In order to address the social-psychological crisis caused by the third Artsakh war and the epidemic among young people, the Youth Consolidation initiative was launched in 2021 by the Syunik-Development NGO with financial support from the Halepli-Hall family through the Atken Armenian Foundation, as well as several other partners.
The overall goal of the initiative was to introduce new, comprehensive approaches that will encourage young people, including the internally displaced from Artsakh, in the stabilization of their psychological state, physical preparation, and in obtaining life skills and knowledge. Just under 900 youths participated in sessions led by professionals in the field. Sessions on project writing, fundraising, budgeting, community branding, community strengths and opportunity analysis and other similar topics were presented in collaboration with the American University of Armenia.
In order to acquire self-defence skills, the young people participated in practical workshops on tactics, overcoming natural obstacles, first aid in emergencies, survival in the wild, teamwork, etc. There was strong collaboration with the Ministries of Emergency Situation and of Defense, as well as the local hospital in Yeghegnadzor. Sports and intellectual games, cultural events were a key part of the daily agenda. SWOT (Strength, weakness, opportunities and threats) analysis of the communities was carried-out with facilitation from the Syunik NGO. Sessions titled "Personal Hygiene & Good Nutrition" and "Learning on Benefits of Physical Activity to Good Health" were provided by the specialists from the Yeghegnadzor Hospital.
During the meetings, the Mobile Dental Clinic established by Syunik NGO provided free dental services to all participants.A fantastic outcome of these 12 three-day sessions was the creation of the "Youth Consolidation" NGO based on the established platform. The aim of the NGO is to consolidate youth capital from Vayots Dzor through implementing community development activities, establishing national and international networks, organizing youth empowerment capacity building activities.
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