Strengthening education in Goris with the support of Argentina

On 23 March, UNICEF Representative in Armenia Christine Weigand and Ambassador of Argentina Mariano Vergara visited Syunik region to visit a number of programmes implemented with the support of Hayastan All Armenian Fund in Argentina. They were joined by Zaruhi Aznauryan, Head of Programmes at Hayastan All Armenian Fund, Leonardo Moumjian, reporter and representative of the Armenian community in Argentina and Margarita Piliposyan, Deputy Director of Fund for Armenian Relief.

Together they visited Goris school #2, where UNICEF had provided school furniture for classrooms, the school library and the rehabilitation room for students with disabilities, in total benefiting nearly 400 students. This was one of the total of five schools receiving such support through the programme.

A meeting was held with Arush Arushanyan, Mayor of Goris and Irina Yolyan, Deputy Mayor of Goris where parties discussed progress in programmes implemented in Syunik with the support of Argentina, as well as the humanitarian situation and needs for children and families.

“Despite the distance, Armenians in Argentina are very connected to their ancestral country and concerned about the ongoing situation, affecting so many families. Argentina is ready to support to improve the situation of children and their families, and today I saw the results we have been able to achieve in a number of areas,” noted Mariano Vergara, Ambassador of Argentina to Armenia.

The delegation also visited Goris kindergarten #5, attended by 120 children 3-5 ages, which was renovated by UNICEF in partnership with Goris Mayor’s office and FAR. The kindergarten had not been renovated in over 50 years, and had a leaking roof, making it unsafe for the development of children. As part of the renovation, the building now has a new heating system, sewage system, boiler house upgrade, renovated four group rooms, hallways, event hall, canteen, food storage, and a new roof. As a result, the kindergarten was able to open doors to a new group of children, reaching 150.

The delegation also visited the old culture and arts building of Verishen village where UNICEF will work with partners to renovate and establish a youth center, supporting civic activism and non-formal learning for adolescents in Verishen and Goris community.

“The support from the Armenian community of Argentina enabled UNICEF to scale up our programmes in Syunik region, benefiting various age groups of children. This year, with their support, we will also work in Shirak region to establish a youth center in Artik and renovate the child and family support center in Gyumri in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs,” informed Christine Weigand, UNICEF Representative in Armenia.