Model Village Pilot Project

Infrastructure | Economy | Health care | Social development

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the people of Karakert—including 1,200 children—were forced to live in decrepit conditions: no drinking water, indoor toilets, sanitation or medical care. Unemployment was nearly 100 percent and the educational system was in shambles.

In 2004, COAF began its Model Village pilot project. It is the first integrated village development program ever to be undertaken and has been recognized by international aid agencies as an exemplary template of sustainable development.

The Model Village involves the participation of villagers and the village government and is designed to simultaneously address four critical factors:

Infrastructure
Renovation of public institutions, reconstruction of water networks, establishment of sustainable waste management systems

Economy
Development of entrepreneurial initiatives, generation of sustainable economic activity, job creation, vocational business and management courses

Health care
Modernization of equipment and treatment, with an emphasis on primary and preventive care, medical staff training, health education programs

Social development
Creation of social groups (e.g., parent/teacher committees, youth clubs), creation and support of community activities, recreational and cultural programs for youth, provision of classes in foreign languages, computer literacy, journalism and business management