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Study Visit Journal: EU4Youth Team Explores Social Enterprises in Armenia
In February 2023, the EU4Youth project team and the five social entrepreneurs from the EU4Youth Social Enterprise Accelerator, embarked on a study visit to social enterprises in Armenia. Guided by the passionate team at Development Principles NGO, we had the opportunity to meet visionary entrepreneurs from Armenia who have harnessed the power of business to create positive social change.
From Gyumri, the cultural heart of Armenia, to the picturesque regions of Tavush and beyond, this captivating adventure unveiled a tapestry of resilient communities, unique initiatives, and transformative ideas.
Join us as we unveil the remarkable journey of the EU4Youth team, where the spirit of entrepreneurship and social innovation converged, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those who witnessed the power of change in action.
Day 1
Our first stop was in the city of Gyumri, the second-largest city in the country and the cultural capital of Armenia. Gyumri is home to the first National Opera and the first theater in the country, both established in 1912 and 1923, respectively.
In Gyumri, we visited two social enterprises established through programs run by Development Principles NGO:
- "Shushanik" / Gorovanq Youth Center: This tailoring workshop employs eight women from disadvantaged groups. The workshop's revenues support the operation of an educational center for disadvantaged children and youth, established by an NGO over 35 years ago after the devastating earthquake in 1988. The center offers theater workshops and an English club, providing free services to 110 beneficiaries. It is truly a place one can call a soulful sanctuary.
- Salon Eduard: This salon provides cosmetic and hairstyling services. Its mission is to offer employment opportunities for women from vulnerable groups and provide free training. Over 20 single mothers have already had the opportunity to learn a trade here.
After our visits to these social enterprises, we continued our tour, exploring important monuments in the city and concluding at the Berlin ART Hotel, which houses a contemporary art gallery. This social hotel was constructed after the 1988 earthquake with donations from Berlin residents, and its revenues support a medical center.
Day 2
Our tour of social enterprises in Armenia continued in two cities that have come to life through the establishment of unique social enterprises. These enterprises have created employment opportunities for disadvantaged women and people with disabilities, and have started to change mindsets.
- BeeLife: This social enterprise operates in the field of beekeeping and was founded by one of the few female beekeepers in the country. We had the opportunity to participate in a workshop on candle making using beeswax—an extraordinary experience.
- Sofi Lux: This workshop specializes in clothing and textile production using cotton. It creates job opportunities for disadvantaged women and people with disabilities. One of the employees, at the age of 46, obtained her first job here.
- Emily Cake: This is the first confectionery in the city of Spitak. It was the founder's childhood dream. Here, one can indulge in sweet delicacies suitable for vegetarians and diabetics. The social aspect of this enterprise is to provide free training to single mothers and unemployed women.
- Glamping Park: Located in the mountains of the Lori region, this magnificent park was founded by a family of bankers. The social mission of the enterprise is to provide free access to informal education for children from vulnerable families, including language courses, IT and business training, and personal development activities.
- Apricot - Armenian Handmade Souvenirs: This enterprise produces souvenirs and mountain teas. The tea plants are purchased from women living in mountainous areas who are thus remunerated for their work. The souvenirs are made by people with disabilities, and 36 out of the 40 workshop employees are persons with disabilities.
- EdPlast: This is the first plastic recycling center in Spitak. The enterprise was founded by an Armenian language teacher who wanted to clean the city of the PET bottles that were flooding it. Now, these bottles become raw materials for various materials or construction accessories.
- Boo Mountain Bike Park: This social enterprise pioneers the development of tourism in a former industrial area. In a location with a panoramic view of the city of Vanadzor, a nature and cycling enthusiast couple has built a spectacular place where one can enjoy a coffee or even work. Events, film screenings, and cycling tours are organized here as well.
Day 3
Our tour of social enterprises in Armenia concluded in the Tavush region, where we visited three enterprises:
- Bridge Art: This social enterprise creates handmade accessories, gifts, dolls, and wooden toys crafted by individuals with physical disabilities and their family members. The social enterprise was established by an NGO that provides therapy programs for 100 children with disabilities. Currently, the enterprise's revenue covers the transportation costs of children from neighboring villages.
- Novel Art Cafe: This place brings together gastronomy, art, and handicrafts created by women in the region. It is a community that inspires and supports one another.
- Armenecoop: This enterprise produces high-quality personalized pencil cases and textile bags. It offers opportunities for young mothers with small children to achieve self-realization and gain employment. While the mothers work or participate in training, their children enjoy playtime in a specially designed space.
Our study visit concluded in Yerevan with a surprise meeting. His Excellency Cornel Ionescu, the Romanian Ambassador to Armenia, honored us with his presence at a dinner organized by Anahit Ghazanchyan, the President of Development Principles NGO. Ambassador Ionescu, a person of extraordinary culture and experience, is deeply involved in developing relations between our countries and is interested in the potential of social economy to bring about positive changes.
The Study Visit in Armenia - a TV Program Topic
We also shared the story about the study visit on TVR Iași, during the Accent Regional show hosted by Ovidiu Mihăiuc.