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Children of Armenia

Model Village Pilot Project: Revitalizing Karakert

Infrastructure | Economy | Health care | Social development

Infrastructure development

COAF’s infrastructure development projects aim to reduce poverty and improve living conditions in rural Armenia. Principal components of infrastructure development include:

  • Resolution of water issues, including reconstruction and repair of the irrigation and technical water supply system, as well as affordable access to drinking water;
  • Restoration of vital community structures, such as the health clinic and cultural center;
  • Rehabilitation of educational buildings to ensure that the facilities are heated, have an adequate number of lavatories with running water, necessary furniture and equipment for learning, as well as for sports and play;
  • Repair of principal roads crucial for trade and economic development.

Accomplishments

  • COAF improved the irrigation system by reconstructing 4.5 km of the most severely damaged sections, which immediately benefited 1,030 residents.

  • COAF launched the reconstruction of the school and kindergarten buildings. Less than 12 months later, on September 1, 2005, students started the new school year in a renovated and furnished school with drinking water and indoor bathrooms. School enrollment has increased by 10.5 percent and the time children spend in school has increased significantly, as they no longer need to leave school early during the cold winter months. COAF improved the grounds surrounding the school and two kindergartens. Children attending Kindergartens #1 and #2 have already been enjoying their new playground equipment.

  • Karakert needed to be freed from the garbage accumulated throughout the village for more than 20 years. COAF initiated and funded the implementation of a waste management project, beginning with the removal of the garbage that had accumulated in the streets of Karakert. COAF then helped the people of Karakert establish a sustainable waste removal system, which is now managed by the village municipality. One of the long-term benefits of this project is an increase in the community’s awareness of health and environmental issues.

  • COAF and Armenia Tree Project, together with the local residents, celebrated Community Day in Karakert. The event marked the conclusion of the site development and landscaping of the school and kindergartens through the planting of trees and shrubs. The day also marked the symbolic transfer of ownership of these fully renovated and refurnished educational institutions to the community.

Current Activites

COAF is committed to resolving Karakert’s water problem. With financial assistance from the World Bank and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the partnership of the Water Users’ Company of Karakert, COAF is in the process of reconstructing an additional 6.4 km of the irrigation water network to supply irrigation water to the village and augment the agricultural capacity of Karakert.

COAF is renovating Karakert’s ambulatory care center and furnishing it with necessary medical equipment and supplies. The project is being implemented in partnership with the World Bank within the framework of Modernization of Primary Healthcare Units program.