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Project Goal

To equip single moms and displaced women from Artsakh in Gyumri with the tech skills they need to enter the labour market!

Project Background

Ayo! is thrilled to join forces with the Gyumri Information Technology Center (GITC) for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping and empowering women with essential tech skills, opening up new opportunities in the labor market!

 

GITC’s mission is to leverage technology education to provide long-term employment opportunities in the Shirak region. Currently, they are committed to elevating the living standards of single mothers and displaced women from Artsakh based in Gyumri. Their strategy involves launching a comprehensive training program in tech skills, followed by hands-on internships and strategic job placements. Additionally, a well-thought-out grant program is in the works, specifically designed to support women venturing into entrepreneurship, either as solo founders or collaborative teams.

 

Shirak, unfortunately, stands as one of Armenia's most vulnerable regions, grappling with high levels of poverty and unemployment. According to 2020 statistics, the poverty rate soared to 48.4%, with child poverty reaching a staggering 57.7%. Unemployment in 2019 stood at 18%, reflective of the enduring aftermath of the 1988 earthquake that devastated the region, causing widespread population decline and economic setbacks.

 

Despite these challenges, Gyumri, the regional capital, is experiencing a resurgence, thanks in part to the impactful efforts of GITC. Established by FAR in 2005, GITC has successfully trained over 500 individuals in crucial tech skills. Notably, GITC has actively contributed to positioning Gyumri as a burgeoning tech hub, attracting tech businesses that have chosen to establish branches in the city, thereby catalyzing its revitalization.

Kelegian Family Trust

Tatevik Mccorkle

Arin Piramzadian

Katherine Guroian

Catherine R. Minassian

Cynthia Tezaris

Aram & Knarik Arkun

Zela Astajian

Alla Belubekian

Ms. Zepour

Katrina Menzigian

Arthur & Lynn Beylerian

Mariam Karapetyan

Andre Andonian

Sintia Petrosian

nayiree sarkisian

Dorothy Fort

Alis Marachelian

Avedis H. & Anna Seferian

Michael & MaryJan Kelly

Laura Boyajian

MaryJan Kelly

Margaret Kiladjian

Julia Kew

Sam & Lucine Kapreilian

Viken Babikian

Raffi Festekjian

Suzanne Ekchian

Caroline Ekchian

Armina Manoukian

Naira Balagylozian

Tanvi Gupta

Gayane Baloyan

Tyler Whitby

Gregory Toufayan

Carine Avakian

Sargis Meliksetyan

Meline Deukmedjian

Reyna Tutunjian

Tara Torossian

Shannon King

Isabelle Sirounian

Leo Dadian

Aram Andonian

Cynthia Ghannam

Brett & Katharine Wiley

Gayane Ghukasyan

Aleen Ostayan

Peter Bogosian

Sam Oldham

Sandra Benlian

Janice Young

Viken Dumeciyan

St. James Armenian Church Women's Guild

Holly Malkasian Staudinger

Anna Ohanyan

Mary Telfeyan

Mary B. Aroian

Deb Bonar

Erick Miller

Edward Dervishian

Sosi Hagopian

Adriane Bonfiglio

Lori Dorian

Christine Bahtiarian

Alexander Garen

Nancy Barsamian

LuAnn Sabounjian

Tyler Whitby

Haike Engoyan

Bethany Robinson

Arshen & Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian

Jack F. Yaghdjian

Alexander J. Vartanian

Brenda Tavitian

St. David Armenian Apostolic Church

Debra N. Sarkisian

Joan Quinn

Cheryl Ohanesian

Sylvia A. Migridichian

Margaret Masmanian

Sylvia Kruizenga

Gary Khachian

Bedros Kazazian

Richard Kazanjian

Raffi A. Kayayan

John A. Kasparian

Armen Kabodian

Ara Hourdajian

Cordelia B. & C.D. Horan

Christian Garabedian

Armig Ferris

Violet Mirzoyan Dadekian

Ara Boghigian

Michael D. Bebirian

Mark J. Badach

Ghayaneh Amikhani

Sarah Stauderman

Daughters of Vartan Hripsime Otyag

Hasmik Davtyan

Armenian Church of Our Savior

Armenian Church at Hye Pointe

Greta Janigian

Vardges Taktakyan

Julia Perez

Manankichian Kederian

Jay Kapur

Charles Tutunjian

Lisa Kouzoujian

Sofia Donikyan

Chris Bonfiglio

Joseph Comisford

Mamigon Kiledjian

Karine Vega

Tatevik Bagiryan

Anoush Oconnor

Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Sunday School

Angela Sarukhanyan

Rebecca Bagdasarian

ACYOA Juniors - Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection

Women's Guild Central Council

St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church

Roswita Apkarian Fragomeni

St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church

St. Mesrob Armenian Church

Mihran A. Aroian

Sts. Vartananz Armenian Church

Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church

St. Leon Armenian Church - Women's Guild

Marina Ter-Sargsyan

St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church

Katherine Meranian

Jeff J. Masoian

Charles Bazarian

Joyce Avedisian

sergey badalyan

Gregory Toufayan

St. Leon Armenian Church

Krikor Norsigian

Carl J. Bazarian

Meline Toufayan

Mike Kalajian

Margarit Piliposyan

Ari Terjanian

Lorie R. Odabashian

Haroutyoun Margossian

Natalie Mardirossian

Zach Kowalski

Kristina Khachaturyan

Nele Keshishian

Hrachya Janikian

Christianne Goodwin

Gary Gengozian

Boghos Gauro

Aram Adourian

Anna Vardanyan

Aline Tashjian

Sarah Stites

Fr. Shnork Souin

Arin Parsanian

David Onanian

James Moresco

Caroline Kernan

Yeprem Kelegian

Adrine Katchadurian

Aleen Kaltakdjian

Stephen Haroian

Ara Hacet

Kathryn A A. Geyer

Jeanette Derhagopian

Jonathan Campbell

Francis Bulbulian

Ohannes L. Bezazian

Annie Bakerdjian

Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs

Supporters
162
Partner

February 27, 2024

Created on:

remaining

$210

(99%)

raised 

$30,698

$30,908

goal

35

beneficiary

Shirak

region

remaining days