UNICEF, Gavar municipality and Gyumri Youth Initiative Center NGO sign a memorandum of understanding to establish a youth house in Gavar

UNICEF Representative Christine Weigand, Mayor of Gavar Gurgen Martirosyan and Gyumri Youth Initiative Center NGO President Artur Najaryan signed a memorandum of understanding today on the establishment of a youth house in Gavar in 2022 that will provide community-based services to adolescents and young people.

“Gavar is home to hundreds of adolescents and young people, including some from Nagorno-Karabakh, who deserve opportunities to take part in the development of their community and to exercise civic activism. They have the creativity, energy and problem-solving skills to help come up with solutions to some of Armenia’s challenges. Through the establishment of this youth house, UNICEF will support them, especially the most vulnerable and those with disabilities, to have access to community based services and support, build their life skills and foster their potential in civic engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Christine Weigand, UNICEF Representative in Armenia.

In the next six months, UNICEF will work with the municipality, local youth and partners to renovate and furnish, as well as supply the center with utensils, developmental games, learning and recreation materials for children, adolescents and young people. In order to ensure sustainability , UNICEF will also install a solar panel.

UNICEF will also work with Gyumri Youth Initiative Center NGO to provide young people and employees of the future youth house with training on adolescent development, work with adolescents and young people and provision of community-based child-friendly services.

“We are hopeful that this youth house will expand opportunities for adolescents of Gavar to participate meaningfully in their community, voice their views and opinions. Together with UNICEF and other partners, Gyumri Youth Initiative Center NGO will work to develop platforms for adolescents to share their experiences and propose solutions, as well as co-create solutions that support their transition into adult life and work,” noted Artur Najaryan, President of Gyumri YIC NGO.

The municipality of Gavar has already selected the location of the youth house adjacent to a local kindergarten and will support the renovation process and improve the landscaping around the center. In the future, the municipality will also plan and budget to cover running costs of the center as a community-based service, including staffing and utilities. In case of emergencies, the youth house will also be prepared to serve as a safe and child-friendly space where children, adolescents and youth can get psychosocial support.