ANNUAL REPORT 2015

PROMOTING THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN

VULNERABLE PERSONS

MIGRATION RETURN TO SOURCES

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOREWORD

FADF, having been found for already 12 years, has implemented a number of projects aimed at the sustainable development of , focusing its activities on the disabled persons and vulnerable layers of our society and implementing various social, cultural and educational projects. Our annual report will enable you to get acquainted with all the projects that have been carried out during this year. Within the framework of our initiatives, many beneficiaries had the chance to be settled down in their motherland, many NGO representatives took part in useful and efficient training programs, increased their capacities and had the opportunity to realize their ideas with our methodological and financial assistance. Many children learning at Art School and being from socially insecure families were given tuition fees allowing them to continue their education, contributed to the inclusion of children with special needs and a lot more described in the report. We do hope to implement more projects in the future that will address the real needs of our society. It was an honor for us to cooperate with very important partners who have supported our projects and I want to conclude my speech by these powerful sentence, “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest” (Mark Twain).

Alain Touhadyan President of the board of trustees Protection of the Rights of Children and Adolescents with Social and Behavioural Problems

The project is implemented in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Education and Science and the Special Educational Complex for children with antisocial behavior. This project was intended to contribute to the efforts of the Armenian Government in the deinstitutionalization processes of special educational institutions by ensuring the transformation of Special educational complex for children with behavioral problems into Resource and Rehabilitation Centre. The legislative amendment on the change of the status of the institution is worked out by participation of representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, National Institute of Education, Special Educational complex, international and local experts. A model statute for the transformation of special institutions into the Resource Centers is developed and discussed with the State and public stakeholders. According to the new Statute the Resource Experts discussion Center will provide training of specialists, professional consultations and supervisions, as well as psycho-pedagogical rehabilitation for children with behavioral problems. This statute is accompanied with the financial mechanism that will ensure the funding of these services from the school budget provided by the State. All these documents are submitted to the Government for approval, ensuring the sustainability of rehabilitation and methodological services within the educational complex. FADF| Internal Rules of Procedure are developed in close cooperation with the institution staff during the project period. This document

ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL Public discussion defines the necessary staff, responsibilities and procedures for service organization. A Memorandum of Understanding, accompanied with the transition plan is developed and submitted to the RA Ministry of Education and Science. - -

2015 INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST CHILD ABUSE On November 19, the International day for preventing violence against children was organized by the Child Protection Network and the FADF was engaged in all actions as a Board member. Press conference was held the topic of which was “Environment without violence for children”. The Child Protection Network has organized an exhibition with the “Environment without violence for children” topic. The paintings done by the beneficiary children of member organizations were presented during exhibition. Children themselves, presented their understanding and views regarding the violations. Children, who have been abused, got an opportunity to express their feelings by their paintings and speeches. Children from Special Educational Complex for children with behavioral problems, beneficiaries of the Day Care Center “Family and community”, Abovyan Child support center, FAR child support center were presented at the exhibition.

OTHER CHILD PROTECTION ACTIVITIES The FADF expert was involved in the national experts group gathered to develop the national Child Protection Index initiated by the Child Pact. The Child Protection Index is an independent tool to measure each country’s child protection reforms in accordance with the United

Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The Index FADF| points out how each country performs across 626 indicators adapted

from the official UNCRC implementation checklist, with the REPORT ANNUAL understanding that child protection is a system of different actors and responsibilities within families, civil society and Government. Moreover, as a member of the Consulting group of Ombudsman, the FADF has participated in Child Rights monitoring in close - - and residential care institutions by presenting its findings and recommendations. 2015 Center for integration and education

Since its foundation the “Dialogue” center hosted hundreds of people providing with the opportunity to get acquainted with the deaf culture, their peculiarities, the mother tongue of the deaf- the Armenian . This website is unique with its web dictionary The lessons of Armenian sign language have page, where one can see 1767 words with videos. recorded very ample and noticeable changes All the presented video materials are shot, edited towards public and parents’ attitude towards their and presented by the young people with hearing children. When the child speaks in sign language impairments. and mother begins to understand, she gets 208 video articles are interpreted in Armenian surprised that her child can express such ideas in sign language, edited and shared via web source. sign language, gets excited and confesses that she Video lessons on were has thought her child to be infantile. The interpreted into Armenian and shared by the participants have also confessed that they have website. revealed themselves, as well as many niceties in the language. The center provides sign language interpreting,

accompanying and counseling services for its 812 beneficiaries. 720 interpreting services for 675 DHHP were organized to various organizations. Three more services were organized for NGO and

www.deaf.am police. Our interpreters took part in film presentation on International day of Disabled people where they provided interpretation for the DHHP attending the event. The web resource center has its Facebook page where all the updates are shared and opened for discussion. The website is a resource for the people with hearing impairments, for the specialists who are working with them, family members and public at large. We are getting positive feedbacks and suggestions from young people who have just started to become acquainted with the

Armenian sign language and the Deaf society exam qualification ASL through the website and its Facebook page. FADF| ANNUAL REPORT - 2015 Promoting Non-formal education for DHHP

The training course “Promotion of Non-formal education for Deaf” took place in Aghveran from 9 to 14 August 2015 and gathered 16 participants from different organizations and regions of the RA: inclusive schools, special schools and NGOs. Among the participants there were teachers and translators of sign language, speech therapists and social workers: people who work with hard of hearing or deaf Training participants children and youth. The project was aimed to contribute to the social inclusion and personal development of deaf and hard of hearing youth in Armenia. The main goal of the training course was to create a base of new, flexible, non-formal methods and to prepare specialists dealing with them for the implementation of different educational, integration and inclusive programs and events. The learning process was organized and coordinated by 2 experienced trainers of non formal education and 1 facilitator during 5 days. During this project, participants learnt about alternative types of education, particularly, about non-formal education, its objects, subjects and methods. Learning process itself was organized in a non-formal way. That gave a chance to participants not only get the theory, but also put in practice the new method. The main outcome of this project is the formed team of specialists familiar with non-formal education and its Group work methods, who are able to transfer their knowledge in sign language. Moreover, the project contributed to the constitution of group of non-formal education specialists, who are able to transfer their knowledge in sign language. They have already created a Facebook community and started to share their initiatives. The majority of participants are working in disability NGOs, they have an opportunity to initiate new non formal education projects in their working places and change their own roles there. Taking into account that in Armenia there is no possibility for deaf people to be graduated from higher educational institutions, a lot of subjects and issues on general culture can be easily transmitted to the Deaf by means of non-formal education. Interactive game From October 1 to 3 Yerevan hosted the first International Congress for people with disabilities in Armenia. The FADF, together with the "Mayri" NGO, an art center for the integration of children and adolescents with disabilities, Kharberd Children`s Home, "UNISON", "PUNIK" for people with disabilities and Civil Society Institute (CSI) became the initiators of this Congress. The Congress was held in the framework of the Intenatioan al experts team

European Congresses "Living in an Encounter", which have been conducted worldwide. It was great to see the attention of State to the Congress. The representatives of Ministries of Labor and Social issues, Education and Science attended the opening ceremony of the Congress. With regard to the issues of people with mental problems, we can state that they are still far from being solved.

International Congress 2015 Congress International

The event attracted the public attention with its unique framework and high participation of the Social I ssues countries. We had participants not only from the neighboring Georgia, but also the Russian and Labor of Minister Vice Ural, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany and The Congress was attended by young people from France. There were about 120 participants of the nine non-governmental organizations as well as congress instead of the expected 100. individuals having disabilities. Improvement of care conditions for people with Mental Health problems in “Dzorak”

care institution There are more than 200 people with Mental Health problems receiving care in “Dzorak” residential institution. The majo rity of beneficiaries do not have basic skills for organizing self-care, which creates additional difficulties. Before its reorganization, this institution was a special school and then Singing together Armenian in together Singing a care center for children from The working groups were composed of socially disadvantaged families, thus the care representatives of the five most active non- conditions and the environment are not governmental organizations of the country which adapted to the requirements of people with are involved in solving the problems of people severe psychological problems. Especially the with disabilities. laundry facilities were not equipped during recent years, which hinder the daily organization of care and sanitary conditions in the institution. The project provided the necessary funding for the improvement of laundry services, thus dance contributing to the quality of care for vulnerable people. A laundry drying machine was bought by the FADF assistance and the rainwater pipes

Armenian have been replaced with the new ones to protect the building from rains. The project assisted in improvement of care conditions for more than 200 persons with disabilities. Several workshops, including Armenian dance, Armenian song, art, theatre and handicraft were organized. This Confidence was the beginning and we hope laundry dryer dryer laundry

to foster the cooperation between the local and international organizations working for people with disabilities as this a firm solution to provide opportunities for people with disabilities for communication and development. Professional

FADF| ANNUAL REPORT- 2015 RETURN TO SOURCES Since 2005 the FADF in cooperation with AAAS and OFII has initiated the "Return to Sources" project aiming to assist the voluntary return of Armenians who are in irregular situation in France. The target groups of the project are the voluntary returnees from France, such as the asylum seekers, rejected asylum seekers, recognized refugees, foreigners who have granted residence because of humanitarian, political reasons or according to international law and in possession of a residence permit. On April 2015, a General Agreement was signed between OFII and FADF for the implementation of the project support of the returnees from France to Armenia.

Since the launch of the project up to December 31, 2015 within the framework of the project 263 small enterprises in the fields of agriculture, cattle breeding, production and service provision were created. Financing decision of 43 was made during 2015. It should be noted that the creation of small enterprises depends on the beneficiary’s motivation, seriousness of the business project and feasibility. The commission that allocates the required amount for creating the enterprises held two meetings at the premises of the Embassy of the French Republic in Armenia. During the period from January 1 of 2015 to December 31 of 2015, 18 vocational trainings were organized. During the project implementation period a close cooperation was established with other non-governmental and state structures implementing projects in the field of migration, and especially with the OFII representative office in Armenia, State migration service, “People in need” NGO, “Armenian Caritas”.

FADF| ANNUAL REPORT- 2015 COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF MIGRATION

The 8th Reintegration Cooperation and Coordination Forum took place on 3 September 2015. It gathered representatives of state institutions, international and non-governmental organisations working in the field of reintegration. During the meeting Ms Irina Davtyan, Deputy Head of the State Migration Service presented the draft concept on the policy of reintegration of RA citizens returning to the Republic of Armenia.

The aim of the concept paper is to identify the main directions which will form the basis for the policy of effective reintegration of RA citizens. It is envisaged that an action plan will derive from the concept paper to ensure fully-fledged reintegration of returning migrants. The meeting grew into a lively discussion on how to further improve the draft document and which issues and aspects of reintegration to focus on. It is noteworthy that an integration concept paper is currently being drafted too, with the support of UNHCR Armenia. Once drafted, the two documents will be integrated and hopefully find a way into the new migration action plan. At the end of the meeting all organizations updated the group about their ongoing and upcoming activities. The FADF manager of the “Return to sources” project have

participated in discussions on State Action Plan and regulations concept of migration policy implementation in 2012-2016, organized by the Migration Monitoring Committee. Representatives of the RA State Institutions: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Migration Service, Ministry of Diaspora, Ministry of Labour and Social Issues, State Employment Agency, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Healthcare, RA Police. Foreign representations in Armenia: Jean-Dominique Fabry, Embassy of the French Republic to Armenia, H.E. Matthias Kiesler, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Armenia, Robert Rokicki, Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Poland to Armenia and David Avakian, EU Delegation to Armenia. "DEMOCRACY SUMMER SCHOOL” KAPAN, SYUNIK

"Rainbow" Educational Leadership Center, acting in Syunik region.

MICRO-GRANTS FOR THE Budget: 500 000 AMD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Duration: 2 months. Objective: To promote a civic activism among teenagers and high school students, by raising their awareness on fundamental Rights, political The French Armenian Development Foundation, participation, electoral law and the basic principles aiming to support the small CSOs that are acting in of democracy. the remote regions of the RA initiated a micro- Target groups: grant project focusing on the priorities set by the 14-18 year old children from Kapan schools and communities. surrounding 5 communities. The applicants of the grant program were the Civil Implementation:

Society Organizations (CSOs) from all the regions Summer School of Democracy, was an important period for adolescents and youth, to become of the RA that have participated in training sessions organized within the framework of the acquainted with the terms of civil society, “Civil society reinforcement in Armenia” project, democracy, and public participation. implemented with the support of the Saint Sarkis 25 participants out of 50 applied, had the Charity Trust. opportunity to take part in practical work for 8 The Micro-grant commission was held on June 22, weeks with creative possibilities for acting (film

2015. Five projects were selected out of 25 making, charity events, press releases preparation). The project reinforced the teenagers’ capacities to applications sent by CSOs from 10 regions of the RA and Yerevan. establish relationship with other activists and "Democracy Summer School" program, submitted initiative groups with special focus on leadership by the "Rainbow" Educational Leadership Center, development. Beneficiaries had also opportunities to Kapan, Syunik Marz. meet community leaders, lawyers, politicians and "Active rest" project submitted by the "Shushan" public authorities with whom they could share their women's NGO, Vayots Dzor region, views and plans for the future. Yeghegnadzor . "Healthy Childhood-strong community" project submitted by the Artsvaberd Community Initiative group, Tavush Marz, Artsvaberd village. "Legal Camp" submitted by the "Full Life" NGO, Lori region, Stepanavan. "My community in my eyes," submitted by the "The Community Pulse" NGO, Gegharkunik Marz,

Vardenik village. FADF| ANNUAL REPORT- 2015 "MY COMMUNITY IN MY EYES" VARDENIK "ACTIVE REST" YEGHEGNADZOR, VAYOTS DZOR VILLAGE, GEGHARKUNIK

. "The Community Pulse" NGO Budget: 313 000 AMD Duration: 2 months Objective: To raise the awareness among schoolchildren, youth and the pedagogical staff of three schools of Vardenik village in order to involve them in community life as active citizenship. “Shushan” women's NGO acting in Vayots Dzor Target groups: children and pedagogues from three Budget: 500 000 AMD public schools of Vardenik as well as active young Duration: 2 months. people. Objective: To promote inclusive environment for Implementation: children with special needs by developing Trainings and informative sessions were implemented accessible rehabilitation services. during the first phase of the project, focused on capacity Target groups: 76 children from 4 to 14 age building for active citizenship. As a practical part of the group (16 children with special needs, 34 training the participants monitored different aspects of from vulnerable families, 13 from large the community life. families and 5 orphans) from Yeghegnadzor The conclusion was the presentation of the civic and neighboring communities. monitoring results via photo and video materials Implementation: exhibition presented by 45 participants. The project hosted not only the children with The civic monitoring results were demonstrated to the special needs, but also those without any local media representatives, local and regional development problems. They had administrations and public at large. rehabilitation and inclusive-therapeutic services 4 times a week, with 3 hours duration per visit. The necessary equipment for the art therapy and organization of educational and rehabilitation work for children with special needs were purchased within the framework of the project. Meetings with the parents and teachers were organized twice a week aiming to promote the awareness on child special needs, fundamental rights and legislation on disability issues. "HEALTHY CHILDHOOD-STRONG COMMUNITY" "LEGAL CAMP" STEPANAVAN, LORI ARTSVABERD, TAVOUSH "Full Life" NGO Budget: 498 100 AMD. Duration: 1 month Objective: To promote awareness on Human Rights and especially on Social Rights of persons with disabilities among active youth with special needs. Target groups: 33 young people with disabilities from Armavir, Tavoush, Gegharkunik and Lori regions. Implementation: Artsvaberd Community Initiative group Within the framework of this program, young people Budget: 500 000 AMD with disabilities had a chance to become acquainted Duration: 1 month with the fundamental and social rights of people with Objective: To promote a healthy lifestyle disabilities, to learn about the advocacy mechanisms, to among school age children living in border share their experience on various advocacy actions in rural communities. their regions. Target groups: more than 100 children are The international experience regarding the disability attending this sport school from Artsvaberd rights, advocacy best practices and civic actions were village and 4 border communities. presented by Mr. Donald Krutsinger who is a Peace Implementation: Corps volunteer in Armenia and specialised in This is a border community which has it strong development of services for people with disabilities and traditions in child education; it has two public disability right protection. schools one sport school, and a cultural In parallel with the theoretical knowledge that educational center. It serves also for children participants received during the summer school, they from 4 neighboring villages. had an opportunity to take part in role games and share This was one of our success stories of “Civil their practice. Society reinforcement in Armenia” project, The environment chosen for the organisation of where we were focusing on strengthening the summer camp is in Stepanavan and one of the unique dialogue between the community government places in Armenia that is fully accessible for bodies and the civil society. organisation of leisure for the people with disabilities. This project was designed and presented jointly with the community authorities, which was an important point for the selection committee. "Healthy Childhood-strong community" project was co-funded from the community budget.

The Black Sea NGO Forum was launched in 2008 by FOND (Federation of Romanian NGOs for Development). The Forum was organized with the support of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission, in the framework of the Black Sea Synergy. The Forum aims at increasing the level of dialogue and cooperation among NGOs in the wider Black Sea

Region, strengthening the NGOs capacity to influence regional and national policies and to increase the number and quality of regional partnerships and projects. 150 organizations from 7 EU Neighborhood and 9 EU member countries, as well as 2 organizations from USA and Serbia were gathered by the Black Sea NGO Forum. A starting point for a strategic framework with thematic and cross-cutting cooperation areas for civil society at the Black Sea to consolidate regional cooperation and provide focus and sustainability to regional initiatives have been developed at the Forums over the past seven years with extensive participation by NGO leaders, government representatives, donors, and international organizations. Key regional challenges on enabling environment for CSOs have been set by the working groups, that include: restrictions of freedom of association and peaceful assembly in some Black Sea countries; burdensome reporting requirements; biased/ politicized state funding; absence of systematic tax/fiscal framework for CSOs; not very stimulating volunteering regulatory frameworks; absence of comprehensive and mandatory legal framework for CSO involvement in policy-making in many Black Sea countries; involvement of CSOs only in politically non-sensitive issues; partial access to public information; barriers to access foreign funding in some Black Sea countries; most foreign funding is project-based, and not core-funding. The forum was productive in the view of establishment of cooperation between the SCOs acting in the matching field of interests and cross-border cooperation. In the view of our geographical and strategic visions of our organization, the cooperation opportunities were mostly focused on the organizations working in the fields of migration, child protection and social entrepreneurship from further countries, such as Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, Russia and Georgia. Child Protection Network FRENCH ARMENIAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

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© FADF 2015

10/7 Azatutyan Avenue, 0037 Yerevan, Armenia, Tel: 00 374 10 201840 Fax: 00 374 10 205840 E-mail: [email protected] www.ffad.am