COAF Reviews Psycho-Social Center Activities at a Roundtable

Karakert, Armavir District, Republic of Armenia, March 15, 2007 — Today, the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) held a roundtable in the newly opened Sirius restaurant complex in Karakert to review the activities of the Psycho-Social Center and to present the preliminary results of the project. The project was made possible through the co-sponsorship of UNICEF and close cooperation with Mission East and the Arabkir Medical Center.

Launched in June 2006 as part of COAF’s Model Cluster program, the Psycho-Social Center [PSC] serves all six communities — Argina, Dalarik, Karakert, Lernagog, Myasnikyan and Shenik. Temporarily located in Dalarik, the PSC staff travels through the villages to bring its services directly to the communities. The purpose of the project is to raise public awareness of child’s rights, with emphasis on training parents and educators on the rights of children with special needs and the socially disadvantaged, ultimately aiming at their integration in the larger society.

Participating in the event from the Armavir District were the Mayors of the Model Cluster villages, headed by Deputy Governor Dr. Larisa Muradyan and Ms. Marine Hovakimyan, Head of Child Protection Unit at the Armavir Municipality. Making presentations on behalf of COAF were Dr. Arpie Balian, Resident Country Director, Dr. Naira Gharakhanyan, Manager for Health, Social and Educational Programs and Mr. Ara Amirjanyan, Psycho-Social Project Manager. Speaking for UNICEF was Mr. Sheldon Yett, Representative of UNICEF Armenia. Also present at the event were a multitude of representatives from international organizations and local NGOs, including Mission East-Armenia and Bridge of Hope NGO.

In her welcoming address, Dr. Balian focused on COAF’s fundamental purpose, which is the principal driver for creating the Psycho-Social Center. “This is yet another project that aims to ensure that this generation of young Armenians is afforded the opportunity to reach full potential. Our mission cannot exclude the physically or socially disadvantaged. On the contrary, COAF pays special attention to the underprivileged and is proud to witness their gradual integration into society.” In turn, Mr. Yett spoke of the importance of the project with regard to data collection for perusal in formulating government policy and programmatic direction. On behalf of Armavir Marzpetaran, Dr. Muradyan ensured the continuous support and cooperation both with COAF, local NGOs and other international counterparts.

Dr. Gharakhanyan presented the Psycho-Social Center’s service components and methodology used in the project, followed by a presentation of the findings and accomplishments by Mr. Amirjanyan. The specific social and psychological issues found to date were displayed by Ms. Gayane Asatryan, the Staff Social Worker, and Ms. Tamara Harutyunyan, the Staff Psychologist. An open discussion followed, during which the participants exchanged ideas and explored avenues of further cooperation. The round table concluded with a commitment by all partner organizations to ensure the project sustainability and expanded service.

CONTACTS: Sunny Uberoi, (212) 994-8206; or e-mail info@coafkids.org