Vardenis community centre

Vardenis (previously known as Vasakashen), a new area of intervention, was founded in the 9th century AD. It is one of the oldest settlements in Armenia, the town and its vicinities are rich in cultural heritage with 568 monuments recorded, including many medieval churches and cross stones, as well as tombs of 3-1 millennia BC. Vardenis town is located 1943 meters above sea level, with mild summers and cold winters. The winter lasts for 6 months – from November to mid-April. Number of inhabitants is 14430, with 680 unemployed registered with the Employment Centre, and with 1042 families on welfare schemes. However, according to estimates of the same Employment Centre the actual level of unemployment rates at 46%.  Main employment is agriculture, trade and services. The main employment possibilities are seasonal agricultural activities and a gold mine located 20 km away from the town. Possibilities to get jobs in small enterprises are quite limited, e.g. bakeries, dairy production workshops, repair services and a nearby stone quarry.  In addition to being a very poor, Vardenis is selected as an additional project area due to the fact that very few NGOs (both international and national) are present here.

In 2013 ART made its first steps to turn the Sunday school into a real communal centre. 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 are giving opportunities for increasing family income.  Art groups, tackling of environmental and human rights issues, organization of various discussions will raise awareness and activate target groups.  The main focus for the coming years will be mobilization of target groups to claim their rights to development and to secure sustainable livelihood for themselves.