilled workers to date. It currently offers professional and technical education across 33 fields, spanning services, industry, information technology, arts, and cultural heritage, while also providing vocational training for adult learners.

At present, the institution enrolls 2,152 students and employs over 130 faculty and staff members. The newly established morin khuur craftsmanship class has attracted 28 students aged 18 and above, with the oldest participant aged 68. Notably, five of the students are women, reflecting growing inclusivity in the traditionally male-dominated craft.

The one-year program is offered free of charge. Instruction in the specialized techniques of crafting the morin khuur is led by a team of expert artisans, including B.Bayarsaikhan, Head of the Morin Khuur Craftsmen Association, while general academic subjects are taught by the college’s faculty.

Enrollment in vocational and technical colleges has been steadily increasing in recent years, signaling a renewed interest in practical skills and heritage-based professions. In mid-May, students of the college will present their work at an exhibition, showcasing the skills and knowledge they have acquired during their studies.

The college maintains partnerships with more than 250 enterprises and organizations, providing students with hands-on training opportunities and facilitating employment pathways. In addition, graduates are offered opportunities to continue their studies at over 20 partner institutions both domestically and internationally.

Meanwhile, the second national conference of teachers in the vocational education and training sector is scheduled to be held this year under the patronage of the president, further underscoring the growing importance of technical education and cultural preservation in Mongolia.