Sari Janaparh by HDIF

HDIF's Sari Janaparh project aims to develop develop communities in bordering villages in the Tavush region. We focus on tourism - things to do, things to eat, and places to stay. Due to limited recreational and touristic trail development projects in the area, the touristic potential is largely unexploited in the region. By developing these, communities are made stronger, incomes made bigger, and the future made brighter.

In Aygepar, a village located directly on the border, a project concept has been hatched. During Soviet times, there were tobacco and wine factories in Aygepar, but they ceased to work decades ago. Today people living there don’t work in agriculture or animal husbandry as is common in the area, as they don't have land. Instead, most of the inhabitants of Aygepar, men and women, are engaged in the military, protecting Armenia's borders. This however, is hard on the mental wellbeing of the community.  The need for other sources of income is acute, and thus the idea of a new project was hatched.

How about a community center?

Meetings have already been held with both the residents and the mayor of Aygepar. Their motivation is high to have a center of activity in the village to discuss common problems and identify solutions to them. And, the need to create new sources of income for the people there - so how about a carpet weaving center? or a group of crocheters to make products for export? The ideas at this initial meeting were many, and HDIF is in full swing trying to design a project that is tailored to the needs in Aygepar and can become a sustainble structure in the future.

Already 32 women have signed up to join the project and many more will join when there is a concrete offer for them.

Yes, HDIF is always working hard to create opportunities in communities far from the capitol, and in communities where the help is most needed. 

Thank you for your support to Sari Janaparh!

Links:

• HDIF Armenia