UNICEF and Armenian Community of Argentina Launch Youth House in Verishen, Celebrating Two Years of Impactful Partnership

Goris, 16 August 2024 - UNICEF and its partners are thrilled to announce the official opening of the first Youth House in Verishen Village, located within the Goris consolidated community. The establishment of the center was also made possible with the financial support of USAID. This event was celebrated with the presence of UNICEF Representative Christine Weigand, Ambassador of Argentina to Armenia H.E. Rafael Enrique González Alemán, Deputy Mayor of Goris Irina Yolyan and a representative of the Fondo Armenia in Argentina Mr. Eduardo Costanian and partners from Winnet NGO. They were joined by enthusiastic young people from Verishen. 

Established in line with UNICEF’s concept of safe spaces for children, the Youth House will provide services to about 500 adolescents and young people annually. The facility will cater to both refugee and host communities in and around Verishen, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for the region's youth.

“At UNICEF, we believe it is very important that children and adolescents have a place in their communities dedicated to them. A place that is safe and child friendly. A place where they can come together and engage in educational activities, play, have fun and work on joint projects to help their community prosper and grow,” - emphasized Christine Weigand, UNICEF Representative in Armenia.

"Argentina is a country that has embraced and adapted to the cultures of many nations, including the Armenian culture, which we are immensely proud of. Despite the distance, the Armenian community in Argentina never feels that separation and continuously supports its homeland. Today, by bringing together a number of dedicated supporters, we have established a center where young people can nurture and develop their abilities and skills. I am proud to be here today to celebrate this achievement," said Mr. Rafael González Aleman, Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina, in his opening speech.

"These young people are our future. If we don't work for them, if we don't build these opportunities, what will they think of us? We must dedicate ourselves to their success. People often speak of Armenia and the Diaspora as separate entities, but I believe Armenia and the Diaspora are one and the same. Your struggles, your hopes are deeply felt in our hearts. We stand with you," said Eduardo Costanian, representative of the Fondo Armenia in Argentina.

"Opening of Armenia Creative Art Studios in Verishen is another important initiative in our community, carried out in partnership with the Armenian community of Argentina and UNICEF. We are deeply grateful to everyone, both in Armenia and abroad, who is committed to building our nation. This beautiful space will indeed become a hub for community development. Led by our youth, this center will foster the growth of our culture and the preservation of our identity," said Goris Deputy Mayor Irina Yolyan.

With the support of the All-Armenia ‘Hayastan’ Fund in Argentina from 2022 to 2024, UNICEF successfully refurbished the Family and Child Support Center in Vanadzor (Lori marz) and Gyumri (Shirak marz). Comprehensive training was also organized for staff to ensure that the most vulnerable children in these communities receive essential services and protection. (Watch more here). UNICEF also provided school furniture and learning materials for 15 classrooms in three schools in Syunik. Furthermore, Goris Kindergarten #5 was renovated and refurbished to ensure the community is prepared to host refugee children and facilitate the continuation of education. (Learn more here)

Finally, a youth house was also established in Artik (Shirak) to equip young people with 21st-century skills, preparing them for entry into the labor market. (Watch more here)

"These remarkable achievements have been made possible thanks to the unwavering support of the Armenian community in Argentina, through All-Armenia "Hayastan" Fund in Argentina and our strong collaboration with the Government of Armenia and local NGOs. Investing in children, adolescents, and young people today lays the foundation for a prosperous society tomorrow. As UNICEF celebrate 30 years of work in Armenia, we recognize that the progress we have made over the past three decades has been driven by partners who share our values and commitment to improving the lives of children. We are looking forward to continuing our partnerships with stakeholders in the public and private sectors as well as civil society to achieve a more significant and lasting impact for children,"- summed up Christine Weigand.