Armenia
ADRA Armenia
Serving the local population since 1989
Following a devastating earthquake in 1988, ADRA International developed programs to address the urgent needs in Armenia. Since then, the local ADRA office has expanded their capacity to include community-based WASH technicians and health, nutrition, and agriculture specialists.
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Samvel’s Story
Armenia
Samvel’s Story
Armenia
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Samvel’s Story
Thirteen-year-old Samvel is an artist. He paints what he sees, and the picture becomes the scene. He paints what he imagines, and the colors and shapes blossom from the paper like lilies from a field. He has a keen eye and a sensitive spirit, and everyone agrees: Samvel is an artist.
But Samvel is also the oldest of six children in a very poor family. He has a duty to his family that cannot be supplanted by art.
By necessity, chores and work always came first, leaving little time for creativity. Even with the time he did have, his few paint supplies were old and worn with use. The sheets of paper were small and often crumpled for lack of storage space.
He still felt the immense inspiration welling in his heart, but with increasingly less time and resources to channel it. He also recognized his need for training, for someone to cultivate and direct his skill. Without the dedicated time and supplies, he could feel his talent fading.
In August of 2013, ADRA implemented a cultural center to teach cooking, knitting, and computer literacy. They also offered a course in art. Samvel enrolled in the free program and attended every class.
The access to art supplies alone was a dream come true, but the skilled art tutor providing one-on-one guidance was more than Samvel had thought possible. His creative appetite became voracious, and his talent refined and developed. With the short but focused lesson time, Samvel was able to balance both family duties and his passion for art.
The lessons inevitably ended, and Samvel could not afford to advance his skill at an art institute, but his creativity was rekindled. Though his family is still poor and his art supplies still meager, Samvel has committed to creating art as often as possible. Now his free time, rare as it is, is an opportunity to enjoy and improve his passion for art. And for that, Samvel is thankful.
Armenia Office
Aleksandr Slesarchuk, Country Director
Yerevan, Armenia
+37410743842
Additional Information
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Capacity Statement Overview
Of the many areas in which ADRA Armenia strives to make an impact, food security is one of our best developed. We have implemented food projects funded by USAID, SCF, UNHCR, and private grants through the ADRA network.
Because of such faithful funding, we have accomplished Education for Food, a program that provided for the nutritional needs of 20 vulnerable families. Topic-specific seminars were presented, including: healthy lifestyles, housework management, food design, consultation on human rights, and awareness of utility payments and rights. At the conclusion of each seminar, the beneficiaries were provided with food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
Our Capacity Statement further highlights the projects, programs, and people of ADRA Armenia.
Download the ADRA Armenia Capacity Statement -
Country Overview
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia was a thriving industrial nation. Immediately following the collapse, it devolved into violence and economic instability. As a result, poverty is now widespread, with 24 percent of families living below the poverty line. The poorest of these are forced to survive in the inhospitable border regions, which are mountainous and prone to earthquakes.