Canadian charity organization contributes to reducing rural poverty in Armenia

In 2006, the Canadian office of World Vision, an international charity organization, launched a 15-year multisectoral Area Development Programme (ADP) in Armenia to tackle poverty in Talin region. Today, the Talin ADP covers 24 villages, where 2000 children there are sponsored through World Vision Canada.

Located at 2,300 meters above sea level, Talin region is known for extremely cold and long winters as well as heavy snowfalls that cut off remote villages for several weeks. Agriculture is the main source of income for families, although the harsh climate, infertile land, and lack of irrigation water make farming very difficult and unproductive.

Talin ADP activities

With sustainable funding from World Vision Canada, the Talin ADP implements a number of long-term projects focused on income-generation, infrastructure rehabilitation, education, healthcare and other issues.

World Vision implemented 6 mini-projects in close cooperation with the Community Active Groups:

• Potable water pipeline construction in Hatsashen community;

• Window glass installation in Dashtadem community school;

• Health post construction in Zovasar community;

• Playground construction in Areg, Dashtadem communities and in Talin kindergarten # 2;

• Music classroom renovation in Mastara community;

• Heating fuel was provided to Zarinja community school;

• Furniture was provided for a computer classroom in Areg community.

Two communities of Talin ADP were selected for the implementation of the Water System Rehabilitation project, which aims to contribute to the significant increase of the irrigation water quantity, and provide communities with adequate amount of pure drinking water.

The overall goal of the Cattle Breeding Project is to provide the communities of Talin ADP with access to income-generating opportunities. Some 74 families living in the poorest conditions have been selected to provide them with 2 pregnant cows.

Children Inclusive Education Project was launched to ensure access of children with special needs to basic education, and facilitate their social integration.

World Vision pursues the mission of restitution and growth of spiritual values of Armenians through Christian education and support to the Armenian Church.

• Computer Classroom was established in Talin town in partnership with the Armenian Apostolic Church for needy children to learn basics of computer free of charge;

• Easter celebrations were organized at Talin Church with the active involvement of Church representatives;

• Christmas celebrations were organized in 24 community schools, and 1,600 children received Christmas presents;

• 11-day Christian summer camp was organized for 160 vulnerable children of Talin. In 2007, the Armenian Relief Society of Canada made a donation to World Vision Canada to support this project.

In addition to providing funding for the Talin ADP, World Vision Canada also supports several other projects in Armenia, including:

• Establishment of a child centre in Stepanavan ADP;

• Establishment of multidisciplinary assessment centre for children with disabilities in Yerevan,

• Children Integrated Education project in Yerevan, Kapan and Gyumri,

• Support to Children at Risk project in Yerevan and Talin,

• Capacity Building on HIV and AIDS project in all World Vision Armenia’s ADPs.

Read the story about Armenia published in World Vision Canada's "Childview" magazine (summer 2006 issue):
- in English..
- in French..

To sponsor a child in Armenia visit World Vision Canada website.

To learn more about World Vision’s projects in Armenia visit www.wvarmenia.am.