PARAMUS, NJ — On the occasion of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, AMA-Armenia took the initiative to coordinate the formation of a Consortium of 6 NGOs (AMA-Armenia, Development Principles, “Shen” Charity NGO, World Vision Armenia, COAF, Fund for Armenia Relief) to join efforts in support of Martuni Village, in the Republic of Armenia.
The Village, located in the north-eastern part of the Gegharkunik Region, on the southern shores of Lake Sevan, was founded in 1921 and its first inhabitants were Genocide survivors, mostly from Van, Alashkert, Kars and Sasun who had emigrated. The Village is 132 kilometers from Yerevan.
On March 4, 2016, these organizations and two new partners, Teach for Armenia and the Armenia Round Table of the World Council of Churches (WCC), visited Martuni to evaluate and review the work of the past year which included:
· COAF financed the renovation of the health post of the Martuni community.
· World Vision presented their newly formed Engineering Club and its newly acquired Robotics lab of the school.
· “Shen” NGO showed the new Village website (www.martunigyugh.am) which presents the history of the Village, current conditions and a project which was also financed by Shen; the installation of water pipes providing drinking water for most of the villagers.
· AMA-Armenia helped the villagers acquire 2 brand new tractors and 10 gasoline powered harvesters. These will help villagers harvest hay to feed their cattle during the winter months and also cultivate their lands.
· FAR presented scholarships to Martuni Village high school students.
· Development Principles granted 13 pregnant cows to low income families within the community.
· AMA-Armenia partnered with Teach for Armenia to send a well-trained teacher to teach IT courses and help students develop leadership skills.
The Partners also visited the computer lab which was provided by the WCC Armenian Round Table.
Representatives of each organization also met with community members and discussed various projects. The community members were very appreciative for all the help provided to them and expressed their suggestions and thoughts. All the villagers were excited and encouraged about the work that is being rendered by this consortium.
The mission of this partnership is to help increase the standard of living in Martuni and eventually help other villages. This cooperation of different Armenian organizations is an example of how synergy multiplies the efforts of each individual organization.
