There are many problems in Shirak region. Representatives of the local non-governmental organizations listed the problems one after another. The social problem is the most actual.
The next meeting of the Focus Group in the scope of “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project was held in Gyumri. After several hours of discussions the representatives of the project managers and the representatives of the NDOs identified the problems that exist in this this region. Later, the representatives of the participant NGOs in the interview with Iravaban.net mentioned that the problems first and foremost stem from a lack of awareness,
For better understanding of the situation the representatives of NGOs bring the example of yoyuth in Gyumry, noting that due to the low level of awareness there are around 15 thousand non-organized youth in the city, who do not participate in the decision-making on public importance issues and other civil processes.
The other community issues stem just from this. The NGO representatives said that the situation of the streets in Gyumri mildly speaking is not so inconsolable and stressed that citizens’ passiveness leads to inaction of local authorities.
On the other hand, our interlocutors considered important to create coalitions; for example, the establishment of coalitions aimed at addressing women’s issues. NGO members claim that coalitions are strength force; but the organizations in the marz have little experience and skills to form sustainable coalitions (interviews with NGO representatives in the video).
The “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project funded by the European Union is being implemented is in order to solve these and other problems.
Mr. Artak Saribekyan, Deputy Project Manager/Grants Manger explained that a number of actions would will be implemented in the nearest future and the development of CSO’s capacity is one of the key actions. “We shall conduct trainings, there will be coalitions, and there is a grant component. I hope that the level of activity will be high in Gyumri, because like in previous years, both Gyumri, as well as the entire Shirak marz is the target for us,” Mr. Saribekyan said.
Miss Syuzanna Soghomonyan, Coordinator of CSO-Government Dialogue of the project, detail the objectives and targets of the project, referred to the grant component, informing that the organizations that participated in the training may apply for grants.
Both the problems and the target areas are revealed through the focus groups as well as through the meetings in the scope of the project. Suzanna Soghomonyan informed that about 600 CSOs and dozens of coalitions have been involved in this process nationwide.
Among other issues, free advice and professional support on the new NGO Law and its implementaion will be provided to NGO representatives in the scope of the project
The project provides existence of incubators as well, and Mr. Marat Atovmyan would lead their activities. “It is quite an interesting component, which is provided in the project. The incubators would work in several directions. Corresponding trainings and courses will be conducted on weekly basis. Experts of the respective fields shall conduct them. Webinars will held in certain intervals. Local experts or experts of “Agora Central Europe” Czech organization shall conduct them from Yerevan. I’m sure it will be quite interesting because the Czech Republic has extensive experience referring to public participation,” Mr. Atovmyan said.
“Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project is implemented by a consortium of organizations, which consists of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association; “AGORA CE” NGO (Czech Republic), Armenian Center for Democratic Education (CIVITAS), International Center for Human Development Public Organization, SME Cooperation Association, and Union of Communities of Armenia.
Details in the video.
Gevorg Tosunyan
Aleksander Sargsyan
