How summer camps are changing the lives of refugee children in Armenia

On the road to Hermon village in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the world, stands a three-story building – Camp Siranush. Inside, the space buzzes with excitement and chatter, but after 10 days together, the children have developed such familiarity that they can communicate effortlessly, even without words. 

Today, 60 teenagers, boys and girls aged 15 to 17, are preparing the dinner table. The walls at the camp, which is run by the UNICEF and partners, are adorned with stories and drawings created by the children, bringing their emotions and memories to life.

“Children often face numerous challenges when displaced or settling into a new environment, which can negatively impact their physical and mental health, hindering their ability to move forward and reach their full potential,” explains Hayk Khemchyan, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Armenia. “Through the camp, we aim to help children and teenagers develop self-awareness, manage their emotions, form strong relationships, set goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. These are skills they need not only during this difficult time but throughout their lives.”

Starting in June 2024, in collaboration with UNICEF and with support from the governments of Norway, France and the European Investment Bank Institue, five rounds of this summer camp took place. This year, the camps were organized by the Community Development NGO. Participants included local teenagers from the Vayots Dzor, Syunik, Gegharkunik and Ararat regions, as well as those who had settled there since September 2023. 

Project coordinator Kima Kirakosyan says it is a significant achievement to see boys and girls working together, especially since many of the boys refused to set or clear the table in the first few days, viewing it as a ‘girl’s job.’ She enjoys observing the development of the children’s interactions, noting that while participants often stand apart on the first day, everyone is friends by the end.

“The fact that everyone has to wake up at 8 a.m., exercise, eat breakfast and follow a clear agenda helps the children not only return to a normal routine but also develop a discipline that will hopefully benefit them beyond the camp,” explains Kima. “At first, there were children who were reluctant to participate in the therapy sessions or speak with a psychologist, but that changed over time.”

“Although there is a set course and we don’t plan individual meetings, I never refuse if a child expresses a desire to talk. During one of our sessions, a child became quite emotional about a topic that didn’t initially seem to evoke such feelings. The child said he didn’t want to talk, but I couldn’t just send him away after the session. With his permission, we spent about half an hour discussing the issue.”

Activities at the camp include games, theatre, singing and dancing and handicrafts. The children regularly rotate between groups, allowing them to get to know others, and discover new talents and abilities. 

Armine Vardanyan is the camp’s psychologist and workshop leader. She had a detailed agenda for the 10 days for all five rounds of the camps, especially given the large group from the Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik regions. Together, they followed a well-developed strategy guided by UNICEF’s 21st-century skills methodology.

“When there are many emotions, patience is key,” says Armine. “For displaced children, it’s crucial to have natural processes, as this can make overcoming trauma a bit easier. Trauma must be processed, but sometimes we see that it seems to have been overcome on the surface, only for an unexpected emotional outburst to occur later.” 

During their lessons, children are given various tools and skills to help them overcome trauma, analyze interpersonal relationships, engage in self-awareness and more. Armine says that the knowledge gained at this camp can serve as a catalyst for developing various skills. 

“Even passive information that a child absorbs can be valuable,” she says.

The camp makes no distinctions between newcomers and locals, as many factors unite the children – their age, concerns about entering higher education, emotions and more.

“For 10 days, we hold one-and-a-half-hour lessons with groups of 20 children, discussing topics such as self-awareness, conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships and problem-solving,” explains Armine.

Children are provided with an exercise book containing relevant notes and information, which they use both in the classroom and on their own.

Fifteen-year-old Nver, who aspires to become a winemaker, settled in the village of Areni in the Vayots Dzor region after being displaced. He feels the camp has helped him to adjust to his new environment.