Karakert and Shenik Celebrate the Completion of their Community Center and School & Sports Complex Respectively

Completion of these projects will benefit over 5,500 village residents

Armavir District, Republic of Armenia – On December 14, 2007 the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) joined the people of Karakert and Shenik to celebrate the completion of two very important reconstruction projects.  The Karakert Community Center and Shenik School & Sports Complex were completely renovated under a COAF, UNDP and USAID Global Development Alliance implemented by UNDP.  Program components not covered under this Alliance — including the Shenik Sports Complex, furniture and equipment, and development of both Karakert and Shenik grounds — were funded and implemented by COAF.

The inaugural ceremonies of the Karakert Community Center and Shenik School & Sports Complex were attended by a number of dignitaries representing the Regional Government of Armavir, the diplomatic community, and more than a dozen international organizations that have partnered with COAF in various projects.  The residents of Karakert and Shenik came in large numbers to witness these revitalization celebrations in their respective communities.

Speaking at the events were Mr. Alexandr Avanesov, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative and Ms. Cynthia Pruett, USAID Deputy Mission Director.  In his remarks, Mr. Avanesov spoke of the rewards realized with this UNDP, COAF and USAID partnership, emphasizing the significance of such partnerships for the development of Armenia.  “One of the biggest rewards of my job is to see the joy of Armenian citizens as they breathe new life into their communities,” he concluded.  In turn, Ms. Pruett spoke of the enhanced impact of this development project, which mobilized the ideas, efforts and resources of COAF, USAID, and UNDP, a partnership between the public sector and a private voluntary organization (PVO).

The last two speakers were Mr. Ashot Ghahramanyan, Governor of Armavir and Dr. Garo Armen, COAF Founder and Chairman.  Mr. Ghahramanyan praised the activities of COAF and congratulated the villagers of Karakert and Shenik on the completion of two important projects.  In his words, these will provide the local communities with new and vital opportunities for developing cultural potential in Armavir and creating ground for raising education standards in rural schools.

Similarly, Dr. Armen spoke about how this partnership was initiated.  “When we first spoke of COAF’s initiative to revitalize Armenian villages, it was UNDP and USAID that joined us without a moment of hesitation.  We are grateful to them for this act of trust and we are happy today to witness the tremendous achievements that our partnership has made in the last three years.”   Between addresses, the vocal renditions by the young and talented Arman Lazryan, lyric tenor, brought much enthusiasm into the performance hall. 

Speaking on behalf of the team, Ms. Ovsanna Yeghoyan, Manager of Infrastructure and Economic Development stated “This was a very interesting project whereby all interested parties, including our partners and the local community, came together and worked hand in hand to realize the reconstruction of the Shenik School and Sports Complex, which was just a dream a year ago.”  Similarly, Mr. Vrej Jijyan, UNDP Community Development Project Coordinator noted, “We highly value this cooperative framework as it has proved really instrumental in addressing the development needs of the people of Shenik and Karakert.” “I hope this new building will be a catalyst to offer the children of Shenik new opportunities for growth and excellence in whatever they undertake in their careers,” continued Hovhannes Mesropyan, COAF Construction Projects Coordinator.

 

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Karakert Community Center: 

The capital reconstruction of the Karakert Community Center began in February 2006 as part of the Model Village project implemented under the auspices of COAF, UNDP, USAID Global Development Alliance.  The completed Community Center covers an area of 1,600 sq. m. effectively allotted to include the community library, Internet club, gymnasium for dance and martial arts, leisure room for chess, table tennis and billiard, management offices and performance hall with a 320 seating capacity.  The Center is fully refurnished and equipped to offer the community a full range of services and leisure activities.

The reconstruction of the Karakert Community Center was completed by Gyughtntshinmontazh Ltd.

Shenik School and Sports Complex: 

The capital reconstruction of the Shenik School began in May 2007 as the amended part of the Model Village project implemented under the auspices of COAF, UNDP, USAID Global Development Alliance.  Reconstruction costs not covered under this alliance — including the Shenik Sports Complex, furniture and equipment, and development of both Karakert and Shenik grounds — were funded and implemented by COAF within the framework of its Model Cluster Participatory Integrated Rural Development Program in Armenia.

The revitalized Shenik School & Sports Complex covers an area of 1,800 sq. m. and has 11 heated classrooms, 10 lavatories for children and teachers, 2 laboratories, a computer room, an equipped workshop, a health room and nurse’s station, a music room, a library, a teachers’ conference room and a performance hall.  The Sports Complex offers 2 gyms, ensured with cloak-rooms and coaches’ rooms, 10 showers and lavatories with hot water, and 2 health rooms. 

The Shenik School will open its doors to 175 students and staff.  The children of Shenik will grow in a safe environment, guided by teachers recently retrained in instruction methodology including child centered classrooms, cooperative learning, thematic teaching, lesson planning and other related topics.  The Sports Complex will benefit the Shenik community and the neighboring communities of the Model Cluster.

The reconstruction of the Shenik School and Sports Complex was implemented by Akhuryan Coopshin Ltd., a Gyumri-based company with extensive experience in reconstruction.  COAF, UNDP and the contractor have worked closely with the local community in all phases of the planning and implementation of the project.  About 45 percent of the workforce in this project came from the local community.

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