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Training and socio-professional integration for Artsakh refugees resettled in Yaghdan

  • 2024 Winner

ACFOA Septèmes

Context

Located in the Lori region of northern Armenia, the village of Yaghdan suffered significant depopulation after the collapse of the USSR, with over 70% of its population leaving, primarily for Greece. Today, many houses remain vacant but in good condition, offering potential resettlement for refugee families.

In a context marked by the mass exodus of people from Artsakh at the end of 2023, this project aims to provide long-term accommodation for displaced families in the village of Yaghdan. Supported by the municipality and a local agricultural cooperative, the project is part of a broader effort to revitalize the village's economic and social development.

Existing agricultural activities, land accessibility, residents' interest in new economic opportunities, and proximity to major tourist sites make Yaghdan a territory conducive to the development of income-generating activities around agriculture and solidarity tourism.

  • Country: Armenia
  • Location: Yaghdan, Lori region
  • Sector of intervention:
    Agriculture, Food Sovereignty
  • La Guilde Endowment: €12,500
  • Project cost: €32,310
  • Project leader: Cultural Association of French People of Armenian Origin from Septèmes-les-Vallons and its surroundings
  • In partnership with: Marion Dadikian Foundation – Miasin (Dadikian Foundation)
Funder(s):
• La Guilde
• The Fondation de France
• The Gratitude Foundation

Project objectives

  • Promoting the socio-professional integration of Artsakh refugees
  • To contribute to the economic revitalization of the village of Yaghdan, particularly through community-based tourism activities
  • Develop diversified and sustainable agricultural activities
  • Promoting gender equality in local economic activities

Activities

  • Installation of a 200 m² agricultural greenhouse with irrigation system, heating and solar panels.
  • Training in greenhouse cultivation, provided by the Armenian Fund of France.
  • Supply of bakery/pastry equipment.
  • Training in tourism activities and the sale of local products.
  • Technical monitoring of crops and tourism initiatives over one year.

Direct beneficiaries

The project will directly benefit 16 people, refugees from Artsakh and residents of Yaghdan (10 for agricultural activity, including 5 refugees, and 6 for tourism activities, including 3 refugees).

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Through its Microprojects division, the NGO La Guilde, in partnership with the French Development Agency and the Fondation de France, supports the implementation of microprojects serving sustainable development internationally.