On 19 January, the closing ceremony of the project “Establishing of a Social Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training Center to support Vulnerable People in Dilijan” was held in the Dilijan Municipality. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia Mr. Fukushima Masanori, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan Mr. Taiki Kohno, President of the Union of Communities of Armenia Mr. Emin Yeritsyan, Head of Dilijan Community Mr. Davit Sargsyan and representatives of partner organizations took part in the ceremony.
President of the Union of Communities of Armenia Mr. Emin Yeritsyan, thanked the Government of Japan for supporting this important and useful project, noted that the city of Dilijan was chosen taking into account its geographical location, being in the geographical center and crossroads of Lori, Tavush and Gegharkunik marzes. “The main objective of the project is the creation of a model center for social entrepreneurship and professional training in order to transfer knowledge of the field to persons with disabilities, as well as representatives of other vulnerable groups, and to support with their employment,” Mr. Yeritsyan said.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia Mr. Fukushima Masanori in his speech in Armenian emphasized that the program corresponds to the strategic and economic development plan of Tavush marz, promoting local production and tourism and reaching vulnerable people in these areas. He also stated: “In line with the Japanese Government’s commitment, the protection of individuals is essential to contributing to the building of states and societies. We hope that this solution will contribute to the economic independence of vulnerable groups and improve their quality of life.”
Mr. Davit Sargsyan, the Head of Dilijan Community, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan and informed that according to statistical data, 700 or more people of vulnerable groups, including displaced people from Artsakh, socially disadvantaged and disabled people, members of families of servicemen killed in the 44-day war are registered in Dilijan. The Mayor specifically noted: “The Municipality of Dilijan, in turn, provides financial and material support to these citizens. We encourage any event and program aimed at supporting vulnerable groups. We welcome the idea of a vocational training center and a laundry attached to it, which, I believe, will really contribute to improving the professional and personal skills of vulnerable groups, creating new jobs and ensuring their employment.”
The partners of “Establishing of a Social Entrepreneurship and Vocational Training Center to support Vulnerable People in Dilijan” project developed by the Union of Communities of Armenia are “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO, the “Association of Social Enterprises of Armenia”, “Intercultural Research and Development” center, YSU Entrepreneurship Development Centre. The grant project was implemented with the support of the Japan Embassy in Armenia.
Ms Satik Badeyan, representative of the “Association of Social Enterprises of Armenia” emphasizing the idea of social entrepreneurship, stated that it is a powerful mechanism to support local self-government bodies and solve a lot of community problems.
Mr. Artak Saribekyan, Executive Director of the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association”, emphasizing the importance of the project, assured that as a partner organization, they will also support the continuation of the project.
Mr. Gurgen Harutyunyan, Head of the Development Programs, Tourism and Analysis Department of the Tavush Regional Administration, stated that the project was in line with the strategic development plan of the Tavush Marz. He thanked that the project is being implemented in the Tavush marz, as it will have a positive impact on the development of entrepreneurship among the socially vulnerable groups.
Mr. Mekhak Apresyan, the President of the Armenia Tourism Federation, stated that tourism is of great importance in economic, social and cultural terms and emphasized that “In order to have sustainable tourism, we need high-quality personnel. I think the center will also contribute to providing the tourism sector with quality personnel.”
Following the official closing ceremony of the project, a visit to a newly built social entrepreneurship and vocational training
