On March 20, 2018, Aleppo Compatriotic Charitable Organization (Aleppo-NGO) and the WCC Armenian Round Table Foundation (ART) launched their new, joint project: “Bright Future for Syrian-Armenian Youth”.

“There have been many Syrian-Armenian youth projects implemented over the years in Armenia,” said Sarkis Balkhian, executive director of Aleppo-NGO, during his opening remarks. “But this one is unique because the youth has an opportunity to choose the specific training programs, seminars, conferences, and activities they are most interested in and have the need for.”

Rubina Devrikyan, a representative of Armenian Round Table Foundation, introduced the goals of the project and added that “Better Future for Syrian-Armenian Youth” will not only include trainings and seminars but also small scholarships for Syrian-Armenian students, fellows, and interns in need. Moreover, they will also participate in pilgrimages and field trips over the next four months and have joint activities with local Armenian youth to facilitate integration.

After a group of experts presented more than fifteen training and capacity building program opportunities to the youth, more than 60 Syrian-Armenian high school and university students as well as young professional cast their votes to choose the top 5 activities and training programs they wish to partake in. Consequently, based on the results of the ballots, Aleppo-NGO will organize and implement the following training programs for the youth:

•         Conversational English;
•         Architecture Trainings (Autocat; Revit; 3DsMax; Lumion; Archicut; Photoshop);
•         Introduction to Web Design and Development;
•         Neuro-Linguistic Programming
•         First Aid Training
•         Microsoft Office Package

The “Better future for Syrian-Armenian Youth” program aims to empower Syrian-Armenian youth, who escaped the ongoing conflict in Syria and settled in Armenia, through training and capacity building activities. The project also aims to facilitate the deepening of relations between Syrian and local Armenian youth through joint activities. At least 80 Syrian-Armenians will participate in the activities, seminars, conferences, and trainings of this four-month program.

Those who were not able to attend the opening session on March 20th are encouraged to reach out to Aleppo-NGO at info@aleppo-ngo.org and lauras@aleppo-ngo.org to participate in the activities and trainings, inquire about scholarship opportunities, etc.