The socio-economic and psychological situation and problems:
In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military aggression against the peaceful population of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), forcing 120,000 people to leave their historical homeland. The military aggression followed a nine-month blockade by Azerbaijan that began in December 2022, resulting in the starvation or isolation of these people from the outside world.
Within minutes, people were displaced, leaving behind their homeland and lives, including homes, belongings, clothing, jobs, etc. Currently, they live in Armenia in dilapidated houses, rental properties, without jobs, often receiving their allowances belatedly, and facing the depletion of food packages. These families need everything: food, clothing, daily household items, jobs, psychological support, and more.
Beneficiaries:
For the project, 50 families with many children (369 people in total) were selected, who were displaced from three settlements in Artsakh. 37 of the families (74%) live in villages, and 13 in cities. Within these families, 227 minors are being raised and educated. Only 27 (19%) of these caregivers have completed higher education or vocational training. Most of them (approximately 10%) were not employed in their profession. The caregivers were primarily engaged in animal husbandry, agriculture, and military service. In total, 27 caregivers (54%) earned income from military service. Nowadays, they are also deprived of that job.
The goal:
The project aims to support Artsakh-Armenians in partially solving the main problem—the food issue. The project will help the caregivers of 50 families earn a living through their own work. The key is that these people are ready for any job, as long as they can independently and dignifiedly care for and raise their children. We aim to help families alleviate the stressful and challenging socio-economic and psychological situation and stimulate caregivers' desire to work.
Opportunities:
Research has shown that 29 families in villages have rental houses with land and a barn and can care for pets. All 36 families can have jobs if they receive tools or vocational training.
Assistance:
Considering the possibilities of the displaced, it was decided to provide them with:
• Livestock (sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens, etc.),
• Tools for professions such as welder, carpenter, plumber, builder, car mechanic, electrician, baker, pastry chef, manicurist, tailor, hairdresser,
• Vocational education tools (5 families).
To organize the assistance, the prices of both tools and animals in Armenia were studied. Approximately EUR 350 or AMD 150,000 will be needed for the assistance to each family.
For the implementation of the project, EUR 17,500 is required.
Fundraising:
To raise funds, various actions and events will be organized. Collaboration with other organizations is also possible.
Implementation:
Contacts have been established with various parties and organizations specializing in livestock farming and the sale of tools to carry out the project. The project implementation
will be remote to avoid additional costs. The project implementation is scheduled for March-June.
Conclusion:
As a result of the 2020 war and the displacement of the population of the Hadrut region of Artsakh, the experience of helping those resettled in Armenia has shown that the program is effective, and the beneficiaries welcome the assistance.