YOUTH BANK ARMENIA
Where and what is Armenia?
South Caucasus, bordered with Georgia, Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan. Population over 3 mln people in Armenia, 9 mln. Diaspora – USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, Middle East etc. Religion – Christian Orthodox – adopted in 301 Capital – Yerevan, with more than 1 mln population ( pictures of Armenia)
What are the needs of young people in Armenia Better employment opportunities Better access to education Higher motivation and self esteem Better access to information technologies More demand-oriented skills for the job market
Yeva, 24 An economist A caring aunt Martuni, Armenia Garnik, 20 An actor Future Hollywood Star Vanadzor, Armenia Alla, 19 A lawyer Full of Smile Gyumri, Armenia Lilit, 21 Sociologist Future Condoleezza Rice Charentsavan, Armenia Liana, 23 Sculptor A working engine Vanadzor, Armenia
What brings all these different young people together?
It’s So Simple - the
Why did the Youth Bank come to Armenia? Regional priority for Eurasia Partnership Foundation – project piloted in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. National Youth Survey, 2006 – showed biggest problems of rural youth is lack of employment, skills and access to education and leisure opportunities Lack of practical application of skills, no money is trusted to youth to manage Lack of motivation to participate in local processes, sense of apathy among rural young population Lack of youth-to-youth approach in development projects Availability of partners readiness and willingness to pilot the project
The journey of the YB in Armenia Selection of 5 Partner Organizations Announcement of open call for volunteers in the YB project Selection of 35 YB committee members 5-day workshop with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland
The journey of the YB in Armenia Work in Youth Bank Committees: Community Needs Assessments, setting criteria and priorities PR activities – Radio, local newspapers, posters, community events, schools/colleges, meetings Proposal review – Screening/Interview/Scoring Saying YES and NO to proposals
The journey of the YB in Armenia Contract signing, checks distribution/ community events Program and Financial monitoring Reporting Celebration/ Conference 5 Workshops Strategy development…
Additional skills gained during 5 workshops Leadership What is the Perfect Community How to communicate better How to work better in groups The project cycle How to work with potential donors /understanding philanthropy How to make a Power Point Presentation Creative thinking How to plan your work or work your plan How to monitor the projects How to write project reports YB skills matrix
Community Projects funded by YBs Intellectual Games in 10 villages of Shirak region Intellectual Games with 4 Colleges of Martuni
Community Projects funded by YBs Publication of Economics Journal by Students
Community Projects funded by YBs Revived Harvest Ritual in Martuni
Community Projects funded by YBs Rehabilitated school/college parks
Community Projects funded by YBs Carpentry Training for children
Community Projects funded by YBs
!!! Achievements 200 proposals received and reviewed 20 media coverage about YB activities via TV and newsletter 20 Community projects funded/underway 30 YB members got employed after involving in YB 250 young people carried out community projects 1000 young people participated in community projects More than 2500 people benefited from community projects USD fund disbursed and administered 3 YB members got married 5 new YB members selected 3 organizations interested in applying YB model 1 YB member proposed to Gyumri Municipality Elderly Council 5 YB members became certified trainers through a TOT YB effects spread on nearly 30 villages YB budget increased by nearly 50%
They are the leaders of today and tomorrow
Thank you ALL for your contribution, good thoughts, listening, asking questions, making friends, and making this happen….
IF you want to contact us… Eurasia Partnership Foundation Armenia