Social Diakonia Discussion Day In ART

On November 14, in Etchmiadzin, 15 representatives of ART partner NGOs and Churches gathered at the hall of the Old Seminary to discuss issues on Social Diakonia and ways of its implementation by “Zangakatun” NGO. His Eminence Bishop Sion Adamyan, Primate of Armavir Diocese, honoured the meeting with his presence and welcomed the guests.
Mrs. Karine Grigoryan, director of "Zangakatun” NGO started her presentation, giving a grounded historical overview on the emergence of social diakonia, its goals, objectives and levels of implementation. Difference between the social work in general and that of the Church was presented in detail.
The second part of the talk represented the specific profile of “Zangakatun” activities at three centres located in Yerevan, Metsamour and Vanadzor. Mrs. Karine Grigoryan represented main concepts and ways of work organisation at “Zangakatun” NGO giving serious scientific foundation of the used methodology.
Thus, in Metsamour at the cultural-educational centre adjacent to St. Lazarus Church, through EED and ART assistance “Zangakatun” NGO is implementing a pilot project on Christian Community Work Model. The Centre is actively involved in community development realising in practice the theory of Christian social work, promoting atmosphere of cooperation and mutual understanding. Activities implemented here include seminars on ecological, health and legal issues, study groups in painting, singing, puppet theatre, applied arts, computer literacy, provision of food and clothes, social and individual work, meetings with psychologist, priest, discussions, cultural events, pilgrimages and visits to different sites of Armenia.
The discussion group got very interested in the represented material. Some of the participants invited Mrs. Grigoryan to make a special presentation for their organizations thus ensuring sharing of valuable experience and increasing work efficiency.
The same day participants had also an opportunity to discuss the impact of ART capacity building programme 2008 and the plans for 2009. The meeting participants presented their views and impressions of previous trainings, shared ideas regarding the necessity of suchlike activities in promoting their self development.
ART partners expressed willingness to continue further strengthening of the participatory character of CB activities, giving a clear outline of their needs and making proper analysis of choice. It was agreed that the CB plans for 2009 will be finalized during the upcoming seminar on Fundraising.