“15 years against poverty” ...... 5 Social Care and Protection ...... 6 Elderly Care and Protection ...... 6 1. National Home Care ...... 6 2. Day Care Center for Elderly in ...... 7 3. Day Care Center for Elderly in Tashir ...... 7 4. Warm winter ...... 8

Children and Youth Care and Protection ...... 9 1. “Little Prince” Children Centers in Gyumri and Tashir ...... 9 2. Little Prince Center in Vanadzor (Empowering Youth and Families in Vanadzor) ...... 10 3. “Little Prince” Center in Gavar ...... 11 4. Equal opportunities for outstanding students ...... 12 5. Professional Training for the alumni of two Special Schools in Vanadzor ...... 13 6. Secure behavior through Art Therapy ...... 13 7. “Aregak” Day Care Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities in Gyumri ...... 14 8. Summer Camp for Faith and Light Community ...... 16 9. Assistance to Kindergartens ...... 16 10. Social Assistance to vulnerable cases ...... 14

Community Development ...... 18 Rural Communities in development ...... 18 1. “Aramazd” social-educational development project...... 18 2. Social and Economic Self Determination Rural Areas ...... 18 Mapping the Change: 16 years in action ...... 20 3. Parish social ministries ...... 22 4. Water and Sanitation ...... 23

Schools in Development ...... 24 1. German Friendship – Schools in Development ...... 24 2. Equal Education for All Children ...... 25

Women in Development ...... 25 Handicraft Workshop for Women ...... 25

Public Health ...... 26 1. Primary Health Care Center ...... 26 2. “Healthy mentality-healthy family” ...... 27 3. Harm Reduction in Developing Countries: Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development ...... 28 Migration and Integration ...... 29 1. Migration and Development ...... 29 2. Prevention of Illegal Migration and Traffi cking ...... 30 3. Assistance to Volunteer Return ...... 31

Emergency ...... 32 Humanitarian assistance ...... 32

Financial report ...... 33 Contacts ...... 33 In 2010, A youth volunteer corps was created In 2011 Arme- to improve our service to the com- Arch- nian Cari- munity and increase the participa- bishop tas cel- tion of young people in social ser- Raphael ebrated vices provided the vulnerable. Minassian fifteen Our representation in diff erent com- appointed years of mittees of local government was service to by Pope increased resulting in more coordi- Benedict the poor, nated actions. a service XVI be- On the programmatic level, Arme- which came the nian Caritas participated actively in was provided with great ‘caritas’ new head of the Zero Poverty campaign of Caritas (love) and devotion, a service which the Armenian Catholics in Arme- Europe by implementing a range of had so much to do with the feelings nia, Georgia and Eastern Europe, campaigns with the help of volun- of the people being served. Arme- as well as the new President of Ar- teers. A network of “Little Princes” nian Caritas continues to retain its menian Caritas succeeding Rever- children’s social centers was created integrity and organizational stability end Vahan Ohanian. the in four cities of . We com- in order to continue its commitment pleted the development of method- His Excellency was born in to serve its people. ologies for working with disabled Lebanon on October 24, 1946. He The year was an important one for children. We all are aware that UNI- entered the Catholic monastery Armenian Caritas, as it was remark- CEF registered increased child pov- of Bzommar in Lebanon in 1958 able for its positive developments erty in Armenia and especially in the and in 1966 he entered the Leba- on both the organizational and pro- regions where we work. The poverty nese seminary in Rome. In 1973 he grammatic levels. among disabled children reached a joined the order in Beirut. In 2010, Armenian Caritas adopted peak: 70%. Major community work Archbishop Minassian formed the Common Management Stan- was carried out in rural areas of Ar- the Sacred Cross scout group in dards of Caritas Europe and started menia. There, we have experienced 1984, which opened a church in a self-assessment process with its a change in local attitudes despite of Zalka. In 1996-2006 he was a pas- peer organization, Caritas Switzer- our country’s continuing economic tor of Armenian Catholics in Cali- land. The organizational structure problems. fornia. of AC was evaluated and adjusted I think this is a good occasion for me Archbishop Raphael Minassian to its current needs, thus improving to express my deepest gratitude to was the editor-in-chief of the mag- the learning processes, data collec- the many individuals, donors, board azine Avetaber-Verelk for eight tion, employee motivation, strategic members, staff and volunteers who years and the founder of an Arme- plan implementation and the orga- have given of their time, money, nizational development of Armenian nian television company, which technical expertise and leadership in segments were broadcasted by the Caritas. support of the work done by Arme- Telepace Channel. The Strategic Plan was reviewed and nian Caritas for the benefi t of poor fi ve major sectors were established: and unprivileged. In 2011, Archbishop Raphael Minassian became a producer  Social Protection and Care; I want to address especially my col- of the fi lm “Pastor” – the fi rst fi lm  Community development; leagues who are in the daily struggle about a canonized Armenian saint Public Heath; with poverty; witnessing so much  Grigor Narekatsi.  Migration and Integration and grief and misery in everyday life, fac- ing the suff ering and accompanying  Emergency preparedness and people in their diffi cult moments. It response. is not easy but it is blessed! None of Considerable changes have been us at Caritas are just workers, all of us made in the fi nancial system by in- are missionaries sent by God to serve stalling new, more effi cient account- to His people. I think we accomplish ing software. Fundraising for the our task proudly and our reward is poor was increased. These changes the joy of the service that we pro- resulted in a 30% increase in the vide. Thank you! yearly budget of the organization. Despite the increase, the administra- Anahit Mkhoyan, Executive Director tive budget remains below 10%. 5

The Project targets the cities Gy- A total of seven nurses umri, Vanadzor and Gavar, located and eight other care- in the northern part of Armenia, takers serve over 300 and aims to off er tangible support benefi ciaries in the to 300 elderly people living alone three cities, providing and unable to take care of them- material and medical selves. assistance, home vis- its where needed, and moral and psychological assistance. The Project, through its development and results, helps to generate a greater sense of solidarity in the community and reinforces the idea of community partici- pation as a way to solve individual and community problems.

Project is funded by Caritas Germany and Caritas Spain. Annual budget: 323424EUR Project Manager: Flora Sargsyan

Success Story: Benefi ciary Khachik Kharazyan was born in 1935. He is one of those thousand elderlies who have to meet the sunset of their lives in loneliness without family support. Although unlike other elderly, who have never had a family, fate was crueler towards Khachik. He did not like to speak about his severe life, thus The goals of the Project are to im- his wife, Asya, tells us. Khachik having just secondary education worked in prove home care and home nurs- diff erent institutions all his life. They are childless. Despite suff ering from ing in Armenia; andto enhance the various diseases, he still cultivates the land near his house and gathers his quality of life of elderly people in harvest. the targeted cities. We provided Khachik composes poems. During our visits he tells poems and jokes,. benefi ciaries with social and medi- The poems are mainly melancholic ones. From June 2011 Khachik Khara- cal care, monthly food supple- zyan was enrolled in the “Home Care” project of Armenian Caritas. Project ments, hygienic and cleaning de- staff and volunteers helped him fi nd a more dignifi ed life in his late age. tergents as well as laundry house Due to provided material, psychological and health services, the old spous- services. es feel more secure and happy. When we visit them, they hardly let us go The benefi ciaries are selected ac- trying to create interesting atmosphere so that we stay longer. cording to the following criteria: -Now we feel more secure and people in need of care at home, confi dent. It is an indescribable feel- bed-ridden people, people with ing, when you can rely on an organi- disability, socially vulnerable peo- zation, where they can help you not ple in need of care, people deprived expecting anything, - mention the of close relatives or neighbors and elderly with excitement. people living in temporary houses.

6

The main goal of the project is to Both the program and the PHCC improve living and health condi- staff members maintain close con- tions of 200 vulnerable pensioners tact with most of our benefi ciaries living in Gyumri. The pensioners in the center and after work hours. are divided into two groups, each Improvement of the morale of our of which visits the center on alter- elderly was one of the main objec- nate days. tives of the program. We arranged Success Story: Starting from September 2006 all monthly programs including con- Two lonely elderly - Volodya our benefi ciaries who expressed certs in participation with school- Zakarian and Gayane Mikayelian having health problems were reg- children and professional groups. met in the Day Care Center and istered, examined, and tested n the Our elderly have twice been in the after six months of acquaintance Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) local academic theatre. They were got married and now they live to- of Armenian Caritas. They have re- happy to watch the performances. gether happily. This was a great ceived treatment in accord with Some told us t they had not been in event not only for Volodya and their needs. the theatre for almost 17 years. Gayane, but for all of who knows The project staff members have Before and after the dining time what does it mean to be lonely. maintained such a warm atmo- several elderly people sang or sphere that our benefi ciaries could danced bestowing pleasure to get rid of daily hardships, loneli- others. Twice during the reporting from the local Social Department ness and isolation at least during period the benefi ciaries had the and a jurist who consulted with the the hours they were in the Centre. chance to meet with a specialist benefi ciaries on a voluntary basis.

Project is funded by Italian Bishops Conference 2006-2011, Caritas 2010-2011. Annual budget: Euro 60,000 Project Manager: Samvel Gevorgyan

Day Care Center for the Elderly from their houses to the Center and Four volunteers from Tashir con- in Tashir” project started in 2007. back, provision of fi rst aid medi- tributed greatly to the project. They The main goal of the project is cines and medical care, hygienic accompany the elderly people to to enable disabled and mentally care, provision of a daily hot meal, the polyclinic or other social places, frail elderly people of Tashir town organization of entertainment and take care of their hygiene; assist the to integrate into the society and excursions, investigation of social Social Worker in organizing spare be equally treated by providing a issues and fi nding solutions, etc. time or initiating various events. range of supportive services, and One of the components of the proj- Since the establishment of the also legal and social assistance. In ect has been the activities which Center there have been consider- 2011 the Center provided services contribute to raising the public able positive changes in the elderly to 65 elderly people living in Tashir. awareness about the issues and people: they have become more The following services were pro- rights of the elderly. sociable, friendly and supportive of vided: transportation of the elderly each other, optimistic and cheerful.

Project is funded by: – L’Oeuvre D’Orient, CORDAID, , Medicor Annual budget: 45000EUR Project Manager: Armen Martirosyan 7 Success Story: Grandma Shoushik’s life was full of misfortunes. stillborn due to the husband’s violence. She got married at the age of 23 but her husband was The couple having no permanent accommodation very jealous and she got divorced after four years not settled in a temporary house to build one later on but being able to endure constant violence and took with it ever happened. The temporary house has no basic fa- her their son. She went back to live with the multi- cilities, during winters the tap gets frozen. membered family of her parents and in order to earn money she worked in a collective farm. Soon another Her husband died fi ve years ago after long illness. misfortune came; her son died in a car accident while Her health is also poor; she has undergone several med- playing in the street. After some years of recovery ical operations. Her only daughter lives in another town she married for the second time but this one was not and cannot support her mother. But Grandma Shoushik successful either. This husband was also too jealous is always full of hope for future and never gives up. She and quite often violated her physically. A daughter is thankful to God that Caritas exists and supports them was born in their family and a second baby was in their lonely days.

The goal of the project is to de- winters and are heavily inhabited Gyumri, Vanadzor, Tashir and Gavar crease the social tension and mor- by elderly. The selected elderly are cities by paying their electricity or tality rate of the elderly (560 elderly unable for self-care of their own gas bills. The main outcome of the living alone) caused by diff erent needs. Most of them live in ex- Project was that it reduced the risk diseases during wintertime. tremely bad social conditions. for frequent diseases (as a result of cold weather) among all the ben- Armenian Caritas has implemented At the result of Warm Winter Proj- efi ciaries as well as decreasing the it in three regional areas in Arme- ect – 2009- 2010 implementation rate of the mortality among them. nia - Shirak, Lori and Gegharkunik we have covered the heating ex- Regions that experience severe penses of lonely elderly living in Project is funded by Caritas Germany, Caritas Austria Annual budget: 54628EUR Project Manager: Flora Sargsyan

Success Story: Hranush Shahbazyan was born she divorced after a while because of in the Village Karinj, located in Lori not having children. She lived alone Region, in a big family. She lived with a hope that one day she would bor before. Now she can’t imagine with her parents - fi ve brothers and marry a man with children, but it her life without Armenian Caritas. four sisters. Her grandfather and never happened. For 42 years she She was surprised getting the food fi ve of her uncles were brutally killed had worked in Vanadzor in a soup package for the fi rst time which is by Turkish soldiers during the War in kitchen. Hranush Shahbazyan is a considered as a mean of survival for Ghars and her aunt was kidnapped. handicapped pensioner. She suff ers her. Moreover, she has been enrolled Since that there is no news from her. from diff erent health issues like: car- to the “Warm Winter” project since Grandmother Hranush’s father left diac insuffi ciency, high blood pres- 2011 and was provided with gas. for Gharaqilisa, married and even- sure, etc. It is over 6 years that she Before, she has survived the winter tually fathered 9 children. Three of did not leave the house. colds by gathering plastic rubbish, her brothers and two sisters passed Grandmother Hranush has paper or other fl ammable things. away and from the other sisters she been involved in “Home Care” proj- “Now I feel myself much more has no news. ect since February, 2011. It took a protected and consider myself a full She married and moved to Kiro- month to gain her confi dence as no member of the society. God Bless one has visited her but her neigh- 8 vakan (presently Vanadzor), but you all”, said grandmother Hranush.

“Little Prince” children social cen- group activities overcome their with information on parental skills ters were established in Gyumri personal problems and isolation and children rights. A Legal ad- and Tashir. Social workers and psy- from society. viser provided consultations to 49 chologists provided consultations parents on housing, job, pensions, The children participate in the in the Centers and also made home health benefi ts, registration of their trainings on culinary art, general visits to 90 benefi ciary families. status. designing and computer courses, Family research cards were created. tailoring/sewing, healthy life style, Vocational trainings were orga- Contracts were signed with all fam- painting and young journalists’ nized for 52 parents and youth for ilies. 73 % of the children and youth courses. gaining marketable skills. They par- overcome social isolation by mak- ticipated in computer, offi ce skills, ing friends at the Centre. The children participated in cul- sewing, hairdressing and furniture- tural, educational, sport and enter- All 110 children of both Social Cen- making trainings. tainment events, excursions and ters are involved in the educational also visited museums, exhibitions Seven round table meetings were activities and during these train- and concerts. organized to strengthen the rela- ings the benefi ciaries not only de- tionships between social centers velop their professional skills but They celebrated National holidays and communities. also life skills, their capacity for and participated in the joint events teamwork, planning, social and out of the centers. Caritas Germany ensured the Ca- pacity Building of the project staff communicative abilities. They learn Fifty two parents received social- which was organized by German to overcome confl icts, to become psychological assistance combined more confi dent and through these consultants and trainers.

Project is funded by Caritas Germany and German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Annual budget: 180000EUR Project Manager: Hasmik Sargsyan

Success Story:

A… is sixteen years old. She lived and now she is one of the most pro- in the Night Care Center. She was ductive children and she creates eager to leave the institution and real synergies in her relationship live with her family and this strong with other children and staff mem- desire contributed to constant de- bers. Now, she pression. Her family thought that lives with her it was just naughty girl behavior family and she and after a while the situation in- believes that fl uenced child-parent relationships. it is possible When she came to “Little Prince’’ to build better center, she got actively involved in family relation- psychological therapy. Her mother ships. Her re- also was provided with psychologi- turn home was cal therapy. Day to day we could a great success see how the relationship was im- for all of us. proving between the mother and the child. Her behavior changed 9

The project is a continuation of the porting group, etc. The psychologi- ployment or providing the services “Social Rehabilitation of Youth and cal activities included participation from home. their Families in Vanadzor”, 2006- in a puppet theatre. The project team, together with 2010 in which 240 children and Overall 78 project benefi ciaries the volunteers and leadership youth received socio-psychological got involved in the general devel- group, as well as the partner insti- and educational assistance. opment training cycles and 88% tutions initiated 24 events which For the year of 2011, 89 benefi - completed the cycles successfully. were held within and outside the ciaries have been enrolled at the Training cycles included culinary “Little Prince Centre”, including: center for complex assistance – so- arts and table design, general de-  Cultural events - Visits to muse- cio-psychological assistance, edu- sign, journalism and camera opera- ums and art galleries; Visits to the cation and development opportu- tion functioning within the Young theatre; Visits to libraries; Visits to nities, and participation in diff erent Camera media program, computer concerts; Meeting with prominent events and social activities. operating and puppet making. artists of the city. The project team has worked with Overall 33 family members and 7  Community Events/Actions 199 second-group benefi ciaries, i.e. elder benefi ciaries attended the  Commemoration to the victims the parents and other family mem- professional development train- of Armenian Genocide; WWII vic- bers. ings. All of the attendants suc- tory day; International children’s cessfully accomplished the train- According to the 90 psychological day; The day of Renaissance of the ings and received certifi cates. The case fi les opened, 40 benefi ciaries Christ; Museum Night; Library Day; trainings included hairdressing, received psychological assistance City Day. cosmetology, and nail-polishing, through individual and group psy- sewing, business correspondence. All of these were accompanied chological work, relaxation therapy, 10 graduates [30%] presently gen- with mentoring and establishment development of parent-self-sup- erate income either through em- of a leaders group.

Project is funded by Caritas Germany and Cordaid; Partner: “Crossing Roads” SNGO. Annual budget: 87210EUR Project Manager: Gurgen Balasanyan

Success Story: G. was born in 1999 in Vanadzor. funds from the state because his His family consists of fi ve members grandfather is a pensioner and – his parents, grandfather and a the state claims that the pension brother. His father is disabled and is enough for the family to live. Yet his mother is a housewife. G. has the grandfather holds a separate also had a disability but the state household policy and makes no fi - deprived them of the fi nancial as- nancial contribution to the family sistance claiming that after 3 sur- economy basket. geries G. got free from his disability. Shortly after his involvement in G. also has cross-squint eyes which the center, the social workers gained During the Easter event, G. present- also require immediate surgical in- permission from the state for G.’s ed his hand-made composition de- tervention since it gets more inten- free surgery. G. currently gets food picting Christ’s birth saying: “Every sive as he grows older. in the center, attends the sports club time I enter and see my work of art The family receives no relief and participates in diff erent events. in the center I will feel myself useful.” 10

The Social Center “Little prince” was established in Ga- ences and choice of the children: computer skills, de- var in June 2010. The main goal of the project is to alle- signing, cooking, drawing, sports activities, studying viate the poverty among disadvantaged children and foreign languages, sculpturing, sewing and handicraft, their families living in Gegharkunik Marz through the etc. The Social Center provided services to 45 children enhancement of the social protection system. from Gavar throughout 2011. The Center serves children 10-16 years-old living in The Center also provided services to the family mem- Gavar who come from socially insecure families with bers/care takers of the children – social and psycho- the provision of the following services: social-psycho- logical services and consultations, legal consultations, logical, educational, material aid such as food, cloth- vocational trainings, etc. The Center provided the ing, stationery and hygienic supplies. Educational and above mentioned services to 28 parents/family mem- life skills groups were formed according to the prefer- bers of the children.

Project is funded by: Caritas Austria (Graz Diocese) Annual budget: 25000EUR Project Manager: Armen Martirosyan

Success Story: “I live in a rented house with my unable to see my three sons as I have no house on my children aban- own. I was abandoned by my hus- doned and hun- band when he left for Russia in 2004 gry, I drank poi- for a seasonal job and has never son thinking that returned. I went Russia to his place I will no longer and during my stay I gave birth to wake up from my our two sons. But I had to return to sleep, but somebody saved me. It af- though they are very small. My chil- Armenia as he was treating me and fected my health conditions. dren go to school as part of an inclu- my children very badly and so far I sive program, which supports them have not received anything from Now I work with two turns at by providing food. My elder child him. My three children have to re- nights in the bakery and lemonade attends Little Prince, I also attend to main hungry before I manage to factory. It is very diffi cult to live in visit the psychologist, and it helps earn some money for food. My psy- such conditions and hold on, but at me a lot. My child has become bet- chological situation was so crucial least my children give me some ter, communicates more and has that I decided to commit suicide, strength and understand me al- made friends.

11 Quote: “This was a big change in my life. Besides that I could continue my education I was also introduced to the joy of social service. Caritas was the only place where I could feel the care of other people”.

“Equal Opportunities for Outstand- tions. The project provides them of them joined Armenian Caritas ing Students” project was launched with material assistance neces- to volunteer in “Aregak” Day Care in 2011. The project becomes pos- sary for their educational process. Center for children with disabilities. sible with generous contributions In 2011 the organization assisted Besides the funds provided by the from Caritas Austria, 15 students partially or fully cov- donor agency, Armenian Caritas re- Dioceses. The target of the project ering their tuition expenses and ceived funds from individual dona- is Armenian students from disad- necessary musical instruments. All tions to support this project. vantaged families who have strong records at their educational institu-

Project is funded by Caritas Austria (Vorarlberg Diocese). Annual Budget: 3950EUR Project Manager: Gagik Tarasyan

Success Story: A gratitude letter refl ecting the extreme need for assistance from a student whom Armenian Caritas were able to help. “Dear “Caritas Hayastan [Caritas Armenia]” management and team, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and also on behalf of my family for such an attention to my matter. Although I was sure that you would not ignore my letter (because that makes your organization diff erent from many other ones) but still I had tears in my eyes when the transfer confi rmation came. It is impossible to express how much I appreciate your support. And knowing the wide range of your respon- sibilities I appreciate such a quick response and also the format of the amount. It is a huge support to know that people share my feelings, principles and people value impor- tance of education as much. Your position played a crucial role and it makes easier for my family to collect the rest of the amount. I may say you truly have saved my life. Please be sure that you have got a humble compan- ion-in-arms and I am available for the needs of Caritas Hayastan to the extent of my pos- sibilities.”

12

The project gave the vulnerable Besides professional tools and ma- of courses on health and hygiene children and youth an opportu- terials, food, stationary and hygien- for the children and their parents, nity to develop vocational skills ic items were also provided. Since helping them to obtain knowledge through hairdressing, vehicle me- the children were from socially in these fi elds. chanics, and design trainings pro- needy families this support was a There are many children in the vided at the corresponding agen- great necessity for their families. Family Centers who lack proper cies accredited for similar services. The material support provided by daily food and as a result, malnu- According to the evaluation results, the program helped improve the trition impedes their physical and many children and youth state that living and educational conditions sometimes mental development. the participation in the trainings of the vulnerable children and their Therefore, the need for proper nu- helped them decide on their future families. trition was imperative for the Insti- profession. tutionalized children. Provision of Through the hygienic component All of the materials needed for the food commodities and clothing to of the program, 235 children were trainings were provided by the the school children gave their fami- supplied with necessary hygienic project. Professional tools were lies an opportunity to save some items: soap, shampoo, tooth brush also provided, to help participants money to cover other necessary and tooth paste, etc. The proj- during their training and afterward expenses. ect focused on the organization in employment or at home work.

Project is funded by Action of the 3 Kings/Germany. Annual budget: from 18000 to 20000EUR Project Manager: Gagik Tarasyan

Since 2010 psychological art thera- doll theaters revealing the typical peutic activities were conducted problems among youth and dis- with 25 benefi ciaries (children and cuss the possible ways of overcom- As a result of the activities, im- parents). The activities included ing those problems. provements have been marked in psychodrama (doll making and doll children, such as: In 2011 the project worked with theatre) and relaxation (autogenic 18 children and their family mem-  Overcoming fears, phobias, ag- exercises) to help the youth in diffi - bers. Diff erent therapies, such as gression; cult circumstances and their family fairy-tale therapy, art and paining members to overcome psychologi-  Gaining color recognition skills; therapy, activities to strengthen cal problems by using innovative  Improved dimensional orienta- the memory were held with the psychological methodology. tion; children who were diagnosed with As a result, 8 psychological scenar- infantile cerebral paralysis, were  Ability to display adequate ios were formed which were later super active, aggressive, had fears emotions; presented at local schools through and complexes, etc.  Improvement of the visual at- tention.

Project was funded by Caritas Austria and Caritas Spain Partner: “Crossing Roads” SNGO. Annual budget: 4000EUR Project Manager: Gurgen Balasanyan 13 Success Story: A. is 6 years old. According to his mother, he got sick the most important when he was younger, had high fever, after which he is in stable and nor- frequently lost consciousness; afterwards these phe- mal psychological nomena became more frequent. All this infl uenced his condition. normal development. He started walking very late and Together with all talking from the age of four. these activities, one During the fairytale therapies he was listening with of the most important concerns for A. and his parents pleasure to the fairytales, but when there was an at- was seeing the child among his peers. They wanted A. tempt to analyze the process of the story or talk about to socialize with other children and make friends, and the heroes, he was very passive. The issue was overcome A. was the one who wanted this the most. Before this, step by step. Now A. retells the fairytale, talks about the the parents took A. to many kindergartens, private ed- heroes and discusses their negative and positive behav- ucational centers, where he was not accepted as a full ior. He likes to paint, especially likes to fi gure the heroes member. He was treated badly and was teased by his of the fairytale of that day. Since his fi ne motor skills are peers. Parents of “healthy” children expressed nega- not well developed, they frequently work with plasti- tive opinions, threatening to take their children out of cine, natural materials and color paper. the kindergarten, forcing the educators of the center to drive A. out of the group. A.’s parents had to take him out Consultancy was also provided to the parent about of the kindergarten and again A. became lonely, with- the exercises that need to be regularly practiced with out friends and his health condition worsened. A. The parents say that A. has changed a lot. He is very calm at home. He used to be aggressive, used to shout Now A. attends the “Fairy Tale” center like everyone: and yell; now he does not behave in such manner. He from 10:00 to 17:00. Children entirely accept him, help has learnt a lot, he recognizes the colors, counts up to 5, him, love him and play with him. He is very happy. This in short, he has gained a lot of knowledge, and which is was a great progress and big success in A.’s life.

The overall goal of the project is to ergo-therapy, art, music, speech enable children with multiple dis- and psychological therapies. The abilities and their families living in Centre transported the children to Gyumri to integrate into society the Centre and back home, cared and be treated equally by provid- for their hygiene, nourishment and ing a range of social and develop- basic medications, organized social mental services at “Aregak” Day events and excursions, etc. At the Care Centre, as well as, to promote Centre social and psychological public awareness and sensitivity consultations were off ered to the for disabled people. The Day Care parents/care takers of the children. Centre provided services to 35 chil- dren with multiple disabilities and In 2011 several visits were made their families throughout 2011. by the Austrian colleagues who discussed with the AC top staff The services provided at the Cen- and DCCD personnel to expand tre were directed at enhancing the project by constructing a new the physical and mental abilities building and adding new compo- of the children: physiotherapy, nents. In 2013 the construction of 14 Success Story: Eduard Toroyan, (14) or Edul as his friends and relatives call him is one of 30 children with multiple disabilities attending “Aregak” day care center of Armenian Caritas. Edul suff ered Cerebral Palsy in early childhood and was unable to move up to 10 years, when he visited Aregak center for the fi rst time. Edul lives with his mom and dad in a rented poor apartment without any special conditions. But despite of the unattractive environment, Edul gets all love and care from his family that a child could wish. “He is so caring not only towards us, but also to anybody who needs help. He loves treating people and is very hospitable. When we have guests he keeps nagging me to treat people with the best food we can aff ord. Everybody loves him,” says Ms. Osana Torosyan, Edul’s mother. a new disability care center will be fi nished composed One can admire Edul’s determination to learn of therapeutic, information, vocational training centers and to call his dreams to life. His mother remem- and public parks for children and youth with multiple dis- bers the time before Argeak, when Edul couldn’t abilities. The center designed by famous architect Richard execute any task, he was sitting in his wheelchair Nikolussi will have all modern rehabilitation facilities with all day long and the family gave up the idea to give the capacity of serving to 100 children and youth. Besides him a fully content life. At that time, the Torosyans numerous therapeutic and training facilities, the center were isolated from the society and hopeless. will also have areas open to general public to socialize, to have rest and to be involved in the social life of the cen- “I didn’t know how to teach him even the most ter. Half of the required amount for the construction has elementary skills… I was crying constantly. The been already raised. Caritas Austria and Caritas Armenia idea that you unable to help your child can be so continue their joint fundraising eff orts and construction devastating,” tells Osana. works are planned to start in spring 2012. Today, 4 years later, Edul’s progress is apparent. He knows the Armenian alphabet and can read; he Project is funded by: Caritas Austria takes classes in Russian and wants to continue his (Diocese of Vorarlberg) education in regular school. He likes to communi- Annual budget: from 50000 to 60000EUR cate; he is very good at making friends, never afraid Project Manager: Armen Martirosyan to approach people fi rst. He has become more and more independent: now he doesn’t need anybody’s help while eating; he loves classical music, so he can turn on the radio and fi nd his favorite channel to listen to. Due to his enormous eff orts, now he can even walk with a walker independently. Before his family was ashamed to take him out, but today one of their favorite times is when they go for a walk. His parents are proud of their son’s achieve- ments. Great changes came also to the life of the whole family. Having some spare time, Edul’s parents can plan their day more productively. Edul’s father is a wood-crafter, so now he can not only produce his craftworks, but also sell and get more profi t. Edul’s mother, inspired by the progress her son got in Aregak, keeps on teaching him new skills at home and preparing her son for study at school. 15 Success Story: Despite the fear that the sum- mer camp was organized in the tents and it could create extra dif- fi culties for the disabled persons and the volunteers to assist them around, the camp was the most successful for all the participants. The main goal of the summer camp van, Lori region. During the camp It is so vivid in their memories that is to create an atmosphere for dis- days diff erent entertainment and they want the summer camps to abled individuals and their families game activities were organized be organized in tents every year. where they will feel not segregat- by the volunteers for the disabled ed and will feel the real love and children and young people, as well friendship through organizing the as for their parents to make the memorable day for all the partici- recreation of the children with mul- camp days more interesting and pants and they often remember it tiple disabilities during seven days memorable. Totally, 65 people par- during the whole year. in summer thus contributing to ticipated in the summer camp and their integration in the society and among them were 23 disabled in- church activities. The participants dividuals, 25 volunteers (assisting of the summer camp were people and interacting with children) and who are the members of “Faith and 22 parents and family members Light Community in Armenia”. The (volunteering to help in organiza- summer camp in 2011 for the fi rst tion of camp). The last day of the time was organized in the open na- camp involved an excursion to the ture with tents situated in Stepana- shore of Lake Sevan. It is the most

Project is funded by: Caritas Austria (Diocese of Tirol) Annual budget: 3500EUR Project Manager: Armen Martirosyan

garten in Sepasar village was supported by food and rest of the activities was contributed by the community. The kinder- garten number 11 was reno- vated in Gyumri. Kindergarten projects are not very common for Caritas Armenia though based on the great need once Several micro projects were devel- a while we responded to the oped to assist kindergartens with urgent needs of the children in food and renovation. The Kinder- 2010 and 2011.

Project is funded by: Caritas Austria (Diocese of Vorarlberg), Caritas Austria (Diocese Tirol) Annual budget: 7000EUR Project Manager: Hasmik Sargsyan

16

In 2010 and 2011 we have supported 170 individual fund is generated through the personal donations of social assistance cases. When people are in a desper- diff erent individuals who see our work and want to ate situation then they turn to Caritas asking our sup- commit something small for the benefi ciaries. port. Our social workers then investigate the applicant. Based on the report of the Social Worker we place these individuals either in our diff erent projects or if we do not have a corresponding project but the need is very obvious we help them through the Social Fund for poor created within Armenian Caritas budget. The

Project is funded by personal donations of diff erent individuals knowing or visiting Caritas Annual budget: 4000 EUR (in average) Project Manager: Anahit Mkhoyan

17

Success Story:

“I have taken part in the six- month dress-making training, or- The goal of Aramazd project is to communities have been approved ganized with the support of Arme- support the development of ref- and implemented. The grant proj- nian Caritas at “Astgahvard” NGO ugee-populated 38 communities ects cover diff erent social-edu- in Vardenis, and now I am passing in sub-regions of Amasia, Vardenis cational areas, such as providing my skills on to handicapped chil- and Chambarak through capacity- dress-making courses for handi- dren from the villages, as foreseen building activities and provision capped and refugee women, home by the program. Through teach- of mini-grant opportunities to the care project for the lonely elderly, ing others I became more skill- local NGOs in the targeted sub-re- decorative-applied folk-art club ful, and what is more, working gions. for youth, socialization of women with a disabled child and seeing through eco-carpet weaving, sup- In 2010 the number of organiza- how diffi cult it is for her to make port to kindergartens in the circle tions, involved in the project, in- simple movements, I re-evaluate of education as well as renovation creased by two, thus widening the my attitude towards people with and refurbishment of the sanitary- impact of the project in the tar- disabilities and understand how hygienic and other facilities. The geted sub-regions and providing important it is to communicate length of the projects fl uctuated diversifi ed support for the develop- with them and regard them as full from 10 to 12 months; some of ment of communities. members of the society,” Diana them tend to continue when suc- Abgaryan, 23, Vardenis. In total during the past eight years cessful. of Armenian Caritas involvement, Over the past 8 years we succeeded with the partnership and support to increase the independence and to the local NGOs, 37 short and sense of responsibility of the NGOs long-term grant projects in 19 making them more competitive.

Project is funded by Caritas Espanola and Secours Catholique. Annual budget: 67500EUR Project Manager: Anahit Gevorgyan

The overall objective of the proj- participatory systemic approach.  Create and strengthen new ect is to create profound positive models of behavior enabling a The main directions of the project change through provision of eco- change in attitudes about commu- are: nomic and social development op- nity responsibility. portunities in 15 Armenian villages  To increase the capacity of  Contribute to the improvement so they become self-reliant and participating local partner NGOs of social and economic conditions involved in improving their com- including working together for in- in targeted sites strengthening the munities through a values-driven creased eff ectiveness. 18 capacity of local community action Following a highly com- groups to gain practical experience petitive selection pro- in functioning through community cess, 10 social projects engagement and collaboration and 5 business ideas with local government. were approved for fund- ing and were realized in  Reinforce democratic principles the majority of our tar- through mentality change, small get communities. and successful community projects and new small businesses. Overall 12248.82 Euro was provided s for During the fi rst quarter of the year, the implementation community action groups (CAGs) of social projects and and businessmen about diff erent in all 15 villages, underwent train- 13767.76 Euros for realization of developmental initiatives. In 2011 ings on project development and business ideas. business planning. twenty fi ve projects were submit- Currently, the local partners of the ted by the communities for ap- Then, during the months of March- project provide on-going consul- proval and 14 projects got funding April 2010 Armenian Caritas an- tancy to the CAGs and the busi- of 7224540 AMD (14450EUR). The nounced the call for small commu- nesspeople, both while imple- return rate from businessmen was nity development grant projects menting the projects, developing very high, 20 of them covered their among the trained CAGs; and the their businesses and in general for debts to the project thus having as open competition for no-interest the sake of the development of the a heritage a successful business. loans to the existing and starting- local communities’ capacities. These amounts will be used to fund up businesses in the same commu- social projects in their communi- nities. In 2011 the local partners contin- ued providing consulting to CAGs ties.

Project is funded by European Commission and Caritas Belgium. Partners: “Crossing Roads” Social NGO from Lori Region (CR); Gegharkunik Chamber of Commerce and Industry from Gegharkunik Region (GCCI); “Gyumri Development Centre” NGO from Shirak Region (GDC): Annual budget: 81000EUR Project Manager: Gayane Norikyan

Success Story: Besides developing the projects for the competition announced in the framework of this project, the Commu- nity Action Groups (CAGs) have initiated the development of a number of other projects addressing community problems, and with the assistance of the heads of the village municipalities have applied to diff erent supporting and funding institutions. In order to improve the quality of the grant projects, beside the planned community visits of the specialists, the members of CAGs themselves come to the offi ce of Gegharkunk Chamber of Commerce and get additional consul- tancy. - Artak Dadoyan, the coordinator of the project in Gegharkunik Region.

19 20 21

Seeking to help communities address their develop- ment needs, CRS/South Caucasus developed a re- gional Parish Social Ministry project that adapted conventional PSM approaches to the individual needs of Armenian Caritas, Caritas Georgia and the Roman Catholic Community of Baku. Having the experience of developing PSM groups in six villages of Shirak region, in 2009 PSM concept has been expanded to another 5 villages of Lori region: Katnarat, Katnaghbjuir, Petrovka, Saratovka and Bla- godarnoye. 5 Parish Social Ministries are created in tar- geted villages which operate according to democratic governance principles, enhancing a stronger relation- ship between the communities and the Church, and tiatives. Banks and lending institutions are not inter- using proper tools to facilitate wide participation of ested in supporting businesses in the Northern area the community in self-development. of Armenia considering it and the primary sphere of The locally adapted and developed training module activity (agriculture) too risky. The project provided provided the parish facilitators with the necessary business plans development and management skills knowledge and skills. The small grants component of to 18 activists of the targeted villages. An investment the trainings enabled participants and the local com- capital necessary to spark business development has munities to witness the practical and tangible results been provided to the 5 best business ideas. According of PSM principles. to the signed contract with AC the business holder will 47 community activists in 5 villages are familiar with repay the whole amount of the capital and later con- the participatory research methodologies and are able tribute 5 % of the original amount to social projects to conduct it themselves, identifying communities’ implemented by the PSM groups. The return of the problems and strengths. 15 community activists in 5 money in the form of a re - grant to the revolving fund villages are competent to develop and write project is a critical component to achieving mentality change. proposals. A sense of ownership is developed among commu- During the last four years Armenian Caritas started to nity members and they feel more responsible towards invest also in the development of small business ini- their community development.

Project is funded by Caritas Austria/Innsbruck Dioceses and US Bishops Conference. Annual budget: from 20000 to 21000EUR Project Manager: Zhanna Harutiunyan (2010), Gayane Norikyan (2011)

Success Story: The greatest success of this proj- ect was in village the Parish Social Ministry was so strong that they succeeded to defeat the village mayor and lobby for a new one. Since that the civil society is very active in this village and their com- munity can really participate in the governing processes of their village. 22

Implementation of water supply projects has been one of the strategic directions of Armenian Caritas since 1996, as thousands of families are deprived of clean and adequate quantity of drinking water despite the fact that there are enough drinking water resourc- es. The main reason for this problem is the worn out and broken water systems which were constructed in 1960s and have never been repaired since then. The water systems in many communities have about 50- 60% loss of water and people cannot solve a lot of priority problems. The picture is nearly the same with irrigation networks in terms of losses in the existing ir- rigation systems. Moreover, in contrast to the drinking water availability, Armenia does not have enough ir- rigation waters resources. This lack of availability is a pi, Katnarat ,, Arevik, , , negative infl uence on the fi nancial capacity of house- Basen, Akhurian and . holds as the rural population cannot produce enough In 2011 drinking water supply systems were rehabili- yield for sale and consequently do not receive ade- tated in Gharibjanian, Getk, , Yerazgavors, Bay- quate profi ts from their lands. andur and villages in Shirakmarz of Armenia, The water supply and sanitation project in 2010-2011 and 4766 people in those villages got suffi cient and has been extremely successful both in its execution clean drinking water in their houses. and outcome and has had signifi cant impacts in the A Drinking Water supply system was constructed in lives of those households living in the targeted vil- the village of Amasia, Shirakmarz, for 70 households lages. which had been completely deprived of drinking wa- After project interventions, 90 % of households in the ter. With the village community’s active participation targeted villages are now connected to the water sup- and its physical and fi nancial contribution in the proj- ply network and receive safe, piped water direct to ect, the project was implemented successfully and their houses. within the planned time frame. All 70 households got suffi cient and clean drinking water in their houses and Another area in which signifi cant change has occurred were able to improve their domestic, farming and hy- is the reduced burden on women. In reality, collect- gienic conditions. ing water from spring taps was the woman’s respon- sibility. After the completion of this project women In Gegharkunik marz, Water and Sanitation project re- themselves and village heads believe that burden on habilitated a drinking water supply system of the vil- women and children has now signifi cantly reduced lage of Zovaber. 410 families in Zovaber village were and women’s ability to engage in productive activities completely deprived of consuming drinking water for has increased. over two years because some sectors of the pipe-line were rotten and the water was polluted. As a result of Likewise, the majority of households view the impact the project the amount of drinking water per person in as allowing for people to engage in socio-economic Zovaber community increased about 20%. activities such as farming or raising livestock and this will then improve their socio-economic status in the In 2011 the project included a reconstruction of the ir- community and reduce the rates of migration. rigation system of Getq village. The project aimed at installation of a 15 gutters, 90 meters length, and re- About 2000 households of Shirak, Lori and Gegharkunik pair 470 meters of irrigation system. In the result of the marzes were included in the project in 2010 in 14 vil- project 52 families of the village become able to use lages: Getk, Akhurik, Hatsik, Haykavan, Chkalovka, Ara- their lands and derive some profi t.

Project is funded by Renovabis, Caritas Italy, Caritas Austria, local communities. Project Budget (2010/2011): 250000EUR Project Manager: SamvelGevorgyan (2010); ArtashesMargaryan (2011) 23

Success Story: The idea of the project was initi- During March, 2010, on the sug- in the Action of Solidarity and were ated by the teachers, students and gestion of our project partner Kar- able to collect 832,700 Armenian parents of Kardinal Frings Gymna- dinal Frings Gymnasium (KFG), all Drams (1,527 Euro). This contribu- sium of Bonn, Germany in 2003. the schools involved in the project tion from Armenian children was This school organizes annual fun- since 2003, agreed to take part in added to the total amount collect- draising activities for the benefi t of a Fundraising Action, organized ed by the youth of KFG and trans- children living in remote villages of by Armenian Caritas to help chil- ferred to “Don Bosco Jugend Dritte Armenia. The goal is the improve- dren in Haiti after the devastation Welt”, which is constructing a new ment of their educational condi- caused by a massive earthquake. school building in Haiti. Through tions, support in fi nding solution to As a good example of solidarity of this project, Haitian children have the primary problems of the target- one nation to another, being not in got an opportunity for a better fu- ed schools. The project also assists the best fi nancial situation them- ture through education and devel- in building community capacity selves, 19 schools and NGOs joined opment. by encouraging participation in all stages of project implementation. The community contributes a mini- lage Agricultural College, mum of 20% of the total budget to the library in Getk village the projects in the form of unpaid secondary school and 4 labor, materials or funds. In aver- sanitary-hygienic units of age about 125 children, 130 school Mayisyan village schools staff and 11000 community mem- have been renovated and bers benefi t from the school sup- furnished. port component per year, and 250 The creation of an ad- children and 2600 adults in 100 vul- equate, comfortable, safe nerable families benefi ted from the and clean educational social protection component of the environment for children project during the last two years . assists in their intellectual The Donors’ initiative continues to In 2010-2011, village and physical development. alleviate some of the numerous secondary school, vil- needs of families living in contain- er-type houses in Gyumri through the donation of food parcels.

Project is funded by Kardinal Frings Gymnasi- um of Bonn, Germany. Annual budget: 14500EUR Project Manager: Anahit Gevorgyan 24

Changing attitudes towards This is the reason, that although children with disabilities is not legislation protects the rights of an easy task. During our work children with disabilities, howev- Success Story: with parents, schoolchildren and er it cannot always protect them Eduard Toroyan dreams of be- teachers we came across with from discrimination and preju- coming a painter. He has motor co- many people who always asked dice. Changed attitudes from ordination disability. When he was “Why inclusion?” They did not the side of parents, teachers and seven, his mother took him to the understand the benefi ts of in- schoolchildren can help to create neighborhood school. However, the clusion. They continued saying more positive school experiences headmaster of the school explained that children with special educa- that promote children’s academic her very rudely that they couldn’t ac- tional needs must study in special and personal/social growth, as cept the child, because their school schools, because they needed well as make a real diff erence was not adapted for disability needs. too much attention, and that in their lives, enabling them to Edward’s mother was off ended and because of children with special participate in school and also decided to keep the child at home to needs teachers might not pay the in community life and to achieve protect him from being down looked due attention to healthy children. a higher level of satisfaction with and neglected. “I was very happy their lives. when the school parent council members (SPC) of school #7 in Gy- Project is funded by Secours Catholique umri found us and told us that they Project Annual Budget: 49 618EUR are ready to accept Edward into their Project Partner: National Association of School Parents school… Council Members Now little Edward makes prog- Project Manager: Anahit Gevorgyan ress thanks to everyday hard work at school and at home.”

2010 was the concluding year of the 1st phase of the trainings. “Handicraft Centre for Women” project. The overall During 2010, the centre provided its vocational ser- goal of the project is improvement of living conditions vices to two groups of women, a total of 15. They all of 50 families in the city of Gyumri through provision underwent the same type of sewing training, which of handicraft workshop and opportunity for socializ- ing to 50 women and girls who are victims of domestic violence, from poor families, from orphanages, moth- ers who have many children and whose husbands are unemployed, and refugees. Throughout the 42 months of its operation (36 months according to the initial project proposal and a 6 month extention), 63 women took part in the 5 twelve-month sewing courses, 3 three-month knitting trainings, 1 one and a half month knitting training course, 2 three- month beading trainings, and 2 short-term batik 25 lasted 12 months per group, 15 tions for the project was raised, hours weekly thus insuring in- which was put in the social solidar- depth knowledge of their future ity fund of Armenian Caritas, and profession. In addition, during the will be used while implementing spring, short-term trainings in knit- the future phase of this project. ting and beading were off ered to Most of graduates of the above- the current trainees of the center as mentioned program are currently well as other interested young self-employed and can guaranty women. About 20 women took minimum income for themselves part in the training. This further en- and their families. Unfortunately, and will be better addressed in the riched the work of the center ben- due to the situation with the eco- next phase. In January 2011, we efi ciaries, aff ording them the op- nomic crisis, most of benefi ciaries will begin a new phase of the proj- portunity to experiment with could not fi nd stable employment ect, which has a stronger accent on combinations of handmade cloth- on the job market. This could be employability and economic inde- ing and matching accessories. Ap- considered as a gap of the project pendence of women. (photo 2.1 proximately 400 EUR as cash dona- prog – notes: 1).

Project is funded by Renovabis. Annual budget: Euro 5863.07 Success Story: Project Manager: Anna Yeghoyan Karine Papoyan is a fashion-de- She appeared in the handicraft signer by education but she consid- center of the Armenian Caritas by ers the knowledge obtained during chance and is very much pleased, her student years only theoretical as she gained a big stock of knowl- and confesses that she didn’t even edge and practical experience. Kar- imagine what kind of a future she ine says: “It is very interesting that would have, especially in the condi- nowhere in Gyumri had I encoun- tions of our town. tered such an honest and consider- ate reception.”

The developmental goal of the Endocrinologist, 2 Family Doctors, project is to provide, in a compas- a Gynecologist (therapist/practitio- sionate and competent manner, ner and trainer), two Psychologists primary ambulatory care for needy and Laboratory Doctor. The regis- patients in Gyumri and surround- tered number of permanent ben- ing areas. efi ciaries is around 1500 patients, accounting for around 4500-5000 The PHCC medical staff sees pa- visits per year. tients fi ve days a week and pro- vides clinical consultations, basic Although over time running of the laboratory services, ultra-sound PHCC project may seem to have be- and ECG examinations, as well as come very effi cient, dealing daily a limited supply of essential medi- with human beings it gives rise to cations. The center provides the many questions and problems that services of Physiotherapists, an need to be resolved without hin- 26 dering the fl ow of the project. program. The program sys- tem is operating on the whole Success Story: The biggest victory and network of PHCC, making Susanna Alekyan, born in 1973, attended achievement of the project is current information regard- the Primary Health Care Center still in 2003 the electronic database pro- ing the patients and the phar- with the following complains: tachycardia, gram, which is now being macy available on any of the nervous tremor, excessive sweating, irritation, gradually utilized by all the PHCC computers, so that the weight reduction and insomnia. Before com- medical staff with the close Family Doctors, Family Nurs- ing to our Clinic, the woman saw the general support and constant consul- es, the Pharmacist and the practitioner at the local polyclinic, but was not tation and training of the pro- Project Coordinator can fol- properly diagnosed and underwent just ineffi - grammer and the project co- low the updated information cient symptomatic treatment. In our Clinic, ordinator. The advantages of on their own computers. This after thorough instrumental and laboratory the program are numerous: saves time and provides far analyses, correct diagnosis was set to her, and in particular, the in/out/bal- more precise and accurate in- the treatment brought its result very soon. The ance of the content of the formation any time it is fol- health condition of the woman improved for PHCC pharmacy is now being lowed up. the better,, for which she is extremely thankful checked automatically by the to Armenian Caritas.

Project is funded by Caritas Spain Annual budget: 75000EUR Project Manager: Anahit Gevorgyan

The project “Healthy Mentality-Healthy Family” is very duration of 2 hours for 8 meetings. The number of unique in its type, emphasizing the importance of the benefi ciaries in one group fl uctuates from 6-8 women. formation of healthy families and raising of healthy The total number of benefi ciaries per year is around generations, the values of family and creation of the 100. “third one” with the unity of “two”. The ultimate goal of the project is to emphasize the importance of Holy Matrimony, the daily “work” to be done by the couples to maintain their families, to clarify responsibilities within big Armenian traditional families (where the newlywed couples have to live with the parents of the husband) and to raise a psy- chologically healthy generation. Funded by Caritas Spain, the project began implemen- tation in July, 2009. In October 2010, when the project was fi nanced by the German organization “Renovabis”, it expanded. Each group meets once a week for a meeting with a

Project is funded by Renovabis and Caritas Spain Annual budget: Euro 12500 Project Manager: Anahit Gevorgyan 27 Success story: Hasmik Grigoryan, 29 years old, pregnant woman: bringing of my children. Moreover, living together with “Though this is already my second pregnancy, I have to my husband’s parents, as do many-many daughters’ in confess, that I have learned so many new things about law, I used to have confl icts with them. With the help of pregnancy, childbirth and raising of healthy children our psychologist I learned the real reason of these con- during our meetings, which made me more self-confi - fl icts, which, I am sure, will help me to demonstrate cor- dent and, at the same time, very cautious during the up- rect behavior and to live my life in solidarity and peace.

In the year of 2010, 631 high school children form 30 level, and how controlling mechanisms work for re- schools in Gyumri, Vanadzor and Yerevan received stricted substances. peer education training on the bad consequences of The other challenge was the national “taboo” on talk- the substance abuse – drugs, alcohol and tobacco. ing about STDs and the prevention techniques. 72 people received blood examination for identifying Here are the publications developed during this proj- STDs and blood disease at the Help Room established ect: in the “Blood Bank” in Gyumri. In the Help Room, they get medical assistance and referrals. 1150 disposable Booklet “How to say No” syringes were distributed. “Peer to Peer” Training module on the bad conse- Psychological counseling was provided to 7 drug ad- quences of substance abuse such as drugs, alcohol dicts/family members. and tobacco. The module was approved by the Na- tional Institute of Education and instructed at schools 2500 citizens of Gyumri were reached by the outreach workers and provided information and referrals relat- “Awareness means healthy” Information Booklet ed to the issues of drug use. “Your life is in your hands” information booklet on the The fi eld of drug use prevention, education and harm bad eff ects of drug abuse as well as with referrals to reduction is quite a challenging one with entangled the support available to the drug addicts internal nets; therefore, it was quite diffi cult to identify “Let’s Talk” Social- Informative Booklet to share within what is actually being done on the local and national Family

Project is funded by Caritas Germany under UNESCO project Annual budget: 25000EUR Project Manager: Gayane Norikyan

Success story: “It was very interesting and useful training. It opened my eyes on many things. Now I have broader view of the harm of alcohol, drugs and smoking. The facilitators were excellent and friendly” mentioned Karen who participated in the training in Gyumri. “I acquired the knowledge that I couldn’t get before from my teachers or parents. The open discussions with my friends helped me to understand the problem better. I learned that we need better understanding of the harm of drug, alcohol and smoking in order to avoid it. 28

The goal of the project is promo- migrants the project is available in tion of links between migration Shirak, Lori, Gegharkunik regions Success story: and development in the Arme- and Yerevan city. Since the start of Nobody knows what the future nian context by contributing to the project 70 families/170 in per- has destined for him. Ali, yezidi by the establishment of sustainable son/ have benefi tted from social re- nationality had to leave for for- reintegration measures for return- integration assistance, 16 families eign countries for the search of ees to Armenia and creating an have received no-interest loans for happiness. Her father oopposed eff ective, client centered informa- start-up businesses, 17 workshops her marriage and she and her hus- tion system for potential migrants with 539 students and community band had to escape. They left Ar- from Armenia. The project is being members were conducted in dif- menia for Germany. Their asylum implemented by the Yerevan offi ce ferent educational institutions and application was rejected and they of Armenian Caritas. It is available communities, and 17 young unem- had to return. In Germany their in all regions of Armenia, depend- ployed were referred to diff erent fi rst child was born. They could ing on the return region of return- institutions for reorientation train- not stay there illegally, so with the ees who make one of the target ings (languages, computer, table assistance of kind people the deci- groups of the project. For potential design and other courses.) sion was made to return. They re- turned to their village, to Ali’s fam- Project is funded by Caritas Austria (Caritas Vorarlberg) and the Gov- ily. Return, uncertainty, social bad ernment of Liechtenstein. conditions. But the fortune smiled Annual budget: 250000EUR (in average) on them. Project Manager: Tigranuhi Tarakhchyan The social assistant in Germa- ny who had organized their return was so concerned with the family that she applied to Armenian Car- itas asking to fi nd the family and assist them. With the help of social net- work they were found in one of the remote villages of Armenia. When the husband heard about the organization that wanted to help them he could not believe it. He was hesitating, avoiding the meeting but later decided to be- lieve, trust and contact the orga- nization. It was a small hope; the organization extended a helping hand. The young family received psychological and social assis- tance. The project helped them solve their urgent social needs. And they received a no interest loan to buy animals. Now they feel themselves more confi dent and reintegrated in the society. The couple gave birth to the sec- ond child. 29

The aim of this project is to sensitize the youth in Ar- of Understanding was signed with the Ministry of Edu- menia, including both boys and girls about risks relat- cation. ed to traffi cking in persons and to empower them to In 2011, the project target benefi ciaries were all 8 make informed and safe decisions in high traffi cking grade students of 31 schools from Gyumri and Yere- risk situations. van. The information on consequences of illegal mi- The project’s targeted benefi ciaries were 8, 9, 10th and gration and the ways of legal migration was shared 11th grade pupils of 29 schools from Gyumri and Ye- among 3858 students through trained teachers from revan. The training of trainers (TOT) method was used the same schools. to transfer traffi cking, migration and human rights 2,000 copies of traffi cking-related leafl ets and 500 cop- related information through the teachers to the 2842 ies of posters were designed, printed and distributed student benefi ciaries. among 29 schools. All the pictures in the leafl ets and Additionally, their parents, teachers, central and local posters were originally drawn by the students of the education authorities were involved, in order to en- target schools. The aim of the distribution the posters sure a comprehensive, sustainable approach. All the and leafl ets to the children was to give information training sessions were offi cially authorized by the Re- about traffi cking and its prevention. gional Educational Departments and a Memorandum

Project is funded by Secours Catholique and Caritas Spain Annual budget: Euro 41705.92 Project Manager: Movses Hakobyan

Success Story: Our success is awareness of the youth about the dangers of traffi cking and illegal migration and reduction the risks of the youth to be traffi cked.

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The goal of the project is increase During 2010: of the chances of successful rein-  20 benefi ciaries/33 in person/ tegration of returned migrants in have received reintegration as- their home country after their stay sistance, in Belgium. The project provides As a result of grants provided to social counseling and assistance  16 families have received grants benefi ciaries they were able to to returnees from Belgium, devel- for start-up businesses. establish small businesses which ops and maintains the network of In 2011: gave them possibilities of a digni- social-care organizations in the fi ed life in their motherland.  39 benefi ciaries/66 in person/ country in order to refer the return- have received reintegration as- While working directly with ben- ees to the tailor-made assistance, sistance, efi ciaries a separate program was and gives concrete and specifi c implemented information to questions asked by  28 families have received grants immigrants in Europe, transmitted for the start-up businesses. through Caritas Belgium.

Project is funded by Caritas International Belgium, Government of Belgium, EU and CORDAID (for cases from Netherlands). Partner: Caritas International Belgium MAATWERK/CORDAID Annual budget: from 100000 to 130000EUR Project Manager: Tigranuhi Tarakhchyan

Success Story: Foreign Sun gives no warmth - I had been striving Foreign Sun never for staying in my own country for many years, to have warms you. I felt that a job and own house, to be able to give my child higher my disease was home- education but unfortunately all my eff orts were in vain sickness. Maybe I am because of lack of money. My child was studying at in worse situation now the faculty of Law at the State University. I was always but I can fi nd peace of criticizing all those people who were leaving for abroad mind only in my Home- for work. But the time came when I found myself in the land. Belgium was a same situation. I had to work from the early morning till country I would dream late at night but the earned money could not provide to live in but it was not for my family but instead added some debts. mine, it was foreign to me. I made up my mind to leave for Belgium for work. Ev- eryone hosted me very well there and I was surprised by I dream of only one their friendly attitude. But my health was getting from thing now. That is to see the same smiles and peace of bad to worse and my anxiousness led me to stress. And mind here in my native land. As we live only short life, this was the reason I decided to return homeland after don’t we? And why should we pass away by only dream- six months of stay in Belgium. ing of happy life? Hasmik Davtyan 31

In 2010 Armenian Caritas received 14855 kg of hu- manitarian assistance (second hand clothes, furniture, wheelchairs, toys, shoes, blankets, etc.) which was dis- tributed to approximately 3000 vulnerable people in Shirak , Lori and Gegharkunik regions. The main bene- fi ciaries are the ones who are involved in the current projects of Armenian Caritas (Home Care, Day care centers, Primary Health Care Center, Social center in Gyumri and also some orphanages and Boarding schools in Gyumri, and Vanadzor, some NGOs , village schools, the Catholic Church, etc. ). In 2011 The Humanitarian aid sent by Caritas Austria in total was 4685kg. The aid was labeled humanitarian by the Com- mission of Coordinating Charitable projects which functions adjacent to the Government of the Republic of Armenia and was exempted from taxes before the distribution.

20 employees of Armenian Caritas and many volunteers were involved in distri- bution process to diff erent organizations, Institutions, NGOs and Armenian Caritas Projects.

Armenian Caritas is among fi rst organiza- tions responded to request for support by Ministry of Emergency Situations of RA after major landslide in Tavush . Armenian Caritas Emergency department provided food for rescue teams and car oil for the equipment working at the site of the land- slide in October of 2011.

32 Caritas Germany 477537 Caritas Austria (Feldkirch) 227559 Caritas Spain 218340 European Union 132822 Renovabis 109468 Secours Catholique 107644 Caritas Belgium 66528 Caritas Austria (Innsbruck) 60487 Caritas Italy 31125 Italian Bishops Conference 30000 CORDAID 25000 Medicor 20000 L’Oeuvre D’Orient 19928 US Conference of Catholic Bishops 18868 Action of three Kings 18000 Kardinal Frings Gymnasium 14500

Caritas Austria (Feldkirch) 491679 Caritas Germany 378481 Renovabis 122000 Caritas Belgium 113961 Caritas Spain 109795 Secours Catholique 105000 Caritas Austria (Innsbruck) 74802 Italian Bishops Conference 29944 CORDAID 34900 Action of three Kings 20970 Revolving Funds 20329 Medicor 20000 L’Oeuvre D’Orient 19938 JTI 11963 Caritas Poland 9895 US Conference of Catholic Bishops 8439 Caritas Europa 4924 2002 Other* 35279

* Individual, community and corporate contributions 33 13%

Shirak 17% Lori 45% Yerevan Gegarkunik 25%

11% 19%

Shirak Lori 37% Yerevan Gegarkunik 33%

34 Public Public Migration& Health Health Intergration 8% Migration& 6% 15% Intergration 18%

Communuty& Development Communuty& 23% Social protection Development Social protection 54% 25% 51%

1800000

1600000

1400000

1200000

1000000

800000

600000

400000

200000

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Incomes Expenses

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Armenian Caritas benevolent NGO Fr. Rafayel Minasyan President of Armenian Caritas

Mrs. Anahit Mkhoyan Executive Director

Armenian Caritas in Gyumri Armenian Caritas in Gavar Armenian Caritas Head Offi ce “Little Prince” social center for children 8 H. Sargsyan, 3 side-street, from disadvantaged families 3118, Gyumri, Armenia “Home Care” project offi ce Phone: (+374312) 5 72 01 22 Toumanyan street, Fax: (+374312) 5 78 49 378630 Gavar, Armenia E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (+374264) 2 17 94 Fax: (+374264) 2 67 21 “Little Prince” social center for children Mobile: (+37491) 21 92 24 from disadvantaged families 3 Movses Khorenatsi, side-street 1, Gyumri, Armenia Phone: (+374312)3 79 61 Armenian Caritas in Vanadzor Fax: (+374312)3 79 61 “Little Prince” social center for children from disadvantaged families “Aregak” day care center for children 2 Tumanyan street, with multiple disabilities 2002 Vanadzor, Armenia 27 H. Sargsyan, 2 side-street, Phone: (+374322) 2 19 94 3118, Gyumri, Armenia Phone: (+374312) 5 87 68 “Home Care” project offi ce 33 Lazyan street, Day Care Center for the elderly Vanadzor, Armenia 81 Shirakatsi street, Phone: (+374322) 21797 Gyumri, Armenia

Primary Health Care Center Armenian Caritas in Tashir 41 M. Mkrtchyan street, “Little Prince” social center for children Gyumri, Armenia from disadvantaged families Phone: (+374312) 3 90 08 12 Nairi street, Tashir, Armenia Phone: (+374254) 2 28 39 Armenian Caritas in Yerevan Migration and Development department Day Care Center for the disabled elderly 34 Tchaikovski street, 23 apt. 276 Kirov street, 8 quarter, Yerevan, Armenia Tashir, Armenia Phone: (+37410) 56 57 66 Phone: (+374254) 2 25 23

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