On 10 May, the second training for Yerevan CSOs’ Incubator on the topic “Success of Evidence Based Public Policy development by CSOs: “Civil Society Institute” NGO” was held in the framework of “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project. Mr. Artak Kirakosyan, President of the “Civil Society Institute” NGO conducted the training.

According to him, one should not think that having success is complicated, difficult or impossible. Kirakosyan brought an example how their expert visited a penitentiary, saw the double lattice, removed the second layer and cleaned the window, which resulted in penetration of the bright light into the prison cell. Thus, this step has been a boost to the fight against tuberculosis in the penitentiary, which we can mention as an attempt to success.

Artak Kirakosyan also brought other examples of how civil society representatives can successfully implement their programs.

Ms Lilit Chichoyan, representative of SME Accountants Association of Armenia highlighted the importance of conducting such incubator training courses with the objective to develop of CSOs capacities.

“Today’s training is a good example of what I have said when we learned from practical experience, how we can achieve the desired changes through publicity and solve public policy issues,” she said.

In addition to participating in today’s training, 12 participants from the provinces attended the training via the webinar.

It should be noted that civil society organizations (CSOs) incubators are aimed at promoting CSO capacity building and enhancing their effectiveness.

CSO incubators will be held in two stages in the following five cities: Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Gavar and Kapan. 36 CSOs, which will be selected, from the CSOs that completed the training organised by the American University of Armenia will participate in each phase. Upon completion of the CSO incubators, a total of 33 grants will be provided on a competitive basis. It is planned to provide 16-17 grants in each stage.