QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Winter 2015, Issue 19

Syuniks Collaboration with HEKS-EPER Enters a New Phase

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In January of 2015, Syunik NGO, jointly with Shen NGO, started a new agricultural project entitled Im-provement of the Livelihood of Rural Households in Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik Marzes Through Horticulture Development. The three-year project is funded by HEKS-EPER and is being implemented in two regions (marzes) - Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor. Eighteen villages will directly benefit from this initiative: ten from Vayots Dzor and eight from Gegharkunik region. Other villages in both regions will indirectly benefit from the initiative as well. The ten villages in Vayots Dzor region are Rind, Chiva, Areni, Arpi, Getap, Qaraglukh, Taratumb, Shatin, Hermon and Aghavnadzor while the eight villages in Ghegharkunik region are Lusakunq, Akunq, Tso-vak, Shatjrek, Karchaghbyur, Kachaghbyur, Mets Masrik and Geghamasar. The overall goal of the project is to increase income and improve living conditions of target regions farmers through par-ticipation in sustainable fruit value chain. The proj-ect will also empower the target communities and

enable them to become self-sustainable which will in turn provide a dignified life for their citizens. The project is currently in its preparation phase, which includes recruiting personnel, and assisting farm-ers in forming informal groups. The first training of farmers has already been conducted. Farmers were introduced to the content of the project and its next steps. More information on the agricultural proj-ect will be included in our upcoming newsletters.

Youth for Peace in South Caucasus

New Agricultural Initiative for Rural Communities in Armenia

Syunik NGO, with the financial support of HEKS-EPER, started a new phase of the Peace Camp proj-ect entitled Youth for Peace in South Caucasus. The project is going to be implemented within the period of January 2015 to December 2017. Youth for Peace in South Caucasus aims at building a sustainable peace in the South Caucasus region. Within this ini-tiative trainings and sessions on conflict transforma-tion and mediation, photo and drawing exhibitions, movie watching and discussions will be conducted with the goal of spreading general spirit of toler-ance and diversity within and between the countries.

Various Events at Our Community CentersExhibition Fair at Vayk

Community Center

It is no secret that activi-ties organized by Syunik NGO are becoming a tra-dition for residents liv-ing both in Yeghegnadzor and other communities of the region. On December 3rd 2014, surprise per-formances were given by Syunik NGOs Vayk and Yeghegnadzor commu-nity center students, as

well as Hover Folk Dance Ensemble. The exciting and impressive event was held at Gitelik University, Yeghegnadzor. The event became even more beau-tiful when Syunik NGOs unique Hay Fire show performed. Attendees en-joyed the event and ex-pressed appreciation to the organizers of the event.

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Performances in Yeghegnadzor CC

Theatre Organized by Jermuk CC Students

Recently Syunik NGOs Jermuk Community Cen-ter students have organized puppet theatres for children living in Jermuk and surrounding com-munities. On January 29, 2015, the students or-ganized a performance in the kindergarten of the village Kechut. They performed one of thier beloved fairy tales called The Dog and The Cat. As the children loved the performance, the stu-dents decided to organize repeat performances in other places. On January 30th a performance was organized in Ararat Mother and Child Sanato-rium health center which is located in Jermuk town.

The theatre group consists of 10 stu-dents in different ages from 12-18. The the-atre is an excellent opportunity for partici-pant students to develop their acting talents further and make their daily life more interesting.

Syunik NGOs Vayk community centers income generating clubs students organized an exhibition fair at Vayk Community center. The official opening of the exhibition fair was held on December 5th, 2014, and was attended by many guests including Syunik NGO staff, Dr. Eberhard Gohl, an external evaluator from Brot fr die Welt (BfdW), parents, teachers and other members of the community. The exhibition fair aimed at providing opportunities for community members to learn about the centers ac-tivities as well as the things made by the community

centers beneficiaries. Among the works presented at the exhibition were beadwork, unique crochet designs, clay and pottery sculptures, and jewelry made by polymer clay. Our gratitude goes to Brot fr die Welt (BfdW) and Syunik NGO for supporting beadwork, crochet and other clubs in our commu-nity centers in the region, said the coordinator of the center on behalf of the centers beneficiaries.

Office of International & Public AffairsSyunik Development NGOMomiki St. 5, 3601 YeghegnadzorVayots Dzor Province, Armenia

Editor-in-Chief: Nara Martirosyan, Sam Houston State University

Tel/Fax: +374 (0281) 24009Email: oipa.syunikngo@yahoo.comwww.syunikngo.weebly.com

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Syunik Hosts an External EvaluatorFrom December 2-10, Syunik NGO hosted Dr. Eb-

erhard Gohl, an external evaluator from Brot fr die Welt (BfdW). The aim of the visit was to evaluate the Social Development Program in South Armenia, Vayots Dzor Region (2012-2015). Dr. Gohl met with the program team and the staff members of Syunik NGO and learnt about the projects implemented by Syunik NGO. During his visit he managed to visit all six community centers (Yeghegnadzor, Vayk, Jer-muk, Hermon, Taratumb, Chiva) of Syunik NGO. He was introduced to all clubs running in the centers and met with the community center beneficiaries as well as the parents and other people living in those communities. He also interviewed the community centers beneficiaries and the other members of beneficiary communities (parents, teachers, other school children, etc.) who are directly or indirectly benefiting from the centers. In addition, Dr. Gohl met with young specialists and volunteers of the

NGO and discussed issues related to the program. Three years ago I visited Syunik NGO as an exter-

nal evaluator. Now I am here again but I see a big difference. Syunik NGO young specialist program is an excellent program which gives young people opportunities to make the first stem of their career and become experienced, said Dr. Eberhard Gohl when reflecting on the results of his evaluation.

Nerses the Great Charitable Foundation Continues Supporting People in Need

Hover and Zartonk Ensembles Receive Prizes

Charity is more than the value of the donated funds, when it is done on a regular basis and with-out unnecessary solemnly. For years, Nerses the Great Charitable Foundation has been implementing many programs to benefit orphans, disadvantaged families and other groups at risk. Many children and families living in Vayots Dzor region have benefited from the traditional charities offered by Nerses the

Great Charitable Foundation as well. Recently the foundation donated shoes and clothes to Syunik NGOs community centers beneficiaries as well as to the members of other villages of Vayots Dzor region such as Bardzruni, Zedea, Khndzorut Artavan, Nor Aznaberd Goghtanik, Arin, Aghnjadzor, Vardahovit, Hors, Gndevaz and Por. A sincere gratitude is extend-ed to the foundation on behalf of all beneficiaries.

Syunik NGO has two active dance ensembles - one in Yeghegnadzor Community Center called Hover and one in Taratumb Community Center called Zartonk. Both ensembles are very active not only in the re-gion but throughout Armenia. Within the year of 2014 the dance ensembles participated in many

dance festivals and contests. On December 15, 2014, a festival was held in Yerevan State Conservatory hall gathering over 15 ensembles from different regions of Armenia. The first prize was awarded to Syuniks ensembles for their outstanding performance.