Armenia Fund USA, Inc.
80 Maiden Lane, S-301
New York, NY 10038, U.S.A.
T/1-212-689-5307
F/1-212-689-5317
http://ww w.armeniafundusa.org
e-mail: [email protected]
Armenia Fund USA and Heifer International Report Progress
on Joint Project in Mardakert
NEW YORK, New York – Armenia Fund USA is pleased to announce that the joint
initiative implemented in partnership with Heifer International reports
progress in Mardakert region of Karabakh. "Rebuilding Lives in Mardakert"
started in July 2006 as a pilot project to help families overcome
socio-economic hardships and increase agricultural resources through
provision of adequate agricultural inputs and training in farming practices.
Today, Heifer Caucasus Regional Office reports significant progress in the
socio-economic conditions of beneficiary families in the villages of Talish,
Mokhratagh, Jankatagh and Vardadzor involved in the program.
After a careful needs assessment, 57 families were selected to receive
pregnant cows with the premise that the calves will be passed on to other
families expanding the scope of the project. Adoption of best practices and
passing on a gift are two essential cornerstones of Heifer International, an
international non-profit organization that combats poverty through
self-reliance and sustainability. Based on program estimates, by the end of
2009, all the beneficiary families will have improved their family nutrition
by at least 40% and socio-economic conditions by at least 20%.
The villages were chosen based on necessity and socio-economic well-being.
Mardakert region suffered a devastating war in 1994, and the social
infrastructure of the communities was destroyed. A great number of families
lost their labor force and ability to sustain minimal living conditions. The
overwhelming majority of the population is unemployed, and the only means of
survival is agriculture.
Armenia Fund USA’s partnership with Heifer is part of a larger initiative –
Regional Development of Karabakh that was launched in 2005. The large-scale
program is on-going and aims at reviving rural communities through the
establishment of agricultural development associations that provide
technical support and improved agricultural practices. It involves
rebuilding irrigation and drinking water systems, rehabilitation of schools
and medical facilities, and reconstruction of access roads.
ABOUT ARMENIA FUND USA: Founded in 1992, Armenia Fund USA was one of the
first of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s 19 international affiliates and serves
constituents in all states east of the Mississippi. As a non-profit,
non-governmental, nonsectarian organization, the Fund represents all
Armenian constituents. Armenia Fund USA is the largest contributor among the
19 international affiliates – supporting strategic infrastructure projects
in Armenia and Karabakh. The Fund has adopted a policy to go "Beyond Bricks
and Mortar" to provide sustainability for projects it sponsors.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
