CHARENTSAVAN, 17 April – Around 1000 young people will now benefit from Charentsavan’s newly opened “Alternative” youth center annually. It is the largest modern, inclusive youth center that meets international standards for the region of Kotayk, established by UNICEF, the Armenian Progressive Youth NGO, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports and with financial support from the Government of Japan.
Founded in the Alapars settlement of the Charentsavan community, the center will operate under the “Alternative” methodology developed by the Armenian Progressive Youth NGO. This methodology is based on the principles of non-formal education, participatory approaches, and youth empowerment.
Each year, the center will provide services to around 1,000 adolescents and young people aged 13–35, with a particular focus on young people from rural areas and those with limited opportunities. The center will offer capacity building programmes, intellectual and recreational activities, individual mentoring and counseling, including psychosocial assistance. The center will also offer financial support for youth-led community initiatives, contributing to the development of their skills, resilience, well-being, and active participation in community and public life.
The newly opened center is also envisioned as a platform for hosting international youth programmes, connecting Armenian youth to global networks, promoting intercultural dialogue, and positioning Armenia as an attractive destination for non-formal education.
The opening ceremony brought together representatives of state institutions, local self-government bodies, international organizations, young people, and community residents.
In his remarks, Grigor Yeritsyan emphasized: “In Charentsavan, we are not only creating a physical space, but a comprehensive ecosystem of opportunities for young people. This is a place where youth can build skills, develop ideas, and become drivers of change in their community․”
“Every adolescent and young person should have access to a safe, inclusive environment in their community where they can meaningfully interact with their peers, learn and co-create together, contributing to their well-being. This center is an investment in the future of adolescents and young people of Charentsavan community and a contribution to the implementation of the Law on Youth Policy,” noted Silvia Mestroni, Acting UNICEF Representative in Armenia.
Spanning an area of approximately 1,000 square meters, the center has been fully renovated and furnished to provide a modern and comfortable environment for educational, community-based, and international programmes. It combines youth work, education, psychosocial well-being, and hospitality components, offering accommodation and catering services for up to 36 young people at a time, enabling the organization of training courses, camps, and various events.
—