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Armenian NGO News in Brief |
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NGOC Gazette |
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Research |
| Armenian NGO News in Brief 2003 |
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VOLUME 2, No 29 - January 31, 2003
IN THIS ISSUE:
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
© NGOC
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VOLUME 2, No 30 - February 28, 2003
IN THIS ISSUE:
*** NGO INITIATES DRAFT LAW ON IMMUNIZATION IN ARMENIA
*** CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN THE FOCUS OF MILKY WAY NGO
*** WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF WORLD LEARNING 16 NGOs IMPELEMENT PROJECTS TOWARDS ELECTIONS
*** INFORMATION SERVICES TO ECOLOGICAL NGOs
*** SUPPORT TO COMMUNITIES NGO’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
*** PUBLIC RELATIONS CENTER IN GYUMRI
*** NGO CONTRIBUTES TO CIVIC PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING PROCESSES
NGO INITIATES DRAFT LAW ON IMMUNIZATION IN ARMENIA
The Child Health Care Association’s Initiating Introduction of National Law on Immunization in Armenia project is nearing its end. The project is implemented with the assistance of Armenian Assembly of America’s NGO Center (AAA NGO Center) through USAID and in cooperation with the ROA Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and UNICEF. The goal of the project is to improve health conditions of the population, particularly children, rationalizing immunization practices, initiating a draft Law on Immunization and relevant legislative and sub-legislative regulations and acts. During the last few months, a working group of lawyers and medical workers has collected and analyzed information on the population’s need for the regulation of immunization procedures, medical field specialists’ opinion on immunization and relevant international regulations and experience. A document was then developed, disseminated among interested parties (medical field workers, experts of ROA National Assembly and Ministry of Health, representatives of NGOs and international organizations) and approved by them. The project envisions a roundtable, inviting suggestions, which will then be incorporated in the revised version of the document. The project implementors confirm that the Law will regulate responsibilities and relations of medical and state institutions in the field of immunization on different levels.
Contact: Sergey Sargsyan
Child Health Care Association
30 Furmanov St.
Tel.: (374-1) 23-60-56; 23-54-11
E-mail: nairadoc@freenet.am
Internet site: http://users.freenet.am/~chca
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN THE FOCUS OF MILKY WAY NGO
On February 6, 2003, Milky Way Social and Legal NGO assembled parents of its beneficiaries, pedagogues and psychologists to participate in the Children With Special Needs and the Inclusive School roundtable. The latter was organized within the framework of Community For Our Children project, implemented by the NGO with the assistance of World Learning through USAID. The project is aimed at social and psychological adaptation of children with special needs aged 4-16 and living in the Nor Nork, Avan and Kanaker-Zeytun communities of Yerevan. To provide secondary education to the beneficiaries, the NGO organizes home and group training classes, computer classes, and prepares them to participate in intellectual games. Parents of beneficiaries receive legal and psychological consultations. Participants of the February 6 roundtable spoke on training peculiarities of children with special needs, their rights and benefits, social adaptation and social and psychological problems they can face in inclusive schools. All of the roundtable participants emphasized the importance of children with special needs attending secondary schools.
Contact: Marine Madoyan
Milky Way Social and Legal NGO
21 Lvovyan St., #5
Tel.: (374-1) 63-64-85
E-mail: milkyway2002@yandex.ru
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF WORLD LEARNING 16 NGOs IMPELEMENT PROJECTS TOWARDS ELECTIONS
These 16 NGOs are involved in information accessibility and social rights protection issues. Their projects are directed towards raising public awareness on the ROA Presidential and Parliamentary election processes and enhancing civic participation in these processes. The NGOs implementing projects towards elections are as follows: Syunik Branch of the Sakharov Center for Human Rights; Asparez Club of Journalists; Astghik Union of the Disabled Children’s Parents; Araks Charitable NGO of Single Elderly; Chambarak Regional Council of Mothers and Wives of Perished Freedom Fighters; Gloria Women’s NGO; English Training Center of Goris; Husatu Social Benevolent NGO; Huso Shogh NGO of Tavush; International Union of Advocates; It’s Your Choice; Community Union of Kapan; PanArmenian Network; Regional Development and Research Center; Center for Youth Legal and Social Support; Unison NGO for Supporting People with Special Needs.
Contact: Zara Amatuni
World Learning
Tel.: (374-1) 52-08-51; 58-26-20
E-mail: zara@worldlearning.am
Internet site: http://www.worldlearning.am
INFORMATION SERVICES TO ECOLOGICAL NGOs
For already six months, on the initiative of the Armenia-Holland Blue Tulip Friendship Union, an Information Center has been functioning for local NGOs and individuals. The Center’s goals are directed towards the integration of local ecological NGOs in international ecological processes. The Center strives to adopt the positive international experience in the ecological field promoting civic participation in the change in the field. The Center disseminates information on international organizations, conferences, seminars, training and grants programs for local NGOs and individuals. If needed, they are provided with access to the Internet. Also, individual consultancy and training courses are available on English language, Internet, Proposal Writing and Fundraising. The Information Center activities are made possible with funding support received from Haella Foundation in the Netherlands.
Contact: Jemma Babayan
Armenia-Holland Blue Tulip Friendship Union
15 Aghayan St., #15
Tel.: (374-1) 58-08-76
E-mail: bluetulip@web.am
Internet site: http://www.infobluetulip.am
SUPPORT TO COMMUNITIES NGO’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Currently, the Support to Communities Charitable NGO implements a primary healthcare program in 64 rural communities of Vayots Dzor and Syunik regions aimed at organizing and the improvement of medical services to community members. The community program model is: beneficiaries (community members) periodically make donations to the community’s revolving fund of medicines. Benefit investors, as well as most vulnerable people, who comprise ten percent of the investors. In life threatening situations assistance is provided to any member of the community. Donations are used to address the primary healthcare needs of community members and to replenish the store of used medicines. In the investors’ personal books statements on donations are made, on the basis of which family members of those making donations can receive necessary medical assistance. In December 2002, the total number of beneficiaries was 32,000. The program is made possible with funding support received from GTZ and OXFAM organizations.
Contact: Karen Arakelyan
Support to Communities Charitable NGO
5 Kievyan St., #4
Tel.: (374-1) 22-69-24
E-mail: stc@infocom.am
PUBLIC RELATIONS CENTER IN GYUMRI
The Gyumri based Asparez (Arena) Club of Journalists NGO has started implementation of Public Relations Center in one of Gyumri’s Yerevanian Highroad district communities. The project is being implemented within the framework of AAA NGO Center’s Gyumri Community Development Project. The Center brings together community members, NGOs and authorities to meet in roundtables and discussions, during which problems of the community will be raised and solutions offered. For various social groups, a series of seminars will be organized on the following topics: Human Rights: Freedom of Speech and Media; Vocation and Mission of Mass Media: Theory and Practice: Civic Activity; Elections, Election Bribes and Their Negative Consequences on the Well-Being of the Community: Viability and Self-Sustainability of the Community; ROA Civil Code: Plaintiff and Defendant: Types of Authorities. The Center will become an arena of free sharing of information and opinions, socializing, discussing community problems, holding relevant press conferences and freedom of speech. The NGO also plans to publish and disseminate the Arena magazine with feedback on issues concerning the community, interviews with active members of the community and updates of the mentioned project. The NGO will make particular efforts to discover active members of the community, unite them and prepare them for activities beneficial to the society.
Contact: Nadezda Hakobyan
Asparez Club of Journalists NGO
Gyumri, 18/18 Garegin Nzdeh St.
Tel.: (374-41) 3-35-40
E-mail: asparez@web.am
NGO CONTRIBUTES TO CIVIC PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING PROCESSES
The Yeghegnadzor based Center for Young Family Support NGO’s project entitled Development and Introduction of a Model of Civic Participation in Decision Making Processes of Local Self-Governing Bodies is underway in 21 rural communities. Through promoting civic participation, the NGO activities will contribute to raising the accountability and level of effectiveness of local self-governing bodies. Coordinating councils and community action groups have been created within communities and will contribute to mobilizing community efforts. The project provides technical assistance to representatives of local self-governing bodies in planning the budget for the next fiscal year and capital planning program for the development of rural communities. Representatives of local self-governing bodies, local NGOs, community councils, community action groups and other interested parties will participate in roundtables to discuss community problems, suggest solutions and methods of cooperation. Comprehensive information on the communities is presented through My Community journal and radio programs aired on local radio stations. The project is implemented with the assistance of Eurasia Foundation.
Contact: Gayane Hovhannisyan
Center for Young Family Support NGO
Yeghegnadzor,
Tel.: (374-81) 2-01-45
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Contact Information:
| In Armenia: Armenian Assembly of America NGO Training and Resource Center 20 Yeznik Koghbatsi St., Yerevan 375010 Tel.: (3-741) 54-40-12; 54-40-13; 53-92-04 Fax: (3-741) 54-40-15 E-mail: ngoc@ngoc.am Website: http://www.ngoc.am |
In the United States: Armenian Assembly of America NGO Training and Resource Center 122 C Street NW, Suite 350 Washington, DC 20001 USA Tel: (202) 393-3434; Fax: (202) 638-4904 E-mail: ngoc@aaainc.org Website: http://www.aaainc.org |
© NGOC
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VOLUME 2, No 31 - March 27, 2003
IN THIS ISSUE:
*** BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA. ARMENIAN WOMEN SCHOLARS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
*** NGO STRIVES TO MINIMIZE THREAT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
*** NGOs SUPPORT YOUNG SPECIALISTS
*** PUBLICATION OF PYUNIK UNION OF THE DISABLED
*** MIABANUTIUN FOR RIGHTS PROTECTION OF ARMENIAN EMPLOYEES
*** LEGISLATIVE REGULATION OF RIGHTS OF FAMILIES WITH MANY CHILDREN
*** TO DRAW SOCIETY’S ATTENTION TO THE LAKE SEVAN PROBLEM
*** GRANTS PROGRAM CARRIED OUT IN THE SPHERES OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR THE YEAR 2003
BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA. ARMENIAN WOMEN SCHOLARS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
On February 20, 2003, the Center for Civil Society Development NGO, with initial funding support received from UNDP Armenia and IREX/IATP, presented new website – http://www.iatp.irex.am/grants/bioencyclopedia/. The website is an encyclopedia containing biographies of women scientists of Armenia and the Diaspora and summaries of their works. It will also include women in science, who have published articles in the 20th century and have been recognized by the academic and intellectual communities. Women scientists can register their information in the website.
Contact: Jhaklin Aharonyan
Center for Civil Society Development NGO
15 Abovyan St., Suite 37
Tel.: (374-1) 56-13-20
E-mail: cdcs@arminco.com
NGO STRIVES TO MINIMIZE THREAT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
On March 10, 2003, Environmental Survival NGO convened a roundtable with interested governmental and non-governmental structures to present its activities conducted during the first phase of their project Reducing Influence of the Effluent Flowing Down the Hrazdan River. The goal of the project is to develop ecologically sustainable model to filter slop of the tannery industry in Armenia and reduce the negative influence of industrial activities of the Kashi OJSC on the Hrazdan River. Environmental Survival NGO has already conducted hydro-chemical and hydro-biological studies of effluent flowing throughout the enterprise and assessments of the ecological situation. A new design of a filtering station of the Kashi OJSC has been presented to the community. As a result of the project, mechanical, chemical and partial biological filtering of the effluent will be conducted, processing almost 270 cubic meters of water daily. The filtering station will contribute to increasing industrial volumes of output of the enterprise and creating workplaces through minimizing threat to the environment.
Contact: Dshkhuhi Sahakyan
Environmental Survival NGO
24 Baghramyan St., Suite 908
Tel.: (374-1) 52-38-30; 52-54-24
E-mail: esu@sci.am
NGOs SUPPORT YOUNG SPECIALISTS
On February 22, 2003, the Second Republican Conference of Young Psychologists was held at Yerevan State University to discuss current problems of practical psychology. Ego NGO of Young Psychologists and Mental Health Foundation NGO provided professional and financial resources for the organization of the conference. In their presentations, numerous specialists covered current and significant problems, such as natural psychological development and adaptation of pre-schoolers, schoolchildren and juveniles. Also discussed were issues related to psychological peculiarities, deviations and solutions of various groups in the background of current social problems. During the conference, local NGOs providing psychological services presented their activities and welcomed young psychologists to practice within these structures. The event was an excellent opportunity for young specialists to create a forum for professional information exchange, explore ways of cooperation and get involved in processes on solving relevant problems.
Contact: Marianna Frunjyan
Member of the Conference Organization Committee
Ego NGO of Young Psychologists
Tel.: (374-1) 22-27-80
E-mail: masha@ngoc.am
PUBLICATION OF PYUNIK UNION OF THE DISABLED
Recently, the Pyunik (Phoenix) Armenian Association for the Disabled published To You Parents and to You Child book; the book’s presentation was held on March 3, 2003. The publication was ordered by ROA Ministry of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports within the framework of Pyunik’s Disability Prevention Program. The book is designed to educate disabled pre-teen children and their parents of possible dangers in their homes, yards and streets. The publication also covers information on basic first-aid in case of accidents, as well as contacts of children’s hospitals located in Yerevan and other regions of ROA. To obtain the book, contact Pyunik by e-mail at: pyunic@arminco.com.
Hakob Abrahamyan
Armenian Association for the Disabled Pyunik
16 Tsitsernakaberd St.
Tel.: (374-1) 56-07-07
MIABANUTIUN FOR RIGHTS PROTECTION OF ARMENIAN EMPLOYEES
Along with the NGOs, other promoters of civil society initiate public assistance activities in Armenia. During its presentation on March 15, 2003, Miabanutiun
(Unity) Trade Union, with one year of experience, presented its activities directed at social and labor rights protection of Armenian employees working in international and local organizations acting in Armenia. Particularly, Miabanutiun’s goal is to protect the interests of local employees in clarifying issues related to foreign employment: finding a job, signing a contract, issues of dismissed, etc. Though this initiative, Miabanutiun follows the ROA Law on Trade Unions, adopted by the National Assembly in December, 2000. According to the Law, both foreign and local employers are obliged to sign a contract with the Trade Union, at least three representatives of which work in the given structure. After signing the contract, the foreign employee ought to agree with the Trade Union Chairman in any issue related to finding a job, changing contract conditions, as well as dismissing employees.
Contact: Narine Karinyan
Miabanutiun Trade Union
Republic Square; House of Trade Unions; 2nd floor; Suite 43
Tel.: (09) 40-67-96; 56-02-29; 58-18-07; 26-29-58
E-mail: trade_unions@yahoo.com
LEGISLATIVE REGULATION OF RIGHTS OF FAMILIES WITH MANY CHILDREN
On March 14, 2003, Maternity Fund of Armenia Charitable NGO, within the framework of its Advocacy Campaign for Changing the Public Policy on Social Protection of Large Families Project, convened a meeting of NGOs dealing with rights and interests of families with many children. The goal of the project is to contribute to the improvement of public policy on social security of families with many children. The participants covered legislative and other issues, such as primary healthcare of children of families with many children and the unemployment of mothers with many children. Based on previous research, database of beneficiaries and their needs, the NGO has already developed and presented to the ROA Ministry of Social Protection a legislative package alternative directed at solving the above mentioned problems. The project is implemented within the framework of the AAA NGO Center’s Grants Program to Improve The legislative and Regulatory Framework Related to Primary Healthcare and Social Security through USAID funds.
Contact: Susanna Aslanyan
Maternity Fund of Armenia Charitable NGO
11 David Anhaght St., 6th floor
Tel.: (374-1) 28-75-49; 28-35-75
E-mail: maternity@infocom.am
TO DRAW SOCIETY’S ATTENTION TO THE LAKE SEVAN PROBLEM
Union of Armenian Ecologists NGO has initiated the http://www.sevan.am website devoted to the problem of Lake Sevan – the largest strategic resource of sweet water in the South Caucasus. The website presents information about the Lake Sevan: historic facts, diverse aspects of the problem, legal and international legislative acts related to ecological rights, governmental and non-governmental sectors dealing with protection of natural resources in Armenia. Maps, pictures and other materials highlighting the problem are included in the site. While the website is currently only in Russian, the Armenian and English versions will be developed soon. The initiative has been made possible with funding support received from the Regional Environmental Center for the Caucasus.
Contact: Rafayel Hovhannisyan
Union of Armenian Ecologists NGO
Tel.: (374-1) 56-85-54
E-mail: rhovan@sci.am
GRANTS PROGRAM CARRIED OUT IN THE SPHERES OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR THE YEAR 2003
Yerevan Municipality and AAA NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) announce the commencement of Grants Program Carried Out in the Spheres of Social Security and Primary Health Care for the Year 2003. The program is intended to enhance the role of NGOs in the process of social and primary health care service provision in Armenia. All NGOs registered with the ROA Ministry of Justice may apply for the Grants Program. The value of each grant is 4,712,000 drams. The project implementation period must not exceed eight months. Projects must be carried out in the territory of Yerevan. Representatives from Yerevan Municipality, NGOs and the NGO Center will be members of the Proposal Review Committee (evaluating project proposals) or the Auditing Committee (monitoring the implementation of the projects selected through the competition.) More information is available in the Finance and Social-Economic Development Department of Yerevan Municipality at the following address: 13 G. Lusavorich St.; 2nd floor; Suit 203. The deadline for project proposal submission is April 16, 2003. The grants program is funded by USAID.
Contact: NGO Center
20 Koghbatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13
E-mail: ngoc@ngoc.am
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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© NGOC
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VOLUME 2, No 32 - April 30, 2003
IIN THIS ISSUE:
*** SUPPORTING CHILDREN OF BOARDING SCHOOL
*** NGOs ENDEAVOR TO REVEAL VIOLATIONS COMMITTED DURING ROA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
*** DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP REGULATION BETWEEN NCOs AND STATE STRUCTURES
*** SOUTHCAUCASIAN NGOs FOR FOOD AND WATER SECURITY
*** COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM IN SHIRAK REGION
*** SECURITY PROVIDING STRUCTURES ASSOCIATION NON-COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATION CREATED
*** AAA NGO CENTER’S COMMUNITY DEVLOPMENT PROGRAM IN LORI
SUPPORTING CHILDREN OF BOARDING SCHOOL
Considering unfavorable social conditions in Yerevan Boarding School #2, Survival Charitable NGO began medical examinations there last year. Researching the health conditions of 200 schoolchildren aged 7-16 was jointly carried out by the NGO specialists and staff of the Yerevan Medical Union #8. Later, dental, therapeutic and ophthalmologic assistance was provided. Currently, the NGO members’ efforts are directed towards revealing social and psychological conditions in the families of schoolchildren to provide appropriate assistance later. The initiative is primarily carried out through the NGO’s own resources, as well as with the assistance of Kanaker-Zeytun Municipality of Yerevan.
Contact: Hranush Bejanyan
Survival Charitable NGO
23 Mamikonyants St., #38
Tel.: (374-1)23-20-78
NGOs ENDEAVOR TO REVEAL VIOLATIONS COMMITTED DURING ROA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
On March 21, 2003, four NGOs – Helsikni Committee of Armenia, Association of Investigative Journalists of Armenia, Foundation for Support of Freedom of Speech and Civil Society Development Union – organized a conference on the 2003 presidential elections and post-election processes. Participating in the conference were NGO representatives. The Chairman of It’s Your Choice NGO (one of the election observer NGOs,) spoke of the different recorded violations and his NGO’s recommendations to remedy them. Chairman of the Helsinki Committee of Armenia raised the issue of administrative reprimands and detentions. Representatives of the Yerevan Press Club and Internews NGOs spoke on the role of Mass Media and violence towards journalists during the election and post-election processes. Participation of the NGO sector in the election processes actually contributes to forming civil society in Armenia and increasing participation of NGOs and Mass Media in democratic processes.
Contact: Artak Kirakossyan
Civil Society Development Union
15 Papazian St.,#46
Tel./Fax: (374-1)22-34-40
E-mail: csdu@csdu.am
Internet: http://www.csdu.am
DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP REGULATION BETWEEN NCOs AND LOCAL SELF-GOVERNING STRUCTURES
The Vanadzor-based Husatu Social Benevolent NGO is implementing the Development and Application of Social Partnership Regulation Between NCOs (Non-Commercial Organizations) and State Structures project aimed at raising the participatory role of NCOs (NGOs, Foundations, Unions of Legal Entities) and local self-governing bodies in solving social problems. For this purpose, a board will be created; members will be representatives of Vanadzor Municipality and NGOs, lawyers and experts dealing with social partnership issues. The regulation is based on a conception directed at solving a primary social problem by NCOs with financial assistance of local self-governing bodies. To discuss the regulation, a series of seminars have been organized with the participation of NGOs, local self-governing and state governing bodies, international organizations and target groups. Their suggestions have been summarized and used for improving the regulation. The final seminar will be organized soon with the participation of NCOs and Municipality representatives, after which, the regulation will be forwarded to the local self-governing body for approval. The project results can be used for social partnership regulation in the Lori region and in other regions of the republic. The project is implemented within the framework of the AAA NGO Center’s Grants Program to Improve the Legislative and Regulatory Framework Related to Primary Healthcare and Social Security through USAID funds.
Contact: Ara Arakelyan
Husatu Social Benevolent NGO
Vanadzor, 14 Nzdeh St., 2nd floor
Tel.: (374-51)4-20-69
E-mail: husatu@freenet.am; ara_a@freenet.am
SOUTHCAUCASIAN NGOs FOR FOOD AND WATER SECURITY
Three Southcaucasian NGOs – Union of Consumers’ Rights Protection (Armenia); Union of Free Consumers (Azerbaijan) and Union of the 21st Century (Georgia) – completed implementation of the Training of Legislative and Normative Requirements for Food and Water in Bordering Regions of South Caucasus project. This is the fifth joint project of the above mentioned NGOs and is of great importance for the development of consumer movement in the region. During the past three months, the Union of Consumers’ Rights Protection has conducted five training courses on the basics of current ROA legislation and normative acts on food and water quality. Participating were representatives of Hygiene and Anti-Virus Department, Hygiene and Anti-Virus Laboratories, household services of Municipalities, Sewage and Water-Supply Systems, NGOs and food producers of Ijevan, Dilijan, Noyemberyan and Berd towns and Bagratashen village of Tavush region. Within the framework of the project, Consumer Guidebook (food quality and security, standardization, certification) and Consumer’s Consultant (legislative and sub-legislative acts in the fields of standardization and certification) brochures were developed, published and disseminated among the participants. During the project, cooperating NGOs held similar courses in bordering regions of their countries. They presented the legislative requirements and current standards of their countries, identified ways of cooperation between governmental and non-governmental structures towards regulating unfavorable conditions in the field and organized discussions. The project was implemented with funding support received from GTZ Food Security Regional Cooperation Stability.
Contact: Abgar Yeghoyan
Union of Consumers’Rights Protection
10 Hanrapetutian St.
Tel.: (374-1)46-08-24; 56-37-73; 42-51-13
E-mail: upcr@web.am; abgar@freenet.am
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT SMALL GRANTS PROGRAM IN SHIRAK REGION
The second component (Grants One) of AAA NGO Center’s Gyumri Yerevanian Highroad community empowerment program is currently underway. Within the framework of the first component (Research One) community members assessed the current infrastructure, discussions were held and suggestions of community members and NCOs were incorporated into the Request for Proposals. As a result of the grants competition, seven project proposals, aimed at promoting prosperity of the communities in the earthquake zone through advancing civic participation, were approved. Directions and types of program activities are: improvements to the ecological and aesthetic conditions of the community; increased delivery of primary healthcare services and/or information by non-commercial organizations; improved access to social services for vulnerable strata of the community, as well as focused training, education and establishment of dialogue and partnership between interested parties. Activities of Asparez Club of Journalists – one of the NGOs implementing a project – was presented in the 30th issue of the NGO Center’s electronic newsletter. Below you will find brief descriptions of projects implemented by three other NGOs:
- The goal of Meghvik Children and Youth NGO’s project is to promote delivery of social services to the children and elderly of Noravan community. Within the framework of the project, the NGO will improve the sanitary and hygiene conditions of 180 children and 70 elderly of the community: they will be given the opportunity to take a weekly shower and provided with relevant items. To improve the sanitary and hygiene conditions of lonely elderly of the community, their bed linen will be washed once a month. While providing respective services to children and elderly, some community members will have short-term employment opportunities.
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Ozone Young Men’s Christian Association’s project is aimed at improved healthcare and entertainment of the community’s children and juveniles. For 200 9th and 10th graders, the NGO will organize training courses on healthy lifestyle. Also, the Healthy Lifestyle guidebook will be distributed to them. On a daily basis, the NGO will hold Caring for Children three-hour-long program, providing assistance in preparing homework, cultural events and nutrition to children aged 6-12.
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To alleviate problems of 40 lonely elderly in the community, Family Benefactor NGO has arranged home nursing. Three times a week, through visits, the elderly will be provided with assistance in household activities. Also, they can use medical services through home calls and counseling.
Funding of the Grants Program is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the framework of AAA NGO Center’s Armenia NGO Development Program in Support of USAID’s Social Transition Reform and Earthquake Zone Programs.
See future issues of the Armenian NGO News in Brief for information on other projects implemented within the framework of the grants program.
Contact: Vehanush Hovhannisyan
Meghvik Children and Youth NGO
E-mail: meghvik@shirak.am
Martin Petrossyan
Ozone Young Men’s Christian Association
E-mail: ymcaoz@diamond.am; ozone@ymca.am
Nadia Baghdasaryan
Family Benefactor NGO
Tel.: (374-41)2-45-48
SECURITY PROVIDING STRUCTURES ASSOCIATION NON-COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATION CREATED
The Association’s mission is to promote the development of security providing structures (fire, theft, accident prevention) through training programs, rights protection, and applying modern methods and technologies providing security goods and services. Among the plans of the Association for the coming two years are creating a professional library and vocational center, organizing training courses for professional development of specialists of security structures, establishing cooperation with interested parties, developing and publishing a professional handbook, elaborating a code of ethics and standards of business behavior and legal initiatives.
Contact: Hayk Margaryan; Artak Garoyan
Security Providing Structures Association
21 Moscovian St.
Tel./Fax: (374-1)56-85-58/54-25-52
E-mail: asob@bk.ru
AAA NGO CENTER’S COMMUNITY DEVLOPMENT PROGRAM IN LORI
Based on objective data on the infrastructure of Vanadzor and Bazum communities of Vanadzor town, collected in October-November, 2002, and the results of a survey, conducted among 600 families of all of the districts of the communities, AAA NGO Center has evaluated the social capital available there. Data on community needs and leaders and suggestions on solving primary problems will form the basis of the announced grants program, encouraging joint projects between community members, governmental, non-governmental and business sectors and/or Mass Media to address community needs. Below is the list of community problems as rated by survey respondents:
Social Problems of the Community |
Vanadzor (%) |
Bazum (%) |
Housing |
26.0 |
42.2 |
School |
7.8 |
13.1 |
Pre-School |
7.5 |
4.9 |
Healthcare |
33.7 |
27.6 |
Improving Roads |
53.7 |
38.8 |
Arranging a Market |
6.6 |
7.1 |
Drinking Water |
17.6 |
42.5 |
Sanitary and Hygiene Norms |
61.2 |
53.7 |
Cultural Development, Preserving and Transferring Values and Customs |
17.0 |
13.8 |
No Problems in the Community |
4.5 |
4.9 |
Contact: AAA NGO Training and Resource Center
20 Koghbatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1)54-40-12; 54-40-13
E-mail: ngoc@ngoc.am
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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VOLUME 2, No 33 - May 31, 2003
IN THIS ISSUE:
***EXHIBITION-SALE OF COMPUTER PAINTINGS
***SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL HEALTH
***LEGISLATIVE REFORMS ON TAX POLICY RELATED TO THE DISABLED
***EDUCATION IN ARMENIA – 2003
***NGO CONTRIBUTES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION SOCIETY IN ARMENIA
***MEETING BETWEEN YEREVAN MUNICIPALITY AND NGOs
EXHIBITION-SALE OF COMPUTER PAINTINGS
Between May 7 and May 24, 2003, the Center for Contemporary Experimental Art hosted an exhibition-sale of 140 computer paintings of Aram Ivanyan – a beneficiary of Astghik Union of Disabled Children’s Parents. Eighteen year old Aram took up computer painting in 1999, mostly inspired by information materials of TV, radio, literature, NGO programmatic events. Profits from the sale of paintings will be contributed to the creation of Home of Hope Center, initiated by the Astghik Union. The Center will provide disabled children with a variety of medical assistance and an opportunity to develop communication skills.
Contact: Levon Nersisyan
Astghik Union of Disabled Children’s Parents
1 Charents St.
Tel.: (374-1) 57-51-85
E-mail: levast@netsys.am
SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL HEALTH
This was the title of the international conference, held May 1-3, 2002 and organized by the Mental Health Foundation with the assistance of the Open Society Institute. Participating in the conference were representatives of state structures and NGOs from Armenia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Great Britain, Kyrgztan, Litva, Mongolia, Romania and USA. They discussed social partnership in interests protection activities. Experiences of other countries was also presented.
Contact: Karen Nahapetyan
Mental Health Foundation
Tel.: (374-1) 27-06-58
E-mail: mhf@mentalhealth.am
LEGISLATIVE REFORMS ON TAX POLICY RELATED TO THE DISABLED
Havat (Belief) NGO of Hard Hearing Children’s Mothers is implementing a project to develop legislative mechanisms, encouraging employers to hire disabled employees, and protecting disabled people’s right to work. The problem, found to exist in Yerevan and six regions in ROA, has been introduced to state structures and the public at large. On April 26, 2003, Havat NGO organized a roundtable with the participation of representatives of the Ministries of Social Security, Finance and Economy and Culture, Youth and Sports and interested Yerevanian and regional NGOs and Mass Media. The roundtable was dedicated to the discussion of legal reforms envisioned by the project. Presented was the packet of legislative reforms, contributing to the creation of workplaces for the disabled, in the name of amendments and addition to the ROA Law on Value Added Tax. In this case, organizations with more than 50% disabled, disabled children’s parents and/or persons taking care of the disabled as their employees, will enjoy tax benefits. The project is implemented within the framework of the AAA NGO Center’s Grants Program to Improve the Legislative and Regulatory Framework Related to Primary Healthcare and Social Security through USAID funds.
Contact: Tamara Manukyan
Havat (Belief) NGO of Hard Hearing Children’s Mothers
17 Shirvanzade St.
Tel.: (374-1) 23-19-53, 25-78-26
E-mail: surdoam@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.havat.am
The second international exhibition, entitled Education in Armenia and presenting almost 25 educational institutions of the republic, was held in Armenia from May 16 through May 18. Organizers of the exhibition were the Union of Exhibitions and Fairs Organizers NGO, ROA Ministry of Education and Science and Expo Service CJSC. During the exhibition, scientific seminars, as well as contest with the following nominations were held: For Innovative Educational And Methodic Activities In The Field Of School Education; For Innovative Educational And Methodic Activities In The Field Of Higher Education; For Great Asset In the Field Of Higher Education; For Organizing The Best Educational Activity; For The Best Post-University Educational Institution; For The Best Speech During Scientific Seminars; For Strengthening International Relations; For Application Of Modern Information Technologies In the Educational Process; For The Best Foreign Language Teaching Educational Institution; For Publishing The Best Educational Literature; For Designing The Best Poster; For The Best Non-Governmental Educational Institution. As stated by Levon Mkrtchyan, ROA Minister of Education and Science, The Education in Armenia Exhibition will promote the effectiveness of the educational process in the country and contribute to Armenia’s integration into the international educational system.
Contact: R. Kakoyan
Union of Exhibitions and Fairs Organizers
14 Kochar St.
Tel.: (374-1) 26-90-35, 26-90-40
On April 25, 2003, the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia NGO convened a roundtable to sum up the second phase of its Promoting Monitoring and Liberalization of ROA Economic Legislation project. The goal of the project is to reveal and systemize problems of economic legislation of Armenia and to lay the groundwork for its development. A group of professionals, formed during the first phase of the project, has developed a methodology of economic legislation monitoring and conducted assessments in the following fields of economic legislation: Regulation of Licensing Process; State Registration of Transactions and Related Rights. As a result of these activities, comments and suggestions have been made with regards to a draft packet on amendments to the ROA Tax Legislation. During the April 25 roundtable, results of these activities were presented, among them: Some Issues Related to the ROA Tax Legislation and Tax Administration; Some Issues Related to Legal Regulation of Foreign Economic Activities; Legal Regulation of Financial Market and Investment Process in ROA. The Project Coordinator believes, that similar projects are especially useful in terms of further liberalization of economic relations and rooting of process of market system in Armenia. The project is implemented with funding support received from Eurasia Foundation through USAID funds.
Contact: Susanna Khalatyan
Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia
26 Khorenatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1) 56-29-21
E-mail: ususan@mail.ru; umba@arminco.com
On May 16, 2003, the opening ceremony of a playground at Yerevan school #118 was held. The school has obtained the playground within the framework of For A Better Childhood – 2 project, initiated by Youth For Achievements NGO. The project is implemented with the assistance of US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is aimed at assisting communities in meeting the fundamental needs for children’s need for full life by providing knowledge and resources. Educational Center has been created to provide technical assistance to members of newly formed Parent Teacher Associations in Armenia. Training courses are held for them on Principles of Community Services, Basics of Leadership and Management, Public Relations and Computer Literacy. To apply their knowledge in practice, the participants can apply for a small grants competition. Yerevan school #118 was one of eleven winners. The rest of them are Yerevan schools # 5, 7, 40, 72, 94, 100, 126, 177, Shirakatsi Seminary and the Secondary School of Hoktember village of Armavir region.
Contact: Tigran Karapetyan
Youth For Achievements NGO
4 Sakharov St.
Tel.: (374-1) 52-95-96
E-mail: yfa@yfa.am
Web site: http://www.yfa.am
NGO CONTRIBUTES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION SOCIETY IN ARMENIA
Following its mission of contributing to the social and economic knowledge based development of Armenia through the Internet and other information and communication technologies, E-Armenia Foundation implements Armenia Development Gateway project through the management of the http://www.gateway.am portal. Recently, it was redesigned and updated; the Armenian and English versions have been test-launched. The portal introduces a variety of information on Armenia. The State, Civil Society, Business, International and Diaspora communities are worth visiting. Announcement Board and Knowledge Center spaces are additions. The first provides an opportunity to post and read information on job announcements, events (seminars, roundtables, exhibitions), grants. The second presents information on development programs in Armenia, as well as reports, research articles and other analytical materials organized by topic.
For comments and suggestions contact Vahan Danielyan.
Armenia Development Gateway Project /E-Armenia Foundation
17 Charents Street, II Floor, Yerevan, 375025, Republic of Armenia
Phone: (374 1) 57 02 60, (374 9) 49 89 84
E-mail: vdanielyan@gateway.am
URL: http://www.gateway.am
MEETING BETWEEN YEREVAN MUNICIPALITY AND NGOs
To encourage the involvement of NGOs in solving Yerevan’s health problems, the Health Department of Yerevan Municipality initiated the Cooperation For Health meeting on April 29, 2003. Participating were NGOs involved in health issues and medical assistance specialists of the Department. During the meeting Deputy Head of the Department briefly introduced Department objectives and activities, current and envisioned reforms in the system and the structure staff’s expectation from the NGOs. Participants encouraged cooperation and came up with suggestions. To coordinate joint activities, the NGOs agreed to present brief information on their activities. Based on this, corresponding solutions to current problems will be identified.
Contact: Armen Soghoyan
Health Department of Yerevan Municipality
13 Grigor Lusavorich St.; Suite 322
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-58
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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VOLUME 2, No 34 - June 30, 2003
IN THIS ISSUE:
*** PEACE EDUCATION IN GYURMRI SCHOOLS
*** ACRPC CREATES HUMAN RIGHTS LIBRARY NETWORK
*** SUPPORTING DISABLED CHILDREN
*** 15 YEARS LATER: REFUGEES IN ARMENIA
*** ENVIRONMENT FOR EUROPE CONFERENCE
*** ACTION IN VANADZOR DEVOTED TO THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REFUGEES
PEACE EDUCATION IN GYURMRI SCHOOLS
On May 29, 2003, UN Armenia House hosted an event devoted to the International Day of Peacekeepers. The Day is designated by the UN General Assembly to pay tribute to all people, who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations, as well as honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the quest for peace. Present at the event were representatives of local and international organizations, state structures and members of the Peace Education Center, created in Gyumri School #20. The Center has been operating since September 2002 within the framework of Women for Development NGO’s Peace Education and Conflict Resolution in Gyumri Schools project. Its goal is to form a peace culture and conflict resolution way of thinking among Gyumri teachers and schoolchildren. The Center’s trainings, seminars and meetings are devoted to understanding of conflicts, what creates them, and discussing means of peaceful resolution of conflicts. Within the framework of the program, 25 schoolchildren (grades 7-10), who are members of the Center, organize contests/competitions and publish the Peace New Birth newsletter. During the May 29 event, they presented the Center’s activities and the work done to disseminate the ideas of peace and peacekeeping.
Contact: Armine Mikayelyan
Women for Development NGO
Gyumri, 5a V. Sargsyan St.
Tel.: (374-41) 3-29-09; (374-9) 43-41-88
E-mail: armine@shirak.am
ACRPC CREATES HUMAN RIGHTS LIBRARY NETWORK
Armenian Constitutional Rights Protective Center (ACRPC) NGO contributes to the formation of a legal culture in Armenia through educational activities, information dissemination and advocacy. One of the ways of achieving this mission is the creation of a national human rights library network. ACRPC founded its first human rights library in 1996 in Vanadzor. Since September 2002, with funding support received from the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy to Armenia, the Center has been carrying out activities to establish a human rights library network. Currently, five libraries in Vanadzor, Dilijan, Hrazdan, Artashat and Gavar are part of the network. On June 13, 2003, the opening ceremony of the human rights library in Dilijan was held. The library has a comfortable reading room for 10-12 visitors and is equipped with modern computer technologies. The library currently holds 441 titles in print and more than 1,000 items. Republican and foreign press is regularly received by the library. In the near future, the Hrazdan human rights library will be opened.
Contact: Gevorg Manukyan
Armenian Constitutional Rights Protective Center (ACRPC) NGO
Vanadzor, 1 Shirakatsi lane; house #2
Tel.: (051) 2-29-67
E-mail: acrpc@acrpc.am
Web site: http://www.acrpc.am
To raise young Armenian’s (aged 18-35) awareness on electoral processes, the Center for Youth Legal and Social Support NGO implemented the Let’s Vote For Our Future project between January to June, 2003. World Learning organization, with USAID funds, provided funding support for the realization of the project. Initially, during the ROA President and National Assembly pre-election period, training courses on elections were conducted among 1,700 young people in all of the regions. Later, local TV channels aired programs with participation of youth and well-known people, who emphasized young people’s activeness in the course of elections. During the elections, trained young people from each region acted as observers. Aside from the mentioned activities, training courses and discussions on the new draft ROA Constitution have also been held. On June 16, 2003, the Center for Youth Legal and Social Support presented the project report to representatives of local and international organizations and state structures. As stated by the Center Chairwoman Lilit Asatryan, the project was unique in ROA in sense that it involved so many young people in five months, that developed into a movement. Upon completion of the training courses, the participants’ knowledge on electoral processes and electoral code has increased by 68.6 % instead of the planned 65%.
Contact: Lilit Asatryan
Center for Youth Legal and Social Support NGO
1/3 Byuzand St.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-28-56
E-mail: sepuh_2000@yahoo.com
Recently, the Union of Doctors and Engineers NGO became a winner in a grants competition announced by the US Smile Train Charitable Organization. Operations of five children with cleft palates and cleft lips were made possible through the grant. Thanks to these operations, the children now have an opportunity to live full lives.
Contact: Asya Khachatryan
Union of Doctors and Engineers NGO
6 Tumanyan St.
Tel.: (374-1) 56-01-10
E-mail: medi@arminco.com
15 YEARS LATER: REFUGEES IN ARMENIA
This was the title of roundtable discussion, organized by the Forum of 16 NGOs Led by Refugees on June 19 with participation of refugees, NGOs dealing with refugee issues, international organizations and state structures. The discussion evolved into major problems and obstacles refugees in Armenia face today and perspectives regarding the solution of these problems. Those taking the floor basically spoke on the following issues: Priorities of UN programs related to refugees in Armenia; Contradictions regarding refugee rights and solutions to their social problems; Results of activities implemented to date; Difficulties connected with social and cultural integration of refugees, their linguistic/language adaptation in particular. Interested parties made suggestions on solving the mentioned problems. A brochure will be published soon covering the issues raised and suggestions proposed.
Contact: Hranush Kharatyan
Forum of 16 NGOs Led by Refugees
65/14 Pushkin St.
Tel.: (374-1) 58-65-28
E-mail: azgagir@arminco.com
ENVIRONMENT FOR EUROPE CONFERENCE
From May 21 through May 23, 2003, Fifth European Ministerial Conference was organized in Kiev by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE.) Simultaneously, from May 19 through May 24, NGO Eco-Forum was conducted with participation of 300 delegates from Europe and Central Asia. Representatives of 10 Armenian environmental NGOs took part in the forum activities – Association for Human Sustainable Development; Eco-Globus; Khazer; Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment; Greens Union of Armenia; Ecoteam; Tapan Eco-Club; Yanus; Environmental Public Advocacy Center. The Ministers adopted a Environmental Strategy for Countries of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia. The Strategy envisions cooperation among all of the UNECE countries to contribute to the improvement of the environmental situation in 12 republics of the former Soviet Union. As a result of the Conference, a Declaration was adopted, underlining the importance of the Conference as a tool to promote environmental protection and sustainable development in the region. During the Conference, on the initiative of Eco-Forum, a special session between Ministers and environmental NGOs was held on Environmental Policy Integration. Three important issues were jointly addressed: Letting the market work for the environment; Agriculture as an example of sectoral policy integration; Overcoming institutional weaknesses that prevent integration.
More information on the Conference and Eco-Forum is available on the following web sites: http://www.unece.org/env/wgso ; http://www.unece.org/env/wgso/kyiv_documentation.htm and http://www.eco-forum.org
ACTION IN VANADZOR DEVOTED TO THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF REFUGEES
On the occasion of the International Day of Refugees, June 20, 2003, the Caucasus Refugee and IDP NGOs Network (CRINGO) initiated general network action. Its goal was to once again attract public attention to refugee problems. The action was organized within the framework of the Caucasus NGO Network Initiative Program and funded by the Danish Refugee Council. In Armenia, the event was held in Hayk square of Vanadzor. Representatives of the Network, 24 local NGOs, local self-governing bodies and international organizations were present. Also 200 refugee children from Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor and seven neighboring villages participated. For the children a sidewalk drawing contest - Peace from Children’s Perspective - was held; the winners received prizes. All of the children present received gifts. A concert closed the day’s event. That day, similar events were also held in Azerbaijan, Georgia and North Caucasus.
Contact: Natalia Harutiunyan
Caucasus NGOs Network Initiative Program Facilitator in Yerevan
AAA NGO Training and Resource Center
20 Koghbatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13
E-mail: nata@ngoc.am
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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VOLUME 2, No 35 - July 31, 2003
IN THIS ISSUE:
*** PROTECTING THE GREEN ZONES OF YEREVAN
*** ARMENIAN MEDIA GETS A THOROUGH OVERVIEW OF THE MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDG)
*** PEACEFUL WAYS OF INTEGRATION OF CAUCASUS PEOPLES
*** PARTICIPATION IN CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTES TO EFFECTIVE SERVICE PROVISION OF THE NGO
*** WORLD POPULATION DAY CELEBRATED
*** REPORT ON ACCESSIBILITY OF SOCIAL RIGHTS PUBLISHED
***ARMENIA SOCIAL TRANSITION PROGRAM (ASTP) AND NGOC COLLABORATE IN PROVIDING TRAINING ON SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP
*** COMPLEX SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDING SCHEME IN THE LORI REGION
PROTECTING THE GREEN ZONES OF YEREVAN
In response to widely spread construction activities carried out recently in Yerevan at the expense of green zones and free land-plots, and on the impact on the population’s health, climate and biodiversity, as well as to the state structures’ improper policy, 12 environmental NGOs have formed a Coalition for the Protection of the Green Zones of Yerevan. On June 28, the Coalition organized a protest march from Yerevan State University to the Municipality and involved citizens of various ages and representatives of local and international organizations. The participants demanded the city authorities put a moratorium on using green zones. Signatures were collected in protest of Yerevan’s state structures’ policy on green zones.
The Coalition for the Protection of Green Zones of Yerevan asks NGOs and citizens to inform Armen Poghossyan of the Consumers’ Union NGO on planned or current constructions, cutting down of trees and other similar violations on green zones or free land-plots in Yerevan and surroundings.
Tel.: (374-1) 53-27-25
E-mail: ecocoal@freenet.am
ARMENIAN MEDIA GETS A THOROUGH OVERVIEW OF THE MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDG)
On July 3, 2003, UN Armenia MDG Team organized a seminar to present the Millennium Goals in the world and in Armenia to Yerevan-based mass media. Together with 190 other countries, Armenia has signed the Millenium Declaration, reflecting the following eight MDGs: 1) Eradicate poverty and hunger; 2)Achieve universal primary education; 3) Promote gender equality and empower women; 4)Reduce child mortality; 5) Improve maternal health; 6) Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; 7) Ensure environmental sustainability; and 8) Develop a global partnership for development. Presented in the seminar was the MDG 2003 draft report, which is valuable for joint efforts of representatives of UN Armenia office, local NGOs and interested state structures. The report is an analytical document diagnosing various spheres of human development and suggesting possible solutions. Final solutions to problems corresponding to the MDGs mentioned above are expected to be completed in 2015. Joint efforts of state and civil society structures and international organizations are aimed at developing the problem solving process into a unique peoples movement. The seminar organizers significantly related the success of achievement of the above mentioned goals to the subjective coverage of the project process, creating a network of interested journalists and determining and mobilizing interstate capacities.
Contact: Susanna Bagratuni
Millenium Development Goals Project Coordinator
UN Armenia Office
14 K. Libknekht St.
Tel.: 56-60-73
E-mail: suzan@undp.am
PEACEFUL WAYS OF INTEGRATION OF CAUCASUS PEOPLES
This was the title of the project, implemented for the period February-June, 2003 by the Armenian Refugees Supporting League NGO (Armenia) jointly with National Committee of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly (Georgia) and Eurasia Press International Foundation (Azerbaijan) with the assistance of Danish Refugee Council. The goal of the project was to contribute to the adaptation of Refugees/Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) living in the South Caucasus, integration of the peoples and the refugees’ involvement in peacekeeping processes. Contemplations of Armenian, Georgian and Azeri refugees on their past, present conditions and future are reflected in their literary creations, a collection of which, entitled Keys to the Heart, was published recently. The publication is aimed at self-expression of South Caucasian Refugees/IDPs and their involvement in peacekeeping processes. This can contribute to establishing new, reliable interrelations between various social groups, integration of peoples, separated as a result of conflicts, releasing tension and mistrust, and what is of utmost importance, establishing peace in the South Caucasus. Presentations of Keys to the Heart were held in Baku, Tbilisi and Yerevan.
Contact: Nina Baghdasaryan
Armenian Refugees Supporting League NGO
1st Baghramyan St.; House 14, #74
Tel.: (374-1) 58-10-77
E-mail: liga@arminco.com
PARTICIPATION IN CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTES TO EFFECTIVE SERVICE PROVISION OF THE NGO
Through a travel grant, received from AAA NGO Center, A. Tevosyan, Chairwoman of Tatev 95 Psychological Support and Counseling Center Charitable NGO, participated in Scientific Congress on Gestalt Theory and Its Applications, which took place in March 2003 in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Chairwoman of Tatev 95, which provides psychological assistance to people with mental health problems, was particularly interested in development tendencies and updates in Gestalt Therapy. Participation in the Congress will enable her to apply the gained knowledge for ensuring effective assistance to people needing psychological assistance. After the Congress, Mrs. Tevosyan shared the scientific updates with her colleagues in a seminar, organized by the NGO Center. A passionate discussion ensued. The participants believed the debate was useful and turned to the Tatev 95 Center with a request of continuing similar meetings.
Contact: Anahit Tevosyan
Tatev 95 Psychological Support and Counseling Center Charitable NGO
2 Baghramyan St, # 41
Tel.: (374-1) 56-23-00
E-mail: tatev95@arminco.com
WORLD POPULATION DAY CELEBRATED
Every year, July 11 is celebrated by the United Nations as World Population Day to reflect upon the issues of population, development, poverty, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, young people’s health and environment. The theme of this year’s World Population Day - One Billion Adolescents: The Right to Health, Information and Services - focused on the rights and needs of young people. On the occasion of World Population Day, the UN Population Fund, in cooperation of For Family and Health Armenian Association and UNIMA – Armenia NGOs organized an event on July 11 at Children’s park. During the event, those present had the opportunity to enjoy the works of young painters, participate in thematic activities dedicated to the health of young people, watch films on sexuality and reproductive health of adolescents, learn what young people themselves think about STI/HIV/AIDS prevention, reproductive health education issues.
Contact: Mery Khachikyan
For Family and Health Armenian Association
Tel.: (374-1) 56-70-82, 54-08-15, 54-08-16
E-mail: armfpa@arminco.com
Armen Safaryan
UNIMA – Armenia NGO
Tel.: (374-9) 40-84-55
REPORT ON ACCESSIBILITY OF SOCIAL RIGHTS PUBLISHED
Recently with the assistance of PADCO, the Accessibility of Social Rights in Europe Report was translated from English into Armenian. Presentation of the report was held on June 26, 2003. The report, developed by the European Commission, summarizes current experiences in EC member countries and introduces a definitive policy on improving accessibility of social rights. The publication proposes the main issues emphasized today for ensuring the protection and empowerment of social rights in Europe. Moreover, guidelines of the proposed policy on improving accessibility of social rights also provide answers to issues related to poverty reduction and social inclusion. Minister of ROA Social Welfare, representative of EC Directorate of Social Cohesion spoke on EC policy on social cohesion and other officials spoke during the event. Present at the event were representatives of the ROA Government, National Assembly and local and international organizations.
To obtain a copy of the report, contact: Hripsime Martirossyan
PADCO/Armenia Social Transition Program
14 Sundukyan St.
Tel.: (374-1) 27-31-75, 27-31-76
E-mail: hmartirossian@padco.am
ARMENIA SOCIAL TRANSITION PROGRAM (ASTP) AND NGOC COLLABORATE IN PROVIDING TRAINING ON SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP
As part of its ongoing goal of supporting social partnerships between government and NGOs in the social and health sectors, ASTP sub-contractor Counterpart International and NGOC provided a social partnership training to representatives of Municipalities, Village Governors Offices and NGOs on July 2-4 in Yerevan and July 9-11 in Gyumry. The goal of the training was to develop the participants’ conception of social partnerships and train them in the use of social partnership tools and skills. It is anticipated that they will implement social partnership programs and training courses, using the “Open Space” training model, developed by Counterpart International. The three-day training sessions gave participants the skills and knowledge to develop social partnership in practice in their regions. Further Social Partnership training will take place in Tavush and Gegarkunik regions in the coming weeks.
Contact: Ashot Hovhannesyan
ASTP Counterpart Representative
14 Sundukyan St.
Tel: (374-1) 27-31-76; (374-9) 40-26-25
E-mail: ahovhannesyan@padco.am
COMPLEX SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDING SCHEME IN THE LORI REGION
On July 24, in Vanadzor, PADCO and Yerevan State University representatives met with local NGOs providing social services. The meeting was part of a social transition program, implemented in Lori region and envisioning provision of complex social services to beneficiaries by uniting state and non-profit structures “under the same roof.” Joint efforts/activities of the Regional Center for Social Services, Vanadzor Regional Employment Center, Lori Regional Foundation for Social Security, Vanadzor Area Department of Lori Regional Foundation for Social Security, Medical and Social Commission of Experts and local NGOs would make using social services available for the beneficiaries. The July 24 meeting was an endeavor to define the NGOs’ place, role and functions in the integrated complex center and forms of their interrelations with state structures providing social services. As a result of discussions, it was decided to:
- - Categorize these 22 NGOs according to their activity spheres: educational, social, health, rights protection, information; a representative of each NGO will present providing services in the given field in separate rooms;
- - Create a council of seven people according to the principle of co-chairmanship to coordinate the activities of NGOs presented in the center
- - Involve two representatives of each NGO in training programs to work in the above mentioned rooms later.
Contact: Arpine Hakobyan
Vanadzor Focal Point-Trainer
Tel.: (374-51) 4-33-15
E-mail: vanadzor@ngoc.am - Stepanavan Youth Center has conducted training among 18 NGOs, published a factsheet and improved its office conditions. A database on the state and interests of 200 children and young people has been created. The NGO has also developed its strategic plan for the coming three years.
- Through the grant program, Milky Way Social and Legal NGO, providing social, psychological and medical assistance to disabled children, has created a database and a family catalogue on the physical state and priority needs of 300 disabled persons aged 6-18 and living in the Nor-Nork, Avan and Kanaker-Zeytun communities of Yerevan. The NGO members have advanced their knowledge on ROA legislation on disabled children and their families, system of social allowances and benefits. The NGO’s strategic plan for the coming 2-3 years is ready. The NGO has published and disseminated its factsheet among interested parties. The NGO’s website has also been developed and hung.
- Liarzhek Kyank (Full Life) Union of Disabled has conducted training among 34 volunteers, developed its strategic plan and founded a branch office in Tashir. The Union’s newly created Fundraising and PR Groups have worked on creating and distributing the NGO’s factsheet and developing its website. The Union has replenished its office with equipment and the library with books on legal topics. As stated by Union Chairman Suren Maghakyan during the recent visit of the US Ambassador to Armenia to the NGO’s office, the mentioned project greatly contributed to strengthening of the NGO. Mr. Maghakyan also emphasized the NGO Center’s contribution in the development of the NGO sector in Armenia.
- November 25: UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women,
- December 1: World AIDS Day,
- December 6: 1991 Montreal Massacre anniversary,
- December 10: International Human Rights Day
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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VOLUME 2, No 36 - August 31, 2003
IN THIS ISSUE: *** COMPUTER SCHOOL IN SPITAK CONTINUES TO OPERATE *** PROBLEMS OF THE DISABLED IN THE FOCUS *** IMPROVING LEGISLATION IN THE FIELD OF ROAD TRAFFIC *** PYUNIK UNION ANNUAL CAMP FOR THE DISABLED IN SEVAN *** PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE NGOs
COMPUTER SCHOOL IN SPITAK CONTINUES TO OPERATE
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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VOLUME 2, No 37 - September 30, 2003
IN THIS ISSUE:
*** LEGISLATIVE REGULATION OF RIGHTS OF FAMILIES WITH MANY CHILDREN
*** CONFERENCE ON DEATH PENALTY AND THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
*** NGO EXPO ENTITLED: NGO-COMMUNITY IN VANADZOR
*** ACRPC PARTICIPATED IN UNDPI/NGO 56th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
*** ACTIVITIES OF THE PEACE COALITION OF ARMENIA
*** ASCENDING ARAGATS ANNUAL EVENT OF PYUNIK UNION
*** COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ISSUES ATTACHED TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAIRMAN CREATED
*** ANNOUNCEMENT: NGO MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP SERIES
*** NGO CENTER ANNOUNCES SEMINARS
LEGISLATIVE REGULATION OF RIGHTS OF FAMILIES WITH MANY CHILDREN
On September 12, 2003, Maternity Fund of Armenia Charitable NGO organized the final roundtable within the framework of its Advocacy Campaign for Changing Public Policy on Social Protection for Large Families Project. The latter has been implemented within the framework of the AAA NGO Center’s Grants Program to Improve the Legislative and Regulatory Framework Related to Primary Healthcare and Social Security through USAID funds. During the project numerous meetings have been held with representatives of ROA President’s Office, ROA Government, ROA National Assembly and NGOs. In Yerevan and several regions of Armenia, the opinions of families with many children with regard to Armenia’s social policy as relates to them, was revealed. In March 2003, Maternity Fund convened the first session of a permanent roundtable with the participation of 25 NGOs, which emphasized providing support to families with many children in overcoming demographic crises. The final roundtable on September 12 was to discuss the draft law on State Support to Families with Many Children. The suggestions made will contribute to the adoption of this law.
Contact: Susanna Aslanyan
Maternity Fund of Armenia Charitable NGO
11 David Anhaght St., 6th floor
Tel.: (374-1) 28-75-49; 28-35-75
E-mail: maternity@infocom.am
CONFERENCE ON DEATH PENALTY AND THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
The Center of Youth Legal and Social Support NGO, recognized this year as Council of Europe’s Directorate General of Human Rights partner in ROA, organized the Death Penalty and the ROA international conference on September 3-4, 2003. Issues regarding reviewing the death penalty in Armenia were discussed. Participating were guests from relevant structures: European Commission; ROA National Assembly, ROA Government; ROA President’s Office; Human Rights Committee attached to the ROA President; ROA Police; ROA Ministry of Justice; ROA Ministry of Social Welfare; ROA Constitutional Court; ROA Courts of Appeal and Cassation; Yerevan Office of Public Prosecutor; NGOs; International organizations; ROA Regional Mayors’ Offices. Experts from Armenia, European Commission, Great Britain, Litvia and Russian Federation made reports on the topics European Commission and Elimination of Death Penalty; Modern Ways of Severe Penalty in the World; Constitutional and Legal Basis of Eliminating Death Penalty in ROA; Alternative Ways of Severe Penalty; Death Penalty in ROA: History and Current Situation; Legislative, Psychological and Pedagogical Issues Related to People Sentenced to Death in the World. The conference was organized with the assistance of the Council of Europe’s Directorate General of Human Rights. Notwithstanding opposite opinions on eliminating or maintaining the death penalty, it was concluded that eliminating the death penalty is an essential condition from the perspective of civil society development.
Contact: Lilit Asatryan
Center of Youth Legal and Social Support NGO
Tel./Fax: (374-1) 54-28-56
E-mail: sepuh_2000@yahoo.com
NGO EXPO ENTITLED: NGO-COMMUNITY IN VANADZOR
Media Group Informational NGO, through World Learning grant with USAID funds is implementing Strengthening NGO – Community Relations in Vanadzor project. To contribute to promoting the NGO sector, raising the awareness of the community and expanding NGO – Community relations, an exhibition of 60 Vanadzor based NGOs was held within the framework of the project on September 15-16, 2003. The NGOs presented their implemented and future activities, as well as films produced by them to representatives of local and international organizations.
Contact: Gor Ilbekyants
Media Group Informational NGO
Vanadzor, 82 Vardanants St.
Tel.: (374-51) 4-46-39; 4-46-57
E-mail: media@freenet.am
ACRPC PARTICIPATED IN UNDPI/NGO 56th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 8-10, 2003, the 56th Annual Conference for NGOs associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI) within the theme of Human Security and Dignity: Fulfilling the Promise of the United Nations was held at UN Headquarters in New York. About 2,000 representatives of NGOs, UN structures and agencies from 100 countries of the world participated in the Conference. The aim of the Conference was to draw the world’s attention to the fact that human security guarantees healthy, honorable and meaningful life. Representatives of the Armenian Constitutional Right-Protective Center (ACRPC) participated from Armenia: ACRPC is the second NGO accredited to the UNDPI. During the plenary sessions the obstacles in solving the problem, the observed processes of the last years, co-operation models were discussed. The plenary sessions were interrupted by mid-day seminars. Education for the Sake of Secure Future, Blockades: Threats to Human Security and Dignity, Human Rights Education for the Sake of Development and Self-Empowerment of Communities, Sustainable Development in the Context of Globalization, Dialogues with Eminent People on the Main Universal Directions and Policies and other themes were presented.
Contact: Gevorg Manukyan
Armenian Constitutional Right-Protective Center
Vanadzor, 1st Shirakatsi Sidestreet, House 2
Tel.: (374-51) 2-29-67
E-mail: acrpc@acrpc.am
Website: http://www.acrpc.am
ACTIVITIES OF THE PEACE COALITION OF ARMENIA
On September 5, 2003 presentation of the Peace Coalition of Armenia and its publishing body Peace to Everyone bulletin was held. 17 NGOs and individuals are members of the Coalition active since November 2002. Supported by the UNIFEM’s Women for Peace Building and Conflict Resolution in the South Caucasus regional project, the Peace Coalition’s activities are involved in the following key areas: Establishing a communications network between all stakeholders; Consolidation and mobilization of the society for peace building; People’s diplomacy; Putting into practice the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women’s role in conflict prevention and resolution and in peace-building. Issued in Armenian and Russian, the Peace to Everyone bulletin aims at empowering women promoting peace building initiatives and peaceful solutions of the conflicts in the South Caucasus. On March 20, 2003, Peace Coalition of Armenia became member of the Women for Peace regional coalition. During May session of its coordination council regional plan of actions and events was developed. According to the latter, on the occasion of the UN Peace Day, Peace Classes were organized in 14 Yerevan schools (September 14-22), Peace Minute was aired on Public Radio (September 21), a puppet performance was organized in the Children’s Park by UNIMA-Armenia NGO (September 27), the presentation of a special issue of Collage regional magazine, initiated by young members of the Coalition, was held (September 29.)
Contact: Ilona Ter-Minassyan
UN Development Fund for Women
14 Libknekht St.
Tel.: (374-1) 56-60-73 (128)
E-mail: ilona@undp.am
ASCENDING ARAGATS ANNUAL EVENT OF PYUNIK UNION
For already seven years now, Pyunik Union for the Disabled has been organizing its Ascending Aragats event on September 21 – ROA Independence Day. This year 50 members and volunteers of the Union, who had traveled to Aragats, ascended the southern top of the mountain in the morning of September 21 and waved the Armenian tricolor from a height of 3,980 meters. As stated by Hakob Abrahamyan, Pyunik Chairman, the event was a proof of strong volitional characteristics and self-affirmation of the disabled. The major sponsor of the event was Unicomp CJSC, as well as Antarez Ltd.
Contact: Hakob Abrahamyan
Pyunik Union for the Disabled
16 Tsitsernakaberd St.
Tel.: (374-1) 56-07-07
E-mail: pyunic@arminco.com
COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ISSUES ATTACHED TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAIRMAN CREATED
On September 9, 2003, ROA National Assembly Chairman invited representatives of state structures and NGOs dealing with disability issues, as well as journalists to create a committee on disability issues attached to the National Assembly. The committee will contribute to the improvement of the legal framework related to the disabled. The committee comprises representatives of the Special Cultural Center of the ROA Ministry of Culture, Department of Disabled and Elderly of the ROA Ministry of Social Welfare, NA Deputies and the following NGOs dealing with disability issues: Paros Center for Educational and Cultural Development; Pyunik Union of the Disabled; Noyastgh; Skarp; Lusastgh; Kamk ev Korov; Vahan; Bridge of Hope; Full Life; Havat; Lusashogh; Husastgh; Jah; Arevik; Unison; Union of Families of Disabled and Killed Freedomfighters. The forming working groups will be working on revealing the needs of the disabled and prioritizing and finding legal solutions.
Contact: Artak Arakelyan
ROA NA Deputy
39 Marshal Baghramyan St.
Tel.: (374-1) 52-46-25
ANNOUNCEMENT: NGO MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP SERIES
AAA NGO Training & Resource Center (AAA NGOC), under the Armenia NGO Development Program in Support of USAID's Social Transition Reform and the Earthquake Zone Programs, announces workshop series on the following topics and dates: Legal Field of NGOs in ROA: Social Partnership – November 4, 5; The Big Picture of NGO Work, Community Projects, Community Development – November 11, 12, 13; Public Relations – November 18, 19; Strategic Planning – November 24, 25, 26; Fundraising – December 2, 3; Proposal Writing – December 9, 10; Logical Framework – December 16, 17, 18; Training of Trainers December 23, 24. Officially registered NGOs providing social and/or primary health care information and services can participate in workshops registering beforehand. Please, contact AAA NGO Center Receptionist Hripsime Danielyan for registration and curriculum. The first 15 NGOs (one from each) will have a chance to participate in the workshop.
AAA NGO Center’s address: 39 Yeznik Koghbatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13; 53-92-04
E-mail: ngoc@ngoc.am
NGO CENTER ANNOUNCES SEMINARS
AAA NGO Training & Resource Center (AAA NGOC), under the Armenia NGO Development Program in Support of USAID's Social Transition Reform and the Earthquake Zone Programs, announces seminars on the topics NGO Legislation and Social Partnership: Perspectives. AAA NGO Legal Specialist Anna Kurdova will conduct the seminars. The seminars will take place on October 24 and 31, November 7 and 17 from 12:00 PM through 16:00 PM in AAA NGO Center (Yerevan, 39 Yeznik Koghbatsi St.) The participants will be provided with relevant materials. Officially registered NGOs providing social and/or primary health care information and services can participate in seminars. Please, contact AAA NGO Center Receptionist Hripsime Danielyan for registration.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13; 53-92-04
E-mail: ripa@ngoc.am
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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VOLUME 2, No 38 - October 2003
IN THIS ISSUE: *** PRIORITY TO THE CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE ISSUES *** TOWARDS EDUCATIONAL REFORMS *** WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT *** LEGISLATIVE REFORMS ON TAX POLICY RELATED TO THE DISABLED *** EUROPEAN UNION: PROBLEMS AND TENDENCIES TV-DEBATES *** ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF CAUCASUS REFUGEE/IDP NGO NETWORK
PRIORITY TO THE CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE ISSUES Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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VOLUME 2, No 39 - November 2003
IN THIS ISSUE: *** PREVENTING VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN ACTION IN ARMENIA This year, participants of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence - Armenia are 20 NGOs and international organizations working on human rights and women’s issues. The activities planned for this period are focused on cultural and regional dimensions of violence against women, including trafficking. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence -Armenia is implemented by the Armenian National Coordination Committee with the support of the OSI AF and AAA NGOC.
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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VOLUME 2, No 40 - December 2003
WITH BEST WISHES FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR IN THIS ISSUE: SUPPORT TO COMMUNITIES NGO’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM THE FOURTH ASSEMBLY OF THE ARMENIAN ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS NGO PROMOTES ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN REGIONS DECEMBER 3 IS THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE DISABLED DISABILITY ISSUES IN THE FOCUS OF THE GOVERNMENT EXHIBITION IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL WELFARE PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON PEOPLE WITH MENTAL DISABILITIES SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP IN PRACTICE NGO-MASS MEDIA ENCOUNTER DEVOTED TO PROBLEMS OF VIOLENCE TOWARDS WOMEN AND CHILDREN
SUPPORT TO COMMUNITIES NGO’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Funding for the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Contact Information:
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