The Pilot Phase of the “Wings” Rehabilitation Program Concluded in Gyumri

On November 9, the pilot phase of the “Wings-Gyumri” program of the “We Are Our Mountains” Development Agency, designed for forcibly displaced children from Artsakh and their parents, concluded. 29 children aged 4-18 and 22 parents who found refuge in Gyumri participated in the program for three months, improving their psychological and physical condition, acquiring new skills and abilities, as well as establishing new connections with their peers from Gyumri. One of the program’s distinctive features is the active involvement of parents.

“We were in a very difficult psychological state indeed, and this program brought us together and integrated us into Gyumri’s atmosphere. «Wings» not only welcomed us with open arms but also did what we needed during those days. To some extent, you helped us overcome the difficulties that fell upon us. We felt that we weren’t alone, that our participation was anticipated, that we were loved. I hope we will still be together,”- said Yeranuhi Khachatryan, a parent beneficiary of the program.

The “Wings” comprehensive rehabilitation program in Gyumri is being implemented through the initiative of the “We Are Our Mountains” Development Agency, with the support of the “Dar” Educational Promotion Charitable Foundation and the participation of the Tourism and Urban Development Foundation (TUF).

Summarizing the pilot phase of the program, Emma Baghdasaryan, the program coordinator in Gyumri, evaluates it as effective, especially in terms of participants’ integration into Gyumri’s community life.

“The results we have now are quite satisfactory compared to the preliminary data, as the children are no longer constrained. They are much more intensively involved in community events. Also, as a result of our properly formed partnership chain, many of the children are already attending community infrastructures, sports schools, music schools, and art schools.”

In his speech, Grigory Martirosyan, the General Director of the “We Are Our Mountains” Development Agency, expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the pilot phase of the “Wings” program in Gyumri. He announced that thanks to the support of the “Support to Artsakh” Union and the “Dar” Educational Promotion Charitable Foundation, the project will continue not only in Dilijan and Gyumri, but will also soon launch in Tatev.

The final event of “Wings-Gyumri” concluded with a visit to the Gyumri History Museum, where participants learned about the rich history and culture of the city.