Staying in a village can be an opportunity, not a limitation: Wings4All

Mary was born and lives in the village of Khot, part of the Tatev consolidated community. At 17, she is one of those whose stories change not only their own life but also the mindset of their community. Mary is a grant recipient of the “Wings for All” program by the We Are Our Mountains Development Agency.

She applied for the program knowing that even if she didn’t receive a grant, it would still be an opportunity to gain business knowledge and digital skills. During the program, Mary wrote a business plan for the first time.

“At first I was very scared; I didn’t know where to start. Seeing all the financial model tables, I thought it was beyond my abilities, but after watching the video lessons, I realized it was possible, and I overcame that stage,” says Mary.

At the start of the program, Mary’s business idea was a pastry production. During the program, however, she realized she could propose a more ambitious project based on her family’s experience and the village’s potential. Since tourists visiting the village often asked her family for horseback tours, she decided to base her business idea on equestrian tourism.

“After discussing with my father, my confidence grew; this was an idea that could both create jobs and bring a new tourism spirit to the village.”

Mary admits that at first, she was her own biggest skeptic. On the day the winners were announced, she was sure her project wasn’t strong enough.

“I thought my idea wouldn’t even get noticed. But when I heard my name, I was stunned.”

As part of the program, Mary received a scholarship from the We Are Our Mountains Development Agency, which allowed her to acquire saddles and appropriate signage. As a winner, she also received a grant funded by AraratBank, which enabled her to acquire three horses.

“Now we have five horses and are waiting for the tourist season to start so we can begin organizing tours,” says Mary.

Mary notes that her story has inspired other young people in the village.

“When my friends saw that I succeeded, they also began applying to different programs. They didn’t even think that at this age they could create something on their own. Now, some of them are opening development centers in the village with their grants.”

In Mary’s vision, Khot is not just a beautiful place surrounded by nature; it is a developing community with new opportunities and jobs.

“Until now, young people thought about leaving the village. Now we are thinking about what we can do here and how to develop it.”

The “Wings for All” program is implemented by the We Are Our Mountains Development Agency, in cooperation with Innobiz NGO and the Tatev Community Center.
The program is carried out within the framework of the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation grant program.
The grants for the four program recipients were provided with financial support from AraratBank.