Partnering with technology companies, FAR created GTech in 2005 to enhance the skills of young Armenians and broaden their opportunities in an economically depressed region. Growth of a qualified labor force has revitalized the economy, spurring partner companies to open branches in Gyumri. The Armenian government has also invested in IT infrastructure.
In 2002, FAR was awarded a $15 million five-year contract from USAID to rebuild infrastructure, develop health care and reinvigorate the agricultural community of Karabagh, which was devastated by an eight-year war with Azerbaijan. FAR was able to rebuild and repair more than 450 sites throughout Karabagh. The impact of these projects touches the lives of at least 30,000 people and brings economic growth to the region.
In 1999, FAR launched the Gulamerian Vocational Training Program. The program places older orphans into short-term internships where they gain real-life work experience. Since its inception, program beneficiaries have successfully found employment through these efforts.
