21/11/2019 17:30
Children will Implement Community Projects Aimed at Promoting Equal Rights
150 children from the regions of Shirak, Lori and Tavush developed thirty projects at #TakeAction Ideathon on 20 November. The event took place at Vanadzor Technology Centre with the support of the European Union. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the communities on human rights protection, by engaging them in addressing the issues in the field. The event offered the young participants aged 13-17 a platform to learn more about their rights and responsibilities, as well as collaborate in developing creative ideas that will enhance the lives of their respective communities.
Three projects won the contest; one per region. The winning projects will be brought to life with the financial support of the European Union. Regional administrations and the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia will oversee the implementation of the projects. They will promote equal rights in the regions through community engagement. As a result of the implementation of the winning projects, Azatan community of Shirak region will have an inclusive playground to ensure equal opportunities of entertainment for all children. The football field of school N 23 in Vanadzor city, Lori region, will be renovated, with wheelchair ramps to be installed in the school. Veterans’ Park in Azatamut community of Tavush region will also be renovated.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, Lusine Araqelyan, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia and Janna Andreasyan, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia participated in the event and delivered opening remarks. The President of "Peace Dialogue" NGO Edgar Khachatryan presented the human rights situation in Armenia, the challenges and the actions taken.
Coaches from human rights NGOs and educational institutions guided the children in the process of putting together a comprehensive project. The jury was comprised of representatives of regional administrations, NGOs and youth projects.