The Soroptimists of Yerevan launched an initiative to support young women displaced from Artsakh (Karabakh) by recent military conflict, aiming to provide both immediate relief and educational support to improve their livelihood in Armenia.
With the support of the Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE) Disaster Fund, the project targeted 30 women, offering them vocational training through the TeachMe centre in fields like Social Media Marketing (SMM), Graphic Design, and UI/UX Design, chosen for high job demand in Armenia.
Through social media outreach, 33 women applied for courses, with 15 selected for the SMM program, resulting in six participants already finding employment, including a position at TeachMe itself.
In addition to training, the club provided critical relief, distributing 100 sets of blankets and bedding to refugee families across Armenia. With limited financial resources, each Club member also took responsibility for supporting a family, supplying essential items like washing machines and warm clothing.
Key results include:
Six women employed in SMM, two in Graphic Design, and one in UI/UX roles, with several others at the interview stage.
Five trainees expressed an interest in volunteering with the Club.
The Club aims to further assist seven additional women eager to enrol in SMM but constrained by finances.
This project has become a model of success and compassion within the Soroptimist community, illustrating the impact of focused relief combined with professional development.
Testimony from a beneficiary:
“I am Milena, a professional carpet weaver from Nagorno-Karabakh, displaced to Armenia after the 2023 conflict. Joining the Soroptimists of Yerevan project gave me invaluable business knowledge, connections, and hope. To my surprise, I received a carpet weaving loom and threads as a prize, which became the foundation of my small business. Thanks to this support, I can create again and plan for the future. The skills, inspiration, and psychological support I gained, have empowered me to pursue my dreams.”
