Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
The following report covers the activities implemented during the period of July-December, 2019 in the following areas.
- General notes - Academic assistance to children - Cultural education - Programs implemented by Orran Vanadzor Center - Social service - Medical and psychological assistance - Other 1. GENERAL NOTES
One hundred fifty nine (159) beneficiaries (adults and children) attended the Center during the period of July-December, 2019. The details are presented in the table below:
July August September October November December
Number of children 129 128 92 98 97 97
Number of elderly 25 30 29 28 29 30
Total 154 158 121 126 126 127
The changes that took place were:
23 children were newly admitted and enrolled in relevant junior, middle and senior age groups and the food program.
41 children left the Orran program during this reporting period.
7 elders were enrolled in the Elderly Project.
32 elderly were enrolled in Orran during this semester.
During this reporting period, 129 children enrolled in the Orran Project were involved in food, educational, social, cultural and psychological programs.
5 children were involved in individual classes.
3 children at Orran have different kinds of disabilities and individual work is conducted with them.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
2. Academic assistance to children
2.1. Classes and handcraft workshops
2.1.1 Classes
Orran children have daily academic instruction and assistance provided by teachers and volunteers; they attend different classes as well as participate in various events. The table below shows the number of children involved in the Orran classes in December.
Junior Middle Senior Number of Children
Total number of children in the groups 38 25 37
Teachers Marietta Gohar Naira Soghoyan Petrosyan Poghosyan
● Educational activities are carried out in the junior group. The training process is supervised and implemented, as well as individual work is done with the children who have difficulties keeping up with the academic curriculum.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● On July 08, an interactive lesson was organized by the middle group children and Math’s group teacher on the ‘’International Day of Math and Technology’’. ● On 25 September, the middle and senior group children organized an event dedicated to the art and creative life of famous Vanadzorian painter and sculptor Mr. Bogdan Hovhannisyan. ● A meeting of the senior group and their parents with a police officer was to explain the Criminal Code of Armenia.
● On October 5, Orran Vanadzor Center children celebrated the Teachers Day in a unique way. The senior group children made up groups and acted as pedagogues for their younger friends organizing various interesting and fun workshops.
• On 6 October, the senior and middle group children took part in the Harvest Festival Organized in Aygehat villige in Lori.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● On 26 October, the children took part in the fair organized on Vanadzor Day. ● On 19 November the children of school No 16 and their parents and teachers visited Orran within the frames of "Do kindness" program, They had a tour around Orran, got acquainted with the groups and workshops, and enjoyed sweets and juice with Orran children. ● On 16 November, the senior group children organized an interactive lesson dedicated to BEATLES. The listened to some of the most famous songs of the group, got acquainted with their creative life and work. ● On 16 November 5 children from the senior group took part in an event dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the famous Armenian writer Hovhannes Tumanyan and composer Komitas in Stepan Zarian Museum. ● November 20, 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child. On this occasion, Orran Vanadzor Center volunteer Shushanik organized an interactive training-discussion in the senior group about active citizenship, children rights, and obligations as a citizen.
2.1.2 Workshops
The table below presents the total number of children attending workshops during this semester:
Workshops July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
Macramé, carpet 30 28 30 26 26 30 weaving
Woodcarving 20 18 17 18 18 17
Pottery 6 8 10 7 7 7
Arts 50 50 50 50 50 50
Computer 3 3 3 3 3 3
Guitar 10 10 10 10 10 10
Christianity and 40 40 40 40 40 40 religious classes
Sewing 15 15 15 14 14 15
Crochet 50 50 50 50 50 50
Mathematics - - - 6 5 5
Dance 12 15 12 13 13 15
● In the handicraft group, the main occupations were carpet weaving, weaving, needlework, embroidery, making Christmas toys.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● The pottery group includes 20 junior, middle and senior children. The children are divided into two groups: in the first group are children for whom clay is used as a therapy to remove aggression. The more skilled children of the pottery team have participated in city and regional events several times, presenting on-site methods and tips for working with clay.
● Computer Courses are conducted in 3 different age groups, the pedagogue works with them according to their abilities. Children study paint graphic editor, MS word, Adobe Photoshop CS5, CS6 programs; during the classes, children of the average group make graphic images, thematic slides, pictures, diagrams with the
help of the Power Point program. ● Mathematics Courses - 50 children from middle and senior age groups are involved in mathematics classes. The whole group was divided into two subgroups by the pedagogue according to the ages of the children. The first subgroup includes children from junior classes. The main aim of the classes is developing critical thinking and attention among children with the
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
help of simple logical tests and problems. The children are now good at simple mathematical operations. ● Sewing group - as children have the basic skills of using aare a sewing machine, they try to make different accessories for themselves: small wallets, aprons, tablecloths, pillowcases. ● 15 children attend painting and wood engraving workshop
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
2.2 Volunteers
Volunteers help children to complete their homework assignments, conduct individual and group sessions, as well as provide support in organizing various events. Psychologist-volunteers organize clay therapy for children and for senior age group children. • Our dear friend from Birthright Armenia Talar Balian's trainings are always funny and colorful.
● The volunteers teach English, singing, dancing, handicraft, and chess.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● The innovative and interactive trainings organized by our active and devoted volunteers and our friends from Teach For Armenia make Orran children's days more fun and lead to their general literacy and creative thinking development.
● Volunteer Karen Kalashyan is organizing judo trainings twice a week with middle and senior group children.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
3. Cultural Education
Events
Various events have been held at Orran. Many guests visited Orran and took part in the events. Orran’s children were invited to educational and cultural events including concerts, performances, local festivals, and cultural centers. The description of the events is presented below: ● On December 26 the Christmas party of Orran Vanadzor Center children was organized.
● Thanks to SOAR Armenia Foundation Orran children had the opportunity to visit Naregatsi Art Center, Grand Candy Donut cafe, as well as take part in the Annual SOAR Christmas celebration. Page 10
Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● On December 14, the traditional Christmas Bazaar was organized at Orran. Among the participants were the representatives of "Orran" NGO, "Crossing roads" NGO, Vanadzor Orphanage, "Shogh" Day Care Center, "Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities", ''Aravot'', ''Full Life'' NGOs, "Apricot" , as well as Vardablur, Mets Parni, Yaghdan and Arevashogh Youth Centers . The organizations presented the crafts made by their beneficiaries. The fair was supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, RA.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● Launched in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign focuses on diabetes mellitus and is held on 14 November each year. On this occasion , Orran Vanadzor center middle and senior group children had an interactive training-discussion with a guest speaker Dr. Arevik Manukyan about the types, causes, symptoms, and forms of diabetes mellitus.
● November 20, 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
On this occasion, Orran Vanadzor Center volunteers organized an interactive training-discussion in the senior group about active citizenship, children rights, and obligations as a citizen.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● The children had a very nice party full of joy and smiles due to the generous support provided by Mr. Hayk Bektashyan and his friends. Talented Orran Vanadzor center drum players, children of Tatev dancing club and Happy Land created a warm and bright atmosphere during the event.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● November 13 is International Kindness Day. On this occasion, Orran the children had an interactive lesson-discussion on compassion, tolerance, and kindness.
● At Orran, the attention is focused not only on enhancing the overall academic growth of our children but also on their cultural, physical and general development.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● Peace Corps Armenia volunteer Ani Alexandrian organized a happy and colorful celebration of "Halloween" for the children.
● On October 2, the International Day of Non-Violence Orran Vanadzor Center children participated in a training-discussion organized by Orran psychologist Ruzan Hovhannisyan and Lusineh Akmakchyan. The training was mainly focused on the general definition of violence, its types and ways of overcoming it.
● From September 29 to October 3, 2019 Orran project team participated in the counterpart meeting organized by IZ- Vieltfalt, Dialog, Bildung in Vienna, Austria and presented the activities and outcomes of “Responsible Fathers’ School” project implemented during the period of March to August 2019 within the frames of “Pedagogues for Equal Society” grant
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
project. Partner organizations and area experts shared their experiences and discussed the possibilities of further cooperation and joint activities.
● On September 29, Orran clay group children took part in the ''Bagratuni Heritage'' festival organized in Lori Berd historical-cultural park. The festival was dedicated to the heritage of the Armenian kingdoms and especially the Bagratuni kingdom.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● HERA founders Mr. and Mrs. Long and Dr. Nico Nissen visited Orran Vanadzor Center and donated a pottery wheel. Cooperation with HERA started in 2013. With HERA support the Orran Vanadzor Center sewing workshop was established, and the JDC printing shop was replenished with color printer and paper cutter.
● On September 18 ''Responsible Fathers' Training'' was organized for Orran Vanadzor Center's beneficiaries' fathers. The participants had discussions on the negative impact of social media on the
development of teenagers, cyber bullying, and the importance of parents' role in preventing them.
● On September 12 Orran team participated in the conference for counterparts organized by Dilijan UWC to discuss future partnership strategies and the children’s involvement in the community development.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● On 29 July Orran Vanadzor Center children initiated a clean-up day.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● On 28 July Orran, children celebrated Vardavar.
4.
Projects implemented by Orran NGO Vanadzor Center
4.1. Youth for Better Communities
On July 18, Orran Benevolent NGO launched “Youth for Better Communities” project implemented within the frames of US Embassy Small Democracy Commission Fund. The main goal of the project is to promote active citizenship among regional youth aged 16 to 30 so that they act as catalysts for better changes in their communities thus increasing their participation in decision making processes that contributes to the development of a strong civil
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019 society and democratic state.
The following activities were organized during the reporting period:
● Meeting with the governor of Lori Region
The meeting was organized at the Governor's office of Lori Marzpetaran. Project Coordinator and Project Assistant presented the project goal, the activities; the communities where the project would be implemented as well as the support expected both from the regional and local authorities. Relevant official letter on behalf of the Chair of Orran NGO was delivered to the Governor. The schedule of the meetings was provided to him to be able to get relevant appointments with the village mayors.
● Meeting with the Mayors of the project target villages:
Meetings were organized with the mayors of the project target villages, the project objectives and activities as well as the support expected from the local authorities were presented to them. The mayors were very open and expressed their readiness to support the project implementation, and signed the MoU between their Mayor's office and Orran NGO, which states the cooperation lines and responsibilities of the Parties within the frames of the project.
● Meetings with community youth
Meetings with young people were organized; Power Point presentation was made to present the project goal and activities as well as the application procedure for becoming project participants. 111 application forms were filled out both online and offline. In total, 35
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019 participants were selected based on the application forms. The criteria for selection were their activeness, previous experience, the perception of community issues, etc.
● Summer Camp A seven-day summer camp was organized for 35 young people of the project target communities. The young people participated in various trainings on team work, leadership, conflict management, media literacy, critical thinking, as well as social entrepreneurship, marketing, fundraising, project management, project monitoring, volunteerism, time management, financial literacy, art of debating, public speaking, active listening skills, communication skills, advocacy, etc. They learnt about various educational and development opportunities and portals for the youth, learnt about how to write a successful CV, as well as about self-care and healthy lifestyle. The participants were provided with certificates. They were chosen as the coordinators of the Youth centers opened in their communities within the frames of the project
● International Youth Day 2020
Vanadzor city was announced Youth Capital for 2019. As such, active celebration of Youth International Day was organized on August 12. Project youth participated in
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
“Transforming Education” platform discussions organized by UNFPA and NGO Center in Vanadzor Technology Center. The project youth had a chance to meet Arayik Harutyunyan/ RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport and Lena Nazaryan/ Vice President of the National Assembly and other officials who were invited as guest speakers during the event. The project youth also participated in various workshops organized during the event on youth policy, informal education, etc.
They had a chance to participate in the “Opportunities Fair” where they learned about education and career opportunities. After the event, the project youth and Vanadzor Orran beneficiary children organized a Flash mob to draw public and community attention to the current issues of youth in rural communities. Special T-shirts were printed out within the frame of the project.
● Opening of 10 Community Youth Centers
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
To ensure project sustainability Youth Centers have been opened in 10 project target communities. The centers will be coordinated by the main project target youth and will serve as a focal point for organizing future activities in those communities. Each center was provided with a desktop computer within the frames of the project which will be used by the community youth for various purposes such as finding different financial resources and funding opportunities to apply for community development grants, have access to various announcements, competitions, youth development opportunities either international or local. Official emails and Skype accounts were opened for every youth center to provide proper dissemination of training and other materials. It was negotiated with the Mayor of each community that they would ensure Internet connection for the centers. Project team supported each Youth Center to open an official Facebook page and to design a special logo for their centers to ensure the visibility of their activities. ● Intercommunity Debates Preparatory trainings on debating were organized for the project youth. The topics for the trainings were constructive speech, debating ethics and rules, ways of justifications, selection of the debate topic, how to write an introduction speech including definitions and facts, results of researches, how to make arguments, questions and answers and how to make conclusions.
● Community youth meetings with guest speakers Over 100 young people from Vanadzor and 10 target communities participated in the meetings with 5 guest speakers. ● Andrey Ghukasyan: Lori Region Governor Page 23
Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
● Larisa Hovannisian: Teach for Armenia Founder ● Mr. Raffi Hovannisian founder of Orran and Mr. Edmon Marukyan: MP ● Mayis Margaryan and Karapet Tomikyan: Community Development professionals
3.2. Future Entrepreneurs of Armenia
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
The “Future Entrepreneurs for Armenia” 4th generation program started in November. In this program, the children learn how to write business plan, develop marketing strategy, conduct market research, utilize communications skills, etc. 32 application forms were filled out both online and offline. Total 13 participants were selected based on the application forms. The criteria for selection were their activeness, previous experience, the perception of community issues, entrepreneurial mindset etc.
5. Social Service
During this semester Lusine Akmakchyan, Orran’s social worker, conducted individual work with 33 children on topics related to interpersonal experience and ethics. She also conducted individual sessions with 79 parents, and as a result most of them have been directed to various institutions. When needed Orran submitted written or verbal statements for solving various issues. During the reporting period Ms. Akmakchyan addressed 5 social cases, of which 1 is completed, and 2 are still pending. She also made 67 home visits, together with the nurse, psychologists and teachers, for new beneficiaries’ enrollment, needs reassessment and provision of social support. In the table below the quantitative indicators of social work conducted during this semester is presented:
Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Number of children 129 128 92 98 97 97
Number of adults 25 30 29 28 29 30
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
Work with the families of Orran beneficiary 15 17 17 6 7 5 children
Visits (to families, other 0 12 0 44 12 8 institutions)
Cooperation with other structures 3 1 3 4 2 4 (governmental, nongovernmental)
Work with the beneficiaries outside of 33 15 13 14 2 19 Orran Center
Phone calls 70 52 70 70 55 49
6. Psychological Support
During the reporting period, individual works with 17 beneficiaries were conducted, with 13 beneficiaries being repetitive, regulated, continuing. The number of group consultations is over 9. More than 15 meetings with beneficiaries’ parents were organized to discuss and compare behavior of the beneficiaries outside Orran. During the discussions, relevant data was collected for further individual psychological work with the children. Meetings with school teachers and psychologists have been organized in order to find out sources of some beneficiaries’ hidden fears, complex of inferiority and aggression. Art-therapy classes were conducted with pre-school group beneficiaries for diagnostic work because of which respective work with children with aggression or introversion was carried out.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
Group work has been organized implementing a variety of methods and tests as well as discussions about many age-related issues. More discussions were held with high school children on professional orientation, personal, interpersonal and inter-community conflicts, and age-related issues.
The Alzheimer's Care Armenia program ''Memory Club'' continues at Orran Vanadzor Center. Memory Club classes take place every Wednesday and are conducted by the psychologist, social worker and nurse.
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Vanadzor Orran- 2nd Semester report July-December, 2019
7. Medical Support
Orran Vanadzor Center nurse Narine Mkrtchyan has carried out the following medical assistance and trainings:
- Organization of a meeting with a guest speaker Dr. Arevik Manukyan, who talked with middle and senior group children about Diabetes
- Keeping contact with Vanadzor Medical Center and follow the process of treating children receiving free treatment.
- Beneficiaries personal cases revision and documents preparation for newly involved children
- Advisory conversation with parents
- Control the hygienic condition of the children's hair and, if necessary, provide them with antioxidants.
-Control of the sanitary and hygienic condition of Vanadzor building
- Compiled a menu of beneficiaries included in the Orran program
Ms. Mkrtchyan also conducted part of Memory Club classes for elderly beneficiaries of Orran NGO.
Other
● Every week staff meetings are organized at Orran during which ongoing issues and activities were discussed. ● Once a month a meeting with parents is organized. Various issues such as children’s attendance, organization of events at Orran, children’s participation as well as social and other issues raised by parents are discussed. The parents sign the list for transportation reimbursement of their children.
● Once a month a meeting was organized with volunteers to discuss the work of the volunteers, provide consultations when needed and discuss the planned activities for the coming weeks.
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