Hand in Hand: Six Development Projects Raising the Standard of Living in Armenia and Artsakh

This month's Hand-in-Hand update spotlights six development projects aimed at tackling specific and long-standing problems facing a number of communities in Armenia and Artsakh.

In Artsakh, we look at ongoing efforts to rebuild the Cultural Center of Shushi. Built 50 years ago, the center had long fallen into despair. Once construction is complete, the facility will serve as a Shushi's main entertainment center, with its new large auditorium being used for film screenings, theatrical presentations, and concerts, while the center itself will house various local youth clubs.

We next look at the Nork Nursing Home in Yerevan--a retirement center that currently serves 230 seniors. the Fund's Toronto affiliate is working to renovate the building's second and third floors. The project encompasses the replacement of an aging electric system, new bathrooms, new floors and completely remodeled rooms.

The next project we visit is in Yerevan's Nor Nork community. Here, Armenia Fund is upgrading the dialysis and nephrology unit at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Medical Center, renovating about 40 patient rooms and offices, and installing new floors electrical wiring.

Alongside the Nor Nork project, Armenia Fund is also building a new water distribution system in Karin Tak, a village of 640 residents in Artsakh's Shushi district. The project is being jointly financed by the Armenian Releif Society Armenia Fund's affiliates in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Greece and Cyprus.

The renovation of Kapan's Children's Hospital is another critical project currently underway in Armenia. Located in the southern region of Syunik, the hospital facilities have been in state of disrepair for years. The renovation of the pediatric unit is very important for this region, which faces serious health issues because of local mining. The hospital's medical rehabilitation and intensive units treat some 400 to 500 children every year suffering from mental and physical developmental disorders.

Finally we visit the village of Ashotsk in Armenia's Shirak Region. Here, Armenia Fund's French affiliate is helping finance the construction of a new school to replace the existing one, built in the 1970s. The new facility will take the quality of education in this village to new heights. It will consist of four wings; two buildings for classrooms and administrative offices, a gym and an events hall. The site will also feature a large playground, designed to accommodate up to 360 students. More importantly, the school will be equipped with central heating and air conditioning, an absolute necessity for the harsh winters here.

Armenia Fund's Hand-in-Hand program is a unique monthly feature that allows Armenians the world over to see exactly how their contributions are making a difference every day for the people of Armenia and Artsakh. Any contribution, big or small, plays a vital role in the development of Armenia and Artsakh. To donate today, visit http://Armeniafund.org/donate

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Yerevan
• Shushi Cultural Center
• pediatric center
• armenian mining
• health risks