Gavar communal educational centre

Gavar with about 14000 inhabitants is located in one of the remote and wintry regions in Armenia. Unemployment rate is about 35%., limited access to vocational education leaves no possibilities to young people to find jobs.  Economic difficulties have brought social and psychological problems, such as low level of socialisation resulted in deep psychological problems.  Moreover, lack of socialization is not only a result of poverty; it also leads to deepening poverty.  
In 2010 Armenia Round Table (ART) and the Gegharkunik Diocese of the Armenia Apostolic Church conducted needs assessment in Gavar.  A round of discussions and meetings with right holders, i.e. unemployed and underemployed women and young adults, as well  as local and provincial authorities, vocational trainings have been identified as a priority issues, with an aim to learn skills (computer literacy, sewing, cooking, table design, carpet weaving, etc) for ensuring possibilities for self employment or potential employment in the small businesses and municipality.  Art training, meetings and discussion were given importance as socialization resources. Thus, ART initiated establishment of the Gavar Community Development Center for free training and meeting place for the whole community.  The Centre was established in 2010 providing education/vocational trainings and socialization possibilities free of charge. It is the only place in Gavar applying integrated approach as a method for promotion real change in the community with an understanding that actions towards economic, social, spiritual and environmental improvement are in line with MDGs and Armenia PRSP. 
Decisions on the directions and activities, including training topics, are taken in consultation with the beneficiaries and local authorities with an aim to fill in the “education for job creation” gaps in the community.  The main focus of Centre activities is to rise a new generation of active citizens having knowledge and skills for bringing changes in their own community.  
The Center is open for everybody in Gavar and surrounding communities with a focus on vulnerable population, unemployed, as well as women, girls and boys. Total number of beneficiaries is about 2400: trainees, members of Youth Union and Women’s Council, as well as   participants in discussions, round tables, events, celebrations, pilgrimages, etc. The youth from surrounding rural communities, especially participants in trainings and summer camps are also targeted which is a basis for joint actions and creation of civic action groups in rural areas too.
Now in Gavar there exists a well developed communal educational centre with experienced staff and several years of work both in Gavar and nearby rural communities. Multiple vocational and arts trainings, round tables/discussions on burning issues of the society, TV programmes, environmental actions are carried out here. 

The project is aimed at the active and meaningful engagement of all members of the community , especially women and youth, who are the most vulnerable to various threats, in improvement of their community.  Vocational training will give opportunities for increasing family income.  Art groups, tackling of environmental and human rights issues, organisation of various discussions will raise awareness and activate target groups.  The main focus for the coming years will be mobilisation of target groups to claim their rights to development and to secure sustainable livelihood for themselves.