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.