Armenian NGO News in Brief
	NGOC Gazette
	Research

VOLUME 2, No 41 - January-February 2004

IN THIS ISSUE: *** RAISING AWARENESS ON RIGHT TO FREE MEDICAL SERVICES *** EDUCATING AND COMMENTING ON THE ROA LAW ON CONSUMERS RIGHTS PROTECTION FOR CITIZENS *** BLACK SEA REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM *** LET’S HELP DEBED RIVER *** WORKING TOGETHER – BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS *** SOUTH CAUCASUS NGOs ENDEAVOR TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS *** ADVOCACY IN VANADZOR *** ROA DRAFT LAW ON VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES *** ANNUAL PROGRAM ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE DISABLED RAISING AWARENESS ON RIGHT TO FREE MEDICAL SERVICES The Open Medical Club NGO’s Raising the Population’s Awareness on the Right to Free Medical Services project is coming to its end. As a result of a preliminary survey, only ten per cent of the population is informed about their right to free medical services. The 5,000 booklets published contained basic information on free medical services. Educational activities were carried out through two video films produced by the NGO and aired by Yerevan TV Channel, as well as discussions held with NGO representatives. Upon completion of the project, another survey will be conducted, which will form the basis for a new awareness-raising project on 2004 decrees. The project is being implemented through funding support received from World Learning Organization through USAID. Contact: Zaruhi Janibekyan Open Medical Club NGO 60 Abovyan St.; Children’s University Hospital #1 Tel.: (374-1) 54-44-17; 54-44-18 E-mail: zaraj@jinishian.am EDUCATING AND COMMENTING ON THE ROA LAW ON CONSUMERS RIGHTS PROTECTION FOR CITIZENS The final roundtable of the above mentioned project by the Anna National Association of Consumers and Consumers Rights Protection Union NGOs was held on January 29, 2004. Project staff presented to representatives of NGOs, state structures, international organizations and Mass Media a summary of the activities they implemented: survey to reveal the population’s awareness of the law; booklets, brochures and Consumer newsletter published; radio and TV programs aired; and seminars and consultancies provided. Within the framework of the subproject, the Union of Consumer Rights Protection developed and published Comments on Articles on the ROA Law on Consumers Rights Protection, encompassing not only the general provisions of the Law, but also issues related to protection of consumers rights during service provision, and state and social protection of consumers rights. The Union developed and launched their website – http://www.consumer.am––where the electronic version of the book is available, along with a number of other legal acts related to the issue. The project was implemented with funding support received from Eurasia Foundation through USAID. Contacts: Melita Hakobyan Anna National Association of Consumers NGO 23 David Anhaght St., 3rd Floor Tel.: (374-1) 24-92-04 Abgar Yeghoyan Consumer Rights Protection Union NGO 10 Hanrapetutian St. Tel.: (374-1) 46-08-24; 56-37-73 E-mail: upcr@web.am; abgar@freenet.am Website: http://www.consumer.am BLACK SEA REGIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM This forum was organized by the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) and Mission Armenia NGO from January 15-17, 2004 in Yerevan. Representatives of more than 50 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from Black Sea Economic Cooperation nine member states (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation and Ukraine), ROA Ministries (Foreign Affairs, Social Security and Healthcare) and international organizations participated in the event. The Black Sea Regional Civil Society Forum anticipates establishing collaboration among the regional CSOs and advocating to the BSEC that its mandate be expanded to include social welfare issues. During the plenary sessions, the attention of the Forum participants was drawn to problems of sustainable development, poverty reduction, healthcare, human rights, global population aging, migration, and more. Participants discussed the social priorities of the region, which served as bases for a Draft Policy Paper. In this paper, participants presented the ways and mechanisms of anticipated BSEC–CSO collaboration to solve regional social problems. The Draft Paper will be further developed during the coming two months before submission to the BSEC General Assembly in April 2004. Another major result of the Forum was the creation of the CSO Network. Headed by a Coordination Council, it has focal points in all participating countries. Mission Armenia NGO has undertaken the responsibilities of the Network Secretariat. The participants also selected a Lobbying Team which will undertake necessary activities to establish BSEC–CSO collaboration. Contact: Hripsime Kirakossyan Mission Armenia NGO 42 Garegin Nzhdeh St. Tel.: (374 1) 44-47-92; 44-47-93; 44-47-61; 44-47-32 E-mail: ripsik@arminco.com Website http://www.mission.am LET’S HELP DEBED RIVER On January 13, 2004, the Vanadzor based Trichk (Flight) NGO organized a discussion within the framework of Appeal for Consciousness project. Leading specialists from the Department of Agriculture and Environment of the Lori Regional Governor’s Office and the Center for Monitoring Hygiene Epidemiology, pedagogues-biologists and representatives of NGOs dealing with environmental issues participated in the discussion. They presented suggestions related to environmental education, tree planting, improving utilities and fighting against illegal utilization of forest land contributing to landslides. Participants expressed their concerns about the increasing levels of ammonium in the Debed River, as a result of which, many fish have died. Contact: Hovhanness Nikoghosyan Trichk (Flight) NGO Tel.: (374-51) 4-49-28; 2-16-75; 4-46-26 E-mail: Flight@freenet.am  WORKING TOGETHER – BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Institute for Democracy in Eastern Europe, in cooperation with the All Armenian Women’s Union and the Armenian Committee of Helsinki Citizens Assembly NGOs, together are implementing the Working Together–Building Community Connections project in Armenia. The goal of the project is to promote dialogue between local authorities and the community, increase community involvement in solving local problems and explore ways of cooperation. Within the project framework, in January 2004, forums were held in Yerevan’s Nor Nork and Arabkir communities with representatives of local self-governing bodies (LSGB), mass media, schools, scientific and research institutes and community members participating. During the forums entitled Do We Contribute to the Establishment of Dialogue between LSGB and Society? and Could We Jointly Improve our Community?, participants analyzed barriers of cooperation between LSGB and society and suggested ways of overcoming those obstacles. During the forum, recommendations were made. To implement them, action plans were developed and initiative groups formed. Similar forums are planned to be held in eight towns of Armenia. Civic Initiatives newsletter will also be published and seminars on the Promoting Civic Initiatives will be organized. The project is being implemented with financial assistance from the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Contact: Natalia Martirossyan All Armenian Women’s Union Tel.: (374-1) 52-09-74 E-mail: hca@netsys.am SOUTH CAUCASUS NGOs ENDEAVOR TO SOLVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS On February 3, 2004, six local NGOs presented their projects implemented within the framework of Trans-boundary Grants Programme of the Regional Environmental Center (REC.) Funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the projects were designed to solve regional environmental problems with the cooperation of NGOs. Brief descriptions of the projects are presented below: Tapan Eco-Club and its partners have developed an explanatory dictionary of major ecological terms in Azeri, Armenian, English, Georgian and Russian languages. The dictionary was distributed to interested NGOs and government bodies and can be accessed at the website www.rec-caucasus.org. Center of Bird Lovers and its Georgian partner studied the quantity and seasonal composition of wetland biotypes and the ornithological fauna of Armenia and Georgia. They developed a list of rare and endangered biotopes, short and long-term plans for the protection of birds and recommendations for creating protected areas. All of these materials were submitted to the Ministries of Ecology in Armenia and Georgia. In addition, the NGOs conducted ecological education activities among citizens of all ages. The Association for Human Sustainable Development, with its Azeri and Georgian partners, identified problems within the sustainable development framework in two towns in each of the three republics. Solutions were suggested to the local authorities and the NGOsoffered specific guidelines for adopting Local Agenda-21 in each town studied. Union of Consumers Rights Protection and its partners conducted preliminary monitoring of selected foods in each country to reveal potentially dangerous foods. They then carried out laboratory testing of foods, and publicized the results in newspapers, and on radio and TV programs. The NGOs also prepared a comparative analysis of laws relating to food security in the three countries and developed recommendations to harmonize this legislation in each country. These recommendations were introduced to relevant state structures. Armenian School and its partners developed a CD and the website www.freewebs.com/caucasus, which introduces environmental problems of the South Caucasus countries through stories, animations, games and quizzes. The CD, available in Armenian, Azeri, English and Georgian, was distributed among schoolchildren and environmental NGOs. Greens Union of Armenia and its partners studied international legislation and standards related to pipeline construction. They assessed the current and anticipated impact on the ecological situation along the planned Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Erzrum pipeline routes. Their reports were disseminated among NGOs and society, thereby bringing them into the Caucasus Network of Public Observers. REC Caucasus is currently developing a publication which will highlight success stories. When completed, this will be available for all interested. Contact: Hovhanness Ghazaryan REC Caucasus Information Point, Armenia 1 Charents St., 2nd floor Tel.: (374-1) 57-47-43 E-mail: hovik.ghazaryan@rec-caucasus.org Website: http://www.rec-caucasus.org ADVOCACY IN VANADZOR Lori Regional Office of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) organized Interests Protection seminar in Vanadzor on February 4-6, 2004. The seminar had two objectives: 1) transfer theoretical knowledge and practical skills to participants and 2) form groups which would actually carry out interests protection activities. Representatives of various Vanadzor based NGOs and universities, as well as individuals concerned with the issues of accessibility of information and freedom of speech in communities participated in the seminar. During the training, some participants decided to direct their activities towards contributing to the provision of transparency and accessibility of information in condominiums. Others chose to form a youth club/board, which will attempt to organize the leisure time of young people and act as a link between the youth and local self governing bodies, thus providing an opportunity for young people to participate in decision making processes. The groups developed action plans. The initiative groups began their activities on February 14. Preliminary meetings have already been held and timetables set. Those interested in the activities of the initiative groups or wishing to get involved, may contact Lori Regional Office of the International Foundation for Education Systems (IFES) at telephone number (374-51) 4-29-68 or by e-mail at ifesv@arminco.com. ROA DRAFT LAW ON VOLUNTEERS AND VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES On February 11-12, 2004, the issue of legislative regulation of volunteer activities was discussed in Tsakhkadzor. World Learning NGO Strengthening Program and AAA NGO Training and Resource Center jointly organized the workshop, with USAID support. The event brought together lawyers, professionals from various backgrounds and NGOs. The workshop accurately reflected the situation with Volunteerism in Armenia, both in the sense of attitudes by government and public need. During the discussions, NGOs raised the problems they face in this field, especially related to tax and social welfare issues. The Draft Law on Volunteers and Volunteer Activities also was discussed in detail. All participants emphasized the need for legal regulation and suggestions were made regarding content and technical structure. At the end of the second working day, participants decided to form a working group of lawyers and NGOs, who will further develop the draft legislation. Once completed, the draft will be presented to such interested structures as ROA Ministry of Justice, the State Fund for Social Welfare, as well as to a wider public. Future actions will then be defined. Contacts: Yan Karpovich World Learning NSP 24 Moskovian St., #1 Tel.: (374-1) 58-26-20, 52-08-51, 54-35-76 E-mail: office@worldlearning.am Internet: http://www.worldlearning.am AAA NGO Training and Resource Center 39 Koghbatsi St. Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13 E-mail: ngoc@ngoc.am Internet: http://www.ngoc.am ANNUAL PROGRAM ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE DISABLED The Vanadzor based Lusastgh NGO is implementing their White Stick project to educate on the need for protecting the rights of the blind. Designed to contribute to the betterment of social conditions of the blind, the project will reveal needs of beneficiaries and suggestions on solving their problems. Within the framework of the project, events have been organized to disseminate information and highlight problems faced by the blind. One of these events was the February 24 roundtable devoted to the discussion of the Annual Program on Social Protection of the Disabled, with a particular focus on issues of the blind. As prescribed by Article 5 of the ROA Law on the Disabled, the Government is authorized to include an Annual Program on Social Protection of the Disabled. The programs may include activities directed at social and legal protection of the disabled and particularly ensuring education and requalification of the blind. The discussion highlighted a number of suggestions in this regard. Contact: Nune Pepanyan Lusastgh NGO Tel.: (374-51) 4-29-14 E-mail: lusastgh@freenet.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: 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

VOLUME 2, No 42 - March 2004

IN THIS ISSUE:

ROA MINISTRY OF LABOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES RAISES NGOS' AWARENESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS SYSTEM

ARMENIA'S FIRST "ONE-STOP SHOP" FOR SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICIALLY OPENED IN VANADZOR

NGO CODE OF STANDARDS CREATED

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

CENTER FOR COMMUNITY DIALOGUES AND INITIATIVES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

HEALTHY COMMUNITY MEMBERS

NGO BRUSSELS STATEMENT 

ROA MINISTRY OF LABOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES RAISES NGOS' AWARENESS ON SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS SYSTEM

On March 10, 2004, the AAA NGO Training and Resource Center hosted a meeting of NGO representatives with the ROA Ministry of Labor and Social Issues Working Group Implementing the Social Security Cards System in Armenia. The objective was to raise the awareness of participating NGOs on the system, so that later they could improve the knowledge of their beneficiaries on the benefits of the social security card in combating corruption in Armenia. During the meeting, the Ministry representative Artem Asatryan outlined the Social Security Card system and explained its advantages. Artem Asatryan said, "The introduction of the Social Security Cards (SSCs) will increase the efficiency of state government activities. The program will have a beneficial influence on the activities of benefit payments, taxation, payment of customs duties, the administration of Armenia's system of social security and insurance and other sectors. All those present were provided with public education materials (Q&A brochures on SSCs and new pension system, leaflets on pension age in Armenia and pension reforms) to distribute among their beneficiaries. These materials are available at the Pensions Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Issues.

Contact: Artem Asatryan
ROA Ministry of Labor and Social Issues
Government Building #3
Tel.: (374-1) 56-42-10

ARMENIA'S FIRST "ONE-STOP SHOP" FOR SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICIALLY OPENED IN VANADZOR

Since March 29, 2004, the Integrated Social Services Center (ISSC) has been functioning in Vanadzor, allowing citizens to apply for social services in one location. The Center was created jointly by the Ministry of Labor and Social Issues and the USAID-funded Armenia Social Transition Project (ASTP), PADCO, Inc. The structures providing services at the ISSC are:

• State Social Insurance Fund, where citizens can apply for pensions and employers pay social insurance contributions for employees;
• Regional Social Service Agency, where families can apply for social assistance, humanitarian assistance, Poverty Family Benefit and Lump Sum Assistance payments;
• National Employment and Labor Agency, where the unemployed can receive unemployment benefits, apply to job announcements, and where customers can also enroll in training opportunities;
• Social Medical Expertise Commission, where persons with disabilities can apply for medical examinations which may qualify them for disability pensions;
• NGO Gateway, uniting more than 30 NGOs in Vanadzor, which provides services for the vulnerable, elderly, refugees, and others who need advice and information. An NGO representative in the reception area will provide information and assistance to citizens who have a need, but may not qualify for state benefits and require additional services that state social service offices cannot provide.

There are plans to created similar Integrated Social Service Centers in Masis and Etchmiadzinin in the near future.

Contact: Armenia Social Transition Project (ASTP), PADCO, Inc. 14 Sundukian St.
Tel: (374-1) 27-31-75; 27-31-76; 27-31-79; 27-27-85
E-mail: smovsesian@padco.am

NGO CODE OF STANDARDS CREATED

On February 26, 2004, Tekeyan Cultural Center hosted the presentation of the Code of Standards for Armenian NGOs. The Code of Standards was developed by a working group of Yerevan-based and regional NGOs with technical and financial support provided by World Learning through USAID. Taking into account international experience, the Code initiators intend to formally establish the basis and standards of practice which will enable Armenian NGOs perform their representative and progressive functions in advocating for the interests of communities and civil society. Among those invited were representatives of NGOs, the donor community, Armenian government officials and mass media. The authors of the document introduced issues highlighted in the document, including Mission; Leadership; Legal Conformity; Conflict of Interests; Financial Accountability; Human Resources; Fundraising Activities; Transparency; Involvement in State Policy; Partnership and Alliances; and Information Management. It is anticipated that the Code of Standards will serve as a guide for NGOs in strategic planning and evaluation processes and contribute to the strengthening of the sector and raising its role in society.

Contact:
Levon Nersisyan
Astghik Union of Disabled Children's Parents
Tel: (374-1) 57-51-85
E-mail: levast@netsvs.am
Gayane Akulyan Dashink NGO
E-mail: akulvan@freenet.am

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

The Women's Forum NGO's Sexual Harassment in the Workplace project is currently underway in Yerevan, Gyumri,Vanadzor, Ashtarak and Kotayk cities with the financial assistance of World Learning. The goal of this project is to contribute to the prevention of violence towards women in Armenia, promotion of women's participation at all levels of public relations as full members of society and ensuring legal protection of their rights and interests. After revealing the urgency of the problem, the NGO conducted a number of roundtables with employed and unemployed women of the cities mentioned, various NGO representatives, and managers of business and government sectors. Printed materials on the problem were disseminated during these events and meetings. Articles were published in the press, a video clip and programs were aired on TV and radio, and a press conference was held. Packages have been also developed and presented to Heads of National Assembly factions, Chairmen of Committees and the relevant Deputy Group.
One of the main activities of the project is developing suggestions to the currently discussed draft ROA Labor Code. Designed to protect the labor rights and legal interests of women in Armenia, the suggestions are already included in the draft Code and will be heard soon, during the Draft's first hearing in the National Assembly.

Contact:
Lilit Avetisyan
Women's Forum NGO
Tel: (374-1) 58-99-36; 58-13-81
E-mail: womensfor@yahoo.com

CENTER FOR COMMUNITY DIALOGUES AND INITIATIVES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

On March 26, 2004, the presentation of the newly created Center for Community Dialogues and Initiatives (CCDI) NGO was held. Through its Citizens' Awareness and Participation in Armenia project, implemented with the assistance of IFES and USAID, CCDI will contribute to the formation and development of civil society. CCDI trainers carry out the following activities in eight regions of Armenia: training, consultancy, raising the population's awareness on the current legislation, elections monitoring, organizing public forums and discussions, events intended to protect citizens' interests, voluntary actions, professional development of young people, cultural events, research, and providing library resources. 

Contact:
Haykaz Karapetyan
Center for Community Dialogues and Initiatives (CCDI) NGO
8 Tumanyan St.
Tel: (374-9) 40-09-53; 45-31-55
E-mail: ruzan@ifes.am; mnarine@ifes.am

HEALTHY COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Future Generation Union's three-year-long "Well Informed, Empowered, Responsible and Healthy Communities" project is currently being implemented in nine villages of Armavir Marz, with the financial assistance of the Netherlands NOVIB organization. The goal of the project is to contribute to the betterment of health of community members through increasing their health awareness and health conditions. The Healthy Communities Foundation has been established and has nine branches and Community Resource Centers, replenished with health-related literature in their libraries and modern communications technologies. Through these Resource Centers, healthcare awareness training sessions will be conducted for community members; topics will include health rights, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene, HIV/AIDS and other STIs, Recently, the Future Generation NGO announced a grants program among these communities to solve the their prioritized problems. Infrastructure of the nine villages will be improved by laying pipelines or repairing health-posts or school buildings. The project activities will also be expanded throughout nine other communities in Armavir. The Revolving Drug Fund model will be applied here to improve health conditions of community members by providing medicines and medical services. Preventive health screening services will be provided to low-income community members, and appropriate treatment to some of them.

Contact:
Rafayel Vardanyan
Future Generation Union NGO
61/7 Marshal Baghramyan Ave.
Tel: (374-1) 26-46-33
E-mail: futqen@netsvs.am

NGO BRUSSELS STATEMENT

The Women for Green Way for Generations, Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment, Future Generation Union and Lore Eco-Club NGOs made an announcement on the NGO Brussels Statement, developed in December 2003 in Brussels during the NGO Strategy Meeting: Making the Environment Work for Our Children's Health conference. The event brought together 70 representatives from 50 international, European and national environmental and health citizens organizations, during which representatives discussed their ideas, demands and suggestions for the Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health to be held in Budapest in June 2004. The NGO Brussels Statement will be followed up with an NGO and Civil Society Declaration to be presented in Budapest. The statement covers various issues primarily concerning genetically modified organisms, chemicals, water and food, air pollution, sustainable development strategy, role of health professionals, etc. For more information on the statement, visit the http://www.epha.org website or contact the following

Armenian NGOs:
Karine Manukyan of Women for Green Way to Generations NGO
E-mail: alnarol@yahoo.com

Karine Grigoryan of Future Generation Union NGO
E-mail: futgen@netsys.am

Elena Manvelyan of Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment NGO
E-mail: elena@awhhe.am

Andranik Melikjanyan - Lore Eco-Club NGO
E-mail: lore@freenet.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:

VOLUME 2, No 43 - April 2004

IN THIS ISSUE:

*** NGOs IN REFORMS WITHIN ARMENIA’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

*** ANTI-CORRUPTION INITIATIVE IN ARMENIAN COMMUNITIES

***NGO SAVES DOGS FROM BEING SHOT

*** DISABILITY DOES NOT SLOW DOWN ATHLETE

*** CONFERENCE: SUSTAINABLE MODELS OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS

*** SEMINAR FOR JOURNALISTS ON THE TOPIC GENDER ISSUES IN THE MIRROR OF MASS MEDIA

*** NGO’S RESEARCH REVEALS THE ATTITUDE ON EDUCATIONAL REFORMS


NGOs IN REFORMS WITHIN ARMENIA’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

On April 6, 2004, the Armenian Assembly of America’s NGO Training and Resource Center hosted the NGOs in Reforms Within Armenia’s Healthcare System NGO/Media thematic roundtable discussion. Participating in the event were healthcare NGOs, foundations, international organizations, as well as representatives of media and state structures. During the roundtable, Samvel Hovhannissyan of the Armenian Association of Family Physicians NGO, David Petrosyan of the Human Health Humanitarian Fund, Irina Ghazaryan of the Drug Utilization Research Group NGO and Melita Hakobyan of the Anna National Association of Consumers NGO made presentations on the following topics respectively: Role of NGOs in Provision of Healthcare Services, the Right to Free Medical Service, Patients Rights, Problems in the Sphere of Medicaments Usage, as well as on Collaboration of NGO-State-Business sectors in Solving These Essential Problems. In their presentations, the speaker NGOs outlined issues of concern related to healthcare system reform in Armenia and came up with suggestions. Prioritizing the role of Mass Media, a suggestion was made to be “both competent and popular” while covering the reform process through outlets highlighting reforms.    

Contact:
Samvel Hovannissyan
Armenian Association of Family Physicians NGO
Tel.: (374-1) 23-48-51; 23-48-62
E-mail: f-fammedic@nih.sci.am

David Petrosyan
Human Health Humanitarian Fund NGO
Tel.: (374-1) 56-65-21; (374-9) 43-71-58
E-mail: healthhuman@ngoc.am

Irina Ghazaryan
Drug Utilization Research Group NGO
Tel.: (374-1) 56-65-51; (374-9) 42-72-46
E-mail: durg@mail.ru

Melita Hakobyan
Anna National Association of Consumers NGO
Tel: (374-1) 24-92-04; 52-04-40; (374-9) 47-05-79
E-mail: anna_cna@infocom.am 


ANTI-CORRUPTION INITIATIVE IN ARMENIAN COMMUNITIES

The Information Training Center for Local Self-Government Development NGO’s We In Our Communities project is currently underway in 48 communities of 10 regions of Armenia. The project is designed to contribute to the reduction of violations of law (corruption, abuse of power by those in office, plundering community resources) within the local self-governing system. Within the framework of the project, the Ð1 TV Channel airs weekly documentaries, highlighting the activities of local self-governing bodies in rural communities and current violations of law. Based on specific community cases, the films cover issues related to the ability of local self-governing bodies to make community resources available to the community, collecting taxes and ensuring the community budget is administered to meet the community’s needs. Through a separate TV program, comments are made on issues related to real cases from the films. Though the project ends in June 2004, the NGO has leveraged funds to continue the TV programs. The current project is implemented with the assistance of World Learning, through USAID funding.

Contact:
Arevik Harutiunyan
Information Training Center for Local Self-Government Development NGO
23 Burnazyan St.
Tel.: (374-1) 55-70-62
E-mail: yerv@web.am  


NGO SAVES DOGS FROM BEING SHOT

On April 13, 2004 The Dunay Dogs Protection Support NGO presented its forthcoming program to interested parties and Mass Media. With the assistance of the Yerevan Municipality, the NGO has designed a series of activities aimed at solving the problem of stray dogs. These activities are an alternative to the shooting and killing method applied in the past. The program is comprised of the following activities: picking up dogs, registering, sterilizing, inoculating against rabies, providing other vaccines and, with numbered collars, returning the dogs??? to previous places. As stated by the NGO Chairman A. Ghazaryan, “Picking up and healing stray dogs will contribute to the betterment of not only the sanitary and hygienic situation, but also the environment.”

Contact:
Armen Ghazaryan
Dunay Dogs Protection Support NGO
3rd Tigran Mets Sidestreet, #3
Tel.: (374-1) 52-96-14
E-mail: dunay2004@mail.ru      


DISABILITY DOES NOT SLOW DOWN ATHLETE

Onik Hovakimyan, athlete of Pyunik Union of the Disabled, participated in the annual Los Angeles Marathon held on March 7. Only 59 of 19 526 wheelchair driven disabled crossed the finish. Improving his best-time from last year by 40 minutes, Hovakimyan completed 42 kilometers in 2 hours and 17 minutes. The Los Angeles Marathon was the third in 24-year-old Onik’s life since 1999 and 2000. "There was a time when I felt disabled,” Onik said. “However, in the Pyunic family, sometimes we don't even think about it." Pyunic not only provides the disabled with opportunities to get involved in athletics, but also contributes to their social and psychological rehabilitation, solution of their educational and health problems, rights protection with its true mission of integrating the disabled in Armenia into the society.

Contact:
Hakob Abrahamyan
Pyunik Union of the Disabled
16 Tsitsernakaberd St.
Tel.: (374-1) 56-07-07
E-mail: pyunic@arminco.com
Website: http://www.pyunic.am


CONFERENCE: SUSTAINABLE MODELS OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS

On April 20, 2004, Eurasia Foundation’s Representative Office in Armenia organized a conference on development of local community based organizations. Representatives of ROA Government, local authorities, local and international organizations, community based organizations and Mass Media participated in the event. The goal of the conference was to present activities carried out in Armenian communities by evaluating past achievements, identifying challenges and developing strategies for development. After presentations, working groups were formed. During thematic discussions on NGO activities, legislation and fundraising, obstacles hindering activities and solutions to those obstacles were presented.

Contact:
Yulia Antonyan
Eurasia Foundation’s Representative Office in Armenia
4 Demirchyan St.
Tel.: (374-1) 56-54-78; 58-60-59
E-mail: eurasia@eurasia.am  


SEMINAR FOR JOURNALISTS ON THE TOPIC GENDER ISSUES IN THE MIRROR OF MASS MEDIA

Between April 14-18, 2004, the Association of Women With University Education NGO, jointly with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutes and Human Rights, organized a seminar on Gender Issues in the Mirror of Mass Media. Journalists, representatives of NGOs and international organizations, as well as experts invited from the Russian Federation and Georigia participated in the seminar. They discussed current gender problems and the importance of highlighting gender issues in the Mass Media. Issues related to gender in the fields of political, social and economic development and women’s political participation, carrying out campaigns in Mass Media, gender expertise of the social sphere, gender censorship, overcoming gender stereotypes in Mass Media and highlighting trafficking in the Mass Media were also presented. Participants discussed issues of professional ethics of journalists, regional media, as well as Mass Media-NGO cooperation. At the conclusion of the seminar, participants defined conclusions and recommendations on solving the problems.

Contact:
Jemma Hasratyan
Association of Women With University Education NGO
33 Sayat Nova Ave.
Tel.: (374-1) 58-15-83
E-mail: aawue@arminco.com


NGO’S RESEARCH REVEALS THE ATTITUDE ON EDUCATIONAL REFORMS

Between October-December 2003, the Armenian Sociological Association researched attitudes towards secondary education reforms, as well as assessments of reforms carried out to-date. The project was financially supported by the World Bank and results are now available. The research aimed at revealing the stakeholder attitude towards reforms in the secondary education system in Armenia and the evaluation of the reform process. About 600 teachers and directors of 100 schools in Yerevan, Shirak, Aragatsotn, Gegharkunik and Syunik regions were surveyed. Eighteen advanced group discussions were held with teachers and highschool children at 12 schools in the same regions. Interviews were also conducted with 160 experts, (including those in the field of education, regional government officials, Community Council chairmen, journalists, NGO and international organization representatives, National Assembly Deputies, businessmen and school directors.)Research results show that Armenian society recognizes the need for changes in the secondary education system. These changes will best meet the requirements needed to develop a national culture and secondary education system, adopted in the modern civilized world. The results prove that the reforms are insufficiently covered by the media and the public awareness on its goals and process is low. 

Contact:
Gevorg Poghossyan
Armenian Sociological Association
44 Aram St.
Tel.: (374-1) 53-08-22; 53-10-96; 53-05-71
E-mail: asa@asa.am
Website: http://www.asa.am

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© NGOC

 

 

VOLUME 2, No 44 - May 2004

IN THIS ISSUE:

*** Healthy Lifestyle in NGO Programs

*** YEREVAN ECOLOGICAL PUBLIC ALLIANCE AGAINST ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF GREEN ZONES

*** SEXUAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

*** FOR INTEGRATION OF BOARDING HOUSE CHILDREN INTO THE SOCIETY

*** SECOND EDITION OF CAUCASUS ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs DIRECTORY IS PUBLISHED

*** ARMENIAN NGO SUCCESS STORIES

*** NGOs SIGNED AN AGREEMENT

*** THE PROCESSION-MARATHON OF WHEELCHAIR DISABLED

*** GRANTS PROGRAM CARRIED OUT IN SECURITY AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE


Healthy Lifestyle in NGO Programs

On May 26, the Armenian Assembly of America’s NGO Training and Resource Center hosted its regular Thematic NGO/Media devoted to Healthy Lifestyle. The goal of similar encounters, initiated by the AAA NGOC, is to introduce the problems of vulnerable groups to the public-at-large, NGOs activities directed at solving those problems, and obstacles encountered. Healthcare NGOs and representatives of media, international organizations and state structures participated. Mary Khachikyan of the For Family and Health Armenian Association NGO, Narek Zeinalyan of the Adam Youth Health NGO and Karine Manukyan of the Women for Green Ways for Generations NGO made presentations on Sexual Culture, Smoking Hazards and Prevention, and Food Safety and Nutrition Culture, respectively. The spokespersons presented their activities, shared success stories, disseminated samples of their publications, and answered questions. They also emphasized critical problems in their field and made significant suggestions for their solution.

Contact:
Mary Khachikyan of the For Family and Health" Armenian Association NGO
E-mail: armfha@netsys.am

Narek Zeinalyan of the Adam Youth Health NGO
E-mail: zeinalian_narek@yahoo.com 

Karine Manoukyan of the Women for Green Ways for Generations NGO
E-mail: wgwg@wgwg.am  


YEREVAN ECOLOGICAL PUBLIC ALLIANCE AGAINST ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF GREEN ZONES

On May 22, members of the Yerevan Ecological Public Alliance, (uniting 37 NGOs), together with human rights and youth organizations and the local population organized a picket against destroying a territory known as “Mkoyi Antar.” Located in Yerevan’s Zeytun community, this wooded area has been recently partially destroyed by construction activities. The construction has damaged the upper layer of soil and almost 3,000 trees and plants. Alliance members had contacted, via letter, relevant state structures but received no response. Through the May 22 picket, they made the issue public and demanded the illegal construction be stopped, reviewing ROA Government’s decree regarding provision of the territory and restoring the green zone. In the event that their demands are not met, the Alliance plans to apply to juridical bodies.

Contact: Silva Adamyan
Coalition of Green Zones of the Yerevan Ecological Public Alliance
Tel.: (374-1) 28-11-82
E-mail: birdlovers@rambler.ru

Arman Vermishyan
Tel.: (374-1) 25-06-71
E-mail: burg@freenet.am; burg@xter.net


SEXUAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

During the 2003-2004 academic school year, with the assistance of Medicins Sans Frontiers – Belgium and on the initiative of Hope and Help NGO, the Healthy Lifestyle and Sexual Education pilot extra curricular course was introduced in seven schools of Noyemberyan region. Initially teachers of biology underwent training through seminars, and the course was taught to 650 schoolchildren of 8th and 9th grades. On April 29, the Sexual Education in Schools conference was held in Noyemberyan school #1. School directors, teachers, representatives of regional government, NGOs and Mass Media participated. The spokespersons introduced the results and discussed positive and negative aspects of the activities. Within the conference working groups, issues of course topics and methodology were discussed.

Contact: Yenok Shatvoryan
Hope and Help NGO
23 Mashtots St., #31
Tel.: (374-1) 53-17-70
E-mail: hopehelp@ngoc.am     

Tavush Branch of Hope and Help NGO
13 Noyemberi 29 St.
Tel.: (374-66) 2-24-53


FOR INTEGRATION OF BOARDING HOUSE CHILDREN INTO THE SOCIETY

The Future is Yours Charitable, Social NGO’s project, aimed at integrating boarding house children into society, especially into their peer group, is currently underway. For this purpose, a series of events were held to encourage communication among children from various groups. The May 21 event, organized in Yerevan School #5 after Mushegh Ishkhan, was one event in the series. At this event, 17 children of Zeytun community boarding house were hosted. They prepared a performance on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of the Armenian poet and writer Hovhanness Tumanyan. During the event, Narine Sargsyan, the NGO Chairwoman, emphasized the smooth integration of boarding house children into regular secondary schools. The activity is carried out with the assistance of Project Harmony and World Vision organizations.

Contact: Narine Sargsyan
The Future is Yours Charitable, Social NGO
Tel.: (374-1) 58-23-68
E-mail: ftr_n@mail.ru


SECOND EDITION OF CAUCASUS ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs DIRECTORY IS PUBLISHED

The Regional Environmental Center (REC) has published the second edition of the Environment and NGO Community, Directory of Environmental Non-Governmental organisations in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, the presentation of which was held on May 14. The last edition was published in 2002. This new publication, covering 374 environmental NGOs in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, provides more accurate, updated and additional information: contact data, activity areas and directions, implemented programs, etc. The directory, available in English and Russian, was published with financial assistance received from the European Union. The publication will be beneficial not only for NGOs, but also for donors, state structures, private and academic sector. The electronic version of the directory will soon be available at http://www.rec-caucasus.org. The publication is available from the Armenian Office of the REC Caucasus Information Point.

Contact: Hovhanness Ghazaryan
REC Caucasus Information Point, Armenia
1 Charents St., 2nd floor
Tel/Fax: (374-1) 57-47-43
E-Mail: hovik.ghazaryan@rec-caucasus.org
Website: http://www.rec-caucasus.org  


ARMENIAN NGO SUCCESS STORIES

On May 6, presentation of the Armenian NGO Success Stories book, initiated by the World Learning organization, was held. Ten of 66 stories presented for the competition announced by the World Learning organization have been announced winners and are included in the book. As stated during the presentation by Yan Karpovich, World Learning Organization Chief of Party, “The book is a powerful tool to educate the public on the role and implemented activities of the NGOs.”

Contact: Yan Karpovich
World Learning Organization
24 Moscovian St., #1
Tel.: (374-1) 52-08-51, 58-26-20
E-mail: office@worldlearning.am


NGOs SIGNED AN AGREEMENT

To better represent the public-at-large in the process of policy implementation and decision-making in the public services regulation field, on May 31, 11 NGOs signed a cooperation agreement on creating an NGO Council on Public Participation in the Field of Public Services Regulation. Its objectives are to promote dialogue and cooperation between state structures and beneficiaries of civil society constituencies and ensure transparency of activities of the ROA Public Services Regulatory Commission. Members of the NGO Council bring valuable experience in the following areas to this council: consumers rights protection, condominium development, legal assistance, environmental protection and human rights. The main directions of the Council activities are legislative improvements, raising public awareness, legal consultancies, follow up of consumers’ appeals and suggestions and research. Any NGO, whose mission is consistent with the Council goal and objectives, can become a member of the Council.

Contact:
Secretariat of the NGO Council on Public Participation in the Field of Public Services Regulation
Tel.: (374-1) 53-27-25
E-mail: cua@freenet.am


THE PROCESSION-MARATHON OF WHEELCHAIR DISABLED

On May 28, the annual procession-marathon of wheelchair disabled of Pyunic Union of Armenian Disabled began its trek from near Yerevan’s Aram Khachatryan Concert Hall and continued to Etchmiadzin. The marathon was devoted to the Armenian Statehood Day. The goal of the marathon was to draw public attention to the problems of the disabled and their full integration into society. Disabled people from Yerevan, Gyumri, Spitak, Vanadzor, Stepanavan, Etchmiadzin, guests from local and international organizations and Mass Media participated. Marathon participants were greeted by Pyunic Chairman Hakob Abrahamyan, Chairwoman of the Department of Disabled and Elderly of the ROA Ministry of Labor and Social Issues Jemma Baghdasaryan and ROA National Assembly Deputy Artak Arakelyan. The marathon-procession ended in Holy Etchmiadzin where participants were greeted by priests. Arminco CJSC was the primary sponsor of the marathon and Antares Media Holding sponsored the marathon.

Contact: Hakob Abrahamyan
Pyunic Union of Armenian Disabled
16 Tsitsernakaberd St.
Tel.: (374-1) 56-07-07
E-mail: pyunic@arminco.com
Website: http://www.pyunic.com


GRANTS PROGRAM CARRIED OUT IN SECURITY AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

Yerevan Municipality and AAA NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC) announce the results of the competition of Grants Program Carried Out in the Spheres of Social Security and Primary Health Care. The winning NGOs are: Maternity Fund of Armenia Charitable NGO; Haghartsin Youth Health NGO; Paros Disabled Center for Development of Education and Culture; and Fund Shirakatsi Lycee. Within the framework of the program, the activity form and directions of the NGOs are: supporting lonely invalids, the elderly, and beggars; providing care for women during the pre-natal period; arts and crafts training for mothers with many children, lonely mothers and refugees; personal services for lonely disabled and elderly; preparatory education for preschool children; advocacy for healthy lifestyle; and basic, first-aid training for families of the disabled. Beneficiaries of the program are lonely disabled; mothers with many children; young families; preschool and schoolchildren; disabled with mobility difficulties; families with disabled. Projects will be carried out in Yerevan. The grants program is funded by USAID.

Contact: AAA NGO Center
39 Koghbatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13
E-mail: ngoc@ngoc.am
Website: http://www.ngoc.am

VOLUME 2, No 45 - June 2004

VOLUME 2, No 46 - July 2004

IN THIS ISSUE:

*** AAA NGO CENTER ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF ITS NGO CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS PROGRAM

*** PROMOTING PARTICIPATION OF THE DISABLED DURING ELECTIONS

*** CLEANING ACTIVITIES IN STEPANAVAN

*** AWARENESS AND TRAINING PROGRAM IN SHIRAK AND LORI REGIONS

*** PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY. INITIATIVES AND RESPONSIBILITY

*** SUPPORT FOR SOUP KITCHENS

*** NEW PUBLICATION

***WEBSITE LAUNCH: COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN INFORMATION OFFICE

*** ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ROA MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND YOUTH AFFAIRS

AAA NGO CENTER ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF ITS NGO CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS PROGRAM

This grants program is aimed at promoting organizational development of local Armenian NGOs towards their more effective involvement in delivering social and/or primary healthcare services and information. Of 47 NGOs applied for the grants program contest, eight organizations have been selected by the review board. Their projects are aimed at strengthening of their organization’s human, financial, physical, public relations and service capacities. The winning NGOs are: Ozone Young Men’s Christian Association, Maternity Fund of Armenia, Yerevak, Vanadzor Young Men’s Christian Association, Women’s Rights Center, Gratemed Scientific Medical NGO, Asup, and Meghvik Children’s and Youth NGO. Funding for the grants program is provided by the United States Agency for International Development.

Contact: Margarit Piliposyan
AAA NGO Training and Resource Center
39 Yeznik Koghbatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12, 54-40-13
E-mail: ngoc@ngoc.am
Website: http://www.ngoc.am

PROMOTING PARTICIPATION OF THE DISABLED DURING ELECTIONS

After observation activities on behalf of the disabled during the 2003 elections, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and five interested NGOs made a statement regarding polling station inaccessibility for the disabled. The domestic NGOs which were signatories to the statement – Lusastgh, Paros, Nor Spitak, Liarzhek Kyank and Pyunik – have developed suggestions and presented them to the National Assembly’s Committee on Issues of the Disabled. With regard to this, the initiators organized a roundtable on July 9 with the participation of members of electoral commissions, and representatives of NGOs and international organizations to discuss the NGOs’ suggestions and the position of the National Assembly on incorporating the proposed amendments in the electoral code. During the meeting, spokespersons presented the issue of the role of the communities in providing wheelchair accessibility in the polling station, as well as the participation of mentally disabled, blind and deaf people in the elections. Upon the conclusion of the roundtable, a working group was formed. Its members met on July 12 to discuss all of the suggestions. They prepared a package of suggested amendments to the electoral code, which was later handed to Artak Arakelyan, Deputy of Armenia’s National Assembly (NA) and Coordinator of the Committee on the Disabled Issues with the ROA NA Chairman.

Contact: Al Decie
IFES/Armenia
9 Alek Manukian St.
Tel.: (374-1) 51-20-51, 51-20-16
E-mail: AGDecie@ifes.am, AGDecie@hotmail.com
Internet: www.ifes.am

CLEANING ACTIVITIES IN STEPANAVAN

The Makur Yerevan (Clean Yerevan) project, with the participation of its volunteers and in cooperation with the Stepanavan Legal, Psychological, Training and Information Center NGO, carried out cleaning activities in Loreberd and Ashot Yerkat historical and cultural sites. Dendropark site and the area adjoining the weaving factory were also cleaned. At the end of the cleaning project, a literary and musical event was organized to entertain the project participants. Henceforth, the participants have decided to devote their time to cleaning activities on the third Saturday of every month.

Contact: Gerasim Asryan
Stepanavan Legal, Psychological, Training and Information Center NGO
Tel.: (374-56) 3-28-91
E-mail: ihuTK@rambler.ru

AWARENESS AND TRAINING PROGRAM IN SHIRAK AND LORI REGIONS

The Progress Through Education project of the Asparez Club of Journalists NGO has come to its end and the results were summarized on July 9. Project staff presented the three directions of the activities implemented in Gyumri, Vanadzor, Stepanavan and Alaverdi to representatives of NGOs, interested international organizations and state structures. These areas included seminars, TV discussions and social advertising on human rights protection, local Mass Media, local self-governance and NGO cooperation. As stated by Project Coordinator Levon Barseghyan, “Such projects are necessary for information exchange and establishing cooperation between Armenia’s northern towns.”

Contact: Levon Barseghyan
Asparez Club of Journalists NGO
Gyumri, 96 Pushkin St.
Tel.: (374-41) 2-27-21
E-mail: levon@asparez.am; info@asparez.am

PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY. INITIATIVES AND RESPONSIBILITY

This was the title of the international conference, organized by the Association of Women With University Education NGO on July 9-11 within the framework of its Democracy and Peace Center Project. Association heads and activists, NGO heads, representatives of political parties, National Assembly Deputies, officials of the ROA President Administration and Government, political scientists, philosophers, historians, lawyers, sociologists, economists, psychologists, and representatives of NGOs and scientific institutions of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russian Federation participated in the conference. They discussed participatory democracy as a factor contributing to the establishment of civil society and further democratization of political life in Armenia and other CIS countries, as well as issues on forms and initiatives of civic participation, and the responsibility of citizens and citizen groups in the irrevocable democratization processes of the society.

Contact: Jemma Hasratyan
Association of Women With University Education NGO
Tel./Fax: (374-1) 58-15-83
E-mail: aawue@arminco.com

SUPPORT FOR SOUP KITCHENS

Mission Armenia NGO’s Support for Soup Kitchens five-year program, aimed at addressing nutritional, social and health needs of the disadvantaged older, disabled persons and extremely vulnerable households, is currently underway. This USAID-funded program is being implemented in Yerevan and five other regions of Armenia: Shirak, Gegharkunik, Lori, Syunik and Tavush. The program objectives are: providing hot, calorie-rich meals, social and healthcare services, legal, psychological and gerontology-related consultancies and training. Currently, almost 6,300 vulnerable people benefit from the program activities through 22 soup kitchens and three community centers. Concurrently, the NGO initiates activities that are to promote social partnership, as well as raise public awareness on the given program and problems which the elderly in our society face. The social partnership component of the program will promote establishment of cooperation between parties concerned with finding solutions to the problems of the elderly. The model developed by Mission Armenia was recently presented to the Kanaker-Zeytun community’s self-governing body, community council, local condominiums, NGOs and other structures. As a result of preliminary discussions with these structures, a social partnership model is to be developed, which will first be introduced in the Kanaker-Zeytun community, and later applied in other communities.

Contact: Hripsime Kirakosyan
Mission Armenia NGO
42 Garegin Nzhdeh St.
Tel.: (374 1) 44-47-92; 44-47-93; 44-47-61; 44-47-32
E-mail: ripsik@arminco.com
Website http://www.mission.am

NEW PUBLICATION

On the initiative of the Caucasus Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations, the Tradition Of Solving Problems in the Caucasus and Methods of Civil Society Institutes publication has been published. It is based on materials from the Traditions of the People Diplomacy and Behavioral Norms in War and Conflict Conditions in the Caucasus conference. Three chapters of the publication – Traditions of War and Peace in the Caucasus: View from the Inside; Self-Consciousness; Possible Activities of Civil Society in the Caucasus in the Context of Current Conditions – are analytical articles and reports on historical forms of being, Caucasian identification, traditions, and localization of the western model of civil society. Opinions and comments on these topics are also presented.

Contact: Caucasus Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations
25 Demirchyan Cul-de-Sac
Tel.: (374-1) 54-57-27
E-mail: forum@netsys.am

WEBSITE LAUNCH: COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN INFORMATION OFFICE

The newly-launched http://www.coe.am website provides information on the activities of the Council of Europe in general and on CoE in Armenia activities in particular. This English-Armenian website is both informative and interactive: while the general materials on the Council of Europe and Armenia ensure public awareness at large, the daily media digest, press releases and news/announcements provide up-to-date information on CoE developments with particular relevance to Armenia. One of the most striking features of the website is the online virtual library.

Contact: Susan Marukhyan
Council of Europe Information Office in Armenia
10 David Anhaght St.
Tel.: (374-1) 24-38-92
E-mail: coe.yerevan@coe.int

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ROA MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND YOUTH AFFAIRS

The Youth Policy Department of the ROA Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs Administration is registering NGOs in order to develop a database of organizations operating in the Republic of Armenia and dealing with youth issues. Registered NGOs can post information and announcements about their activities free of charge in the Skizb (Beginning) newsletter, funded by the ROA Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs. The NGO registration form is available at the Youth Policy Department of the ROA Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs Administration.

Contact:
3rd Government Building, Republic Square, 7th floor
Tel./Fax: (374-1) 52-62-97
E-mail: youthaffairs_ra@yahoo.com

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© NGOC

 

VOLUME 2, No 47 - August 2004

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© NGOC

 

VOLUME 2, No 48 - September 2004

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© NGOC

 

VOLUME 2, No 49 - October 2004

IN THIS ISSUE:

*** NGOs 2004 CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

***SUPPORTING THE ELDERLY

*** GARNI AESTHETIC EDUCATION SCHOOL REOPENED

*** STEPANAVAN YOUNG LEADER RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD

*** VISITING MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN

*** SIXTH ASSEMBLY OF ARMENIAN ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS

*** NGO AGAINST PESTICIDES


NGOs 2004 CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

On October 15-17, the Academy for Educational Development, with financial support of USAID and in collaboration with World Learning and the AAA NGO Training and Resource Center, organized the NGOs 2004 Conference and Exhibition. Almost 280 NGOs from all regions of Armenia participated in this event, introducing their programs and discussing new ways of networking with stakeholders. Representatives of state structures, international and donor organizations and experts also participated in the event, which highlighted various sectors of NGO activities. NGO representatives shared their experience and knowledge and discussed common issues. Among the topics addressed during 14 working sessions/roundtables of the conference were NGO Collaboration with State and Local Governments, NGO Collaboration with International Donor Organizations and Diaspora, NGO Collaboration with the Business Community and Mass Media, Developing Regional and Community-Based NGOs, NGO Code of Conduct, NGO Legislation, NGOs and Poverty Reduction, NGOs and Fighting Against Corruption. During the conference, NGOC specialists A. Mkrtchyan, N. Harutiunyan and A. Kurdova spoke respectively on the Armenian Picture of NGO-Business Cooperation: Analysis and Suggestions; Strategic Approach to Fundraising; NGO Legislation and Taxation.

Contact: Academy for International Development
10 Aygedzor St.
Tel.: (374-1) 26-69-36; 26-69-87
E-mail: aed@arminco.com
Website: http://www.aed.am


SUPPORTING THE ELDERLY

On the occasion of the International Day of the Elderly, the AAA NGO Center organized a visit on October 7 for representatives of Armenian Mass Media to Martuni town to become acquainted with NGO activities carried out in support of the elderly. The Martuni Women’s Community Council NGO meets the urgent social needs of the lonely elderly by providing various social services, and developing self-assistance mechanisms of cooperation in the community. Providing food and hygiene products, primary healthcare services to those who have no opportunity to go out of their homes, other care, household services, legal consultancies, preparing legal documents, creating a day center for social and psychological support of the elderly – this is the list of services provided to the elderly in this community. As stated by one project beneficiary, “We – sick and isolated people – now feel that we are being cared for and that we are part of the community.” The project is implemented with financial assistance received from the AAA NGO Training and Resource Center through USAID.

Contact: Anahit Gasparyan
Martuni Women’s Community Council NGO
Martuni, 8 Proshian St.
Tel.: (374-62) 4-43-00; 4-36-04
E-mail: kananc@arminco.com


GARNI AESTHETIC EDUCATION SCHOOL REOPENED

Through the efforts of the Gifted Children Charitable NGO, the Aesthetic Education School of the Garni village of Kotayk region was reopened after previously suspending its activities because of scarcity of resources. Within the framework of the NGO’s Way to the Arts project, implemented with the assistance of the Jinishian Memorial Foundation, community members mobilized efforts to restore the school building. These activities contributed not only to developing mutual trust within the community, but also to forming social partnership between the NGO, local self-governing body and commercial companies. To provide smooth functioning of the school, the Gifted Children NGO provided necessary literature, consultancy and methodic materials. For comprehensive aesthetic education and leisure time of the Garni village children, the NGO plans to restore and renovate the first floor and yard of the school, contributing to implementation of educational and cognitive projects, as well as holding exhibitions, meetings, performances and other events.

Contact: Victoria Keshishyan
Gifted Children Charitable NGO
7 Tigranyan St.
Tel.: (374-1) 22-25-93; 56-54-59
E-mail: gccf@ngoc.am


STEPANAVAN YOUNG LEADER RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD

The goal of the YouthActionNet international program is to develop the leadership skills of young people, and promote and contribute to their active participation in community processes leading to positive change. Annually, the program recognizes 20 outstanding young leaders, aged 20-28, with awards. This year, for the first time, a representative from Caucasus and Armenia was among the winners – Lilit Stepanyan of the Stepanavan Youth Center NGO. For the award giving ceremony, winners from various continents were invited to Argentina, where a seven day seminar was organized aimed at development of their skills. “If we are afraid of and avoid difficulties, instead of facing and overcoming them, there will be no progress and development”, says Lilit Simonyan.

Contact: Lilit Simonyan
Stepanavan Youth Center NGO
Stepanavan, 13 Meghapart St.
Tel.: (374-56) 3-22-91; 2-21-16
E-mail: lilit_simonyan@yaahoo.com; syc_am@yahoo.com


VISITING MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN

On October 14, the Armenian Assembly of America’s trustees, within the framework of their visit to Armenia, visited the Prkutiun Center of Disabled Children NGO, beneficiaries of which are mentally retarded children. In the NGO’s day center, according to their capabilities, the mentally retarded children learn reading and writing, as well as receive food and individual and group assistance of a psychologist and defectologist. Through a grant, received from the AAA NGOC, integration groups function within the center allowing the mentally retarded children to learn painting, needlework, rice-grain decoration and computer skills together with healthy children. On October 14, the mentally retarded children sang, danced, recited for guests and presented their handicrafts. At the end of the program, AAA trustees provided some financial assistance to the NGO. Prkutyun will use it for renovation activities and obtaining food and presents for the beneficiaries.

Contact: Arpenik Abrahamyan
Prkutiun Center of Disabled Children NGO
33 Chekhov St.
Tel.: (374-1) 42-78-50; 42-65-84; (374-9) 38-34-81
E-mail: prkutyun@ngoc.am


SIXTH ASSEMBLY OF ARMENIAN ASSOCIATION OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS

On October 22-23, the sixth assembly of the Armenian Association of Family Physicians NGO was held with participation of Association members, representatives of interested state structures, NGOs, international organizations and pharmaceutical companies. During the assembly, issues related to the introduction of family medicine were discussed. The assembly had scientific and practical direction: number of issues on disease management within the primary healthcare system were discussed. The Association’s activities for the past five years and its future plans were discussed. The problem of an imperfect relevant legislative framework was particularly emphasized; it was especially noted that despite the fact that there are 250 physicians with certificates of family physicians, not everyone works as a family physician in Armenia. As stated by the NGO Chairman S. Hovhannissyan, with the assistance of the Association members, the relevant legislative framework is being gradually developed, which will contribute to the widespread and optimum introduction of family medicine in Armenia.”       

Samvel Hovhannissyan
Armenian Association of Family Physicians NGO
49/4 Komitas St.
Tel.: (374-1) 23-48-51
E-mail: f-fammedic@nih.sci.am


NGO AGAINST PESTICIDES

On October 11, 2004, on the initiative of the Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment NGO, a theatrical performance was held in the Verin Dvin village school of Ararat marz. The performance, the message of which was using foods free of pesticides, was part of the NGO’s For A Toxic-Free Future In Armenia project. Its goal is to reduce the risk of exposure of pesticides on human health and environment in Ararat marz. Dissemination of factsheets, information sheets, posters, newspaper articles and organizing TV programs and performances are aimed at raising the awareness of the population of ten villages on pesticides and their harmful impact on health. To promote cooperation with local and regional authorities, healthcare institutions and NGOs, seminars, lectures and other meetings on the topic Preventing Exposure of Pesticides are organized. The project is implemented with financial assistance received from AAA NGO Center through USAID.

Contact: Elena Manvelyan
Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment NGO
24 Saryan St., #65
Tel.: (374-1) 62-66-20
E-mail: elena@awhhe.am

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© NGOC

 

VOLUME 2, No 50 - November 2004

VOLUME 2, No 51 - December 2004

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© NGOC