Karakert Receives Humanitarian Assistance from COAF and Counterpart International

Clothing distribution in Karakert

Karakert, April 4, 2005— In November 2004, the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), in cooperation with Counterpart International, began a clothing distribution project in its focus village of Karakert, in the Armenian province of Armavir. The project was carried out within the framework of COAF’s larger integrated humanitarian assistance program. Over 600 families in the village received warm clothes, blankets, and covers to help protect them from the harsh mountain winters. One of two clothing distribution actions planned by COAF for fall 2004–winter 2005, it was received with enthusiasm and appreciation. “We have not seen decent clothes for ages,” said Marine Sargsyan, mother of five. “It’s wonderful to know that my kids are properly clothed for the winter. Now I do not have to worry about how to keep my newborn warm; she’s got a thick blanket and a wool cover—these are wonderful presents you gave to her. Thanks on behalf of all my kids.”

The village of Karakert, like the rest of rural Armenia, is poor and underserved, and continues to depend on direct humanitarian aid as a means for survival. To address the immediate needs of its residents, COAF has added the component of humanitarian assistance to its larger scale rural revitalization project aimed at ensuring sustainable progress of the village in economic, social, health, educational, and other fields. Karakert was selected because it not only has the greatest immediate needs, but also because it also has the greatest potential for long-term success.

Karakert is a spirited, proud and educated community of 5,000 that, in the aftermath of the collapsed Soviet system, found itself with an unemployment rate of nearly 100 percent. Without any income to generate resources for infrastructure maintenance, their living conditions have degenerated to the point where residents live without running water or functioning toilets. Children are surrounded by heatless homes, unsafe schools with cracking walls and ceilings, and no nearby access to professional health care.

COAF’s integrated development plan for Karakert will provide the prerequisites to unleash economic momentum through the generation of jobs, clean and safe drinking water, and irrigation and food processing capabilities so that family farming can resume. Providing medical assistance, with an emphasis on prevention, is also part of COAF’s integrated approach to community revitalization. Vocational and professional training being provided by COAF will help to ensure a stable workforce and adequate professional cadres in the village, which will enable self-sustainability in the area when COAF moves on to other impoverished communities in Armenia.

CONTACTS: Samantha Wagar, (212) 994-8212; or e-mail info@coafkids.org