KOICA and Ewha Womans University Join IOM Armenia for ELEVATE Project Monitoring Visit

The visit was part of the ongoing ELEVATE project, which aims to empower livelihoods and foster economic vitality in fragile and conflict-affected areas. 

The mission focused on assessing project progress, identifying challenges, and collecting data to enhance performance management. It also helped deepen the M&E team’s understanding of the local context and strengthen communication between IOM programme staff and the visiting experts. 

Setting the Stage in Yerevan 

The visit began with a detailed briefing on the ELEVATE project and Armenia’s socio-economic context. Lively discussions helped set the tone for a productive visit. On August 11, the delegation met with the Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Ruben Sargsyan, who emphasized the project’s alignment with the Armenia’s national strategies on livelihoods and labour and highlighted the importance of inclusive employment initiatives of the project, that support refugees and vulnerable groups. 

Later the delegation met with Armenuhi Poghosyan, Head of the Department for Preliminary and Vocational Education and Training at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. Discussions focused on the role of vocational training in Armenia’s development and how the ELEVATE project contributes through curriculum development, technical support and microgrants for graduates. 

Into the Field: Getting to know the communities  

On August 12, the delegation travelled to Tavush region, warmly welcomed by Deputy Governor Narek Ghushchyan. Together, they explored how ELEVATE’s components align with local development goals and contribute to sustainable change. 

Over the following days, the delegation met with community representatives in Ijevan and Alaverdi, observed a steering committee meeting in Ijevan that ensures the integration of voices of affected population into project implementation, and toured vocational colleges in Noyemberyan and Stepanavan. At Noyemberyan College, the delegation visited the welding lab, which is set to be equipped through KOICA-funded support under the ELEVATE project. 

The delegation also met with the promising applicants of IOM’s Enterprise Development Fund (EDF), including: 

• A local business and NGO producing handmade carpets and souvenirs, creating employment opportunities for women. The space allows women to bring their children to work – offering art classes and other activities for children – fostering labour market integration of mothers.  
• A refugee-founded agricultural cooperative aiming to grow asparagus in the lush Lori landscape. 
• A resilient welder and metalworker who lost his leg in the war and now seeks to expand his business and create jobs. 
• A sewing factory with plans to scale up and employ more women in the local community. 

Empowering Education: IT equipment handover to Stepanavan State Agricultural College 

The visit concluded with a special moment in Stepanavan, where KOICA Representative Jieun Mo officially handed over essential IT equipment to the State Agricultural College. This support, including laptops, a projector, and printers, was especially vital after heavy rainfalls and flooding destroyed the college’s previous IT resources. Now, over 400 students will benefit from access to essential IT equipment and digital learning. This handover, part of the ELEVATE project’s support to vocational training institutes in Armenia, underscores a shared commitment to empowering youth and building resilient communities in conflict-affected areas. 

We extend our sincere thanks to KOICA and Ewha Womans University for their ongoing support, collaboration, and commitment to the Armenia’s future.