World Council of Churches Armenia Inter-Church Charitable Foundation (WCC ART) continues funding Syrian-Armenians' vocational trainings in close cooperation with the Art House Educational Center and the Aleppo NGO. Within the framework of the project 40 Syrian-Armenian youth and women gained skills in hairdressers, make-up, manicure, table design and cake baking/decorating, as well as modeling and sewing. Armenian Caritas is providing project beneficiaries with working tools to make the first professional steps. Due to professional development they will be able to earn a living for their needs and to have a dignified life in Armenia. The project was funded through a grant from Swiss FONDATION POUR L'AIDE AU PROTESTANTISME RÉFORMÉ (F.A.P.).

 

The graduation event held at Nairi Hall of Ani Plaza Hotel brough together the representatives of the Ministry of Diaspora, Armenian Caritas, GIZ Armenian Office and Armenian Round Table. Syrian-Armenians who participated in professional courses presented the first results of their practical knowledge, demonstrating their own hands-work on models as well as the whole food made for coffee break. The trainings are conducted by Art House Educational Center. The initiative was launched in the framework of the Round Table Fund's Emergency Response Programs and is part of the "Assistance to Refugees in Armenia" program.

 

"Providing Syrian-Armenians with jobs is the most important issue for the Syrians. Today's event is an opportunity to summarize the work done. Due to these trainings, more than 170 Syrian-Armenian women and young people have had the opportunity to earn money and improve their living conditions in Armenia, "said Alla Sarkisova, Program Officer.

 

We are sowing seeds today and you will enjoy the fruits later, "said Art House Center Director Lilit Karapetyan.

 

We sow seeds today and you will enjoy the fruits later. It’s important to be hardworking and you can always find work. Syrian-Armenians can earn their living with these professions both in Armenia and abroad" said Art House director Lilit Karapetyan.

 

The course participants noted that with their knowledge, they will try to find jobs in Armenia and stay here by building their family's future. 2015 Several Syrian-Armenians who participated in the table-making and stand-up training course stressed that they already have jobs and make regular orders for different organizations.

 

Another main component of the project is psycho- social assistance that is being implemented with the Armenian Apostolic Church. Priest Grigor Grigoryan works with Syrian-Armenians in the Holy Virgin Mary Church. Adults and children attend liturgy and church services, share their concerns with church officials, receive counseling, participate in various events, pilgrimages, and get spiritual and material support.

 

 

  -   Press release