One year after our project’s launch, Artsakh’s first group of trained paraprofessional social workers is ready to move ahead and make a difference.
“Today you are certified to elevate the voices of Artsakh’s people, to protect their rights, and ultimately contribute to their psychosocial rehabilitation,” said FAR Children’s Center Executive Director Dr. Mira Antonyan at their graduation ceremony. “Establishment of The Social Workers Institute is the first step towards promoting socio-economic development for the people of Artsakh.”
The Social Workers for Artsakh Project started last year to help fill a gap in Artsakh, a place that was devoid of a social services system. Now, 25 paraprofessionals have completed 216 hours of training, and each will work specifically on establishing psychosocial support centers in Artsakh.
The project eventually aims to train a total of 175 social workers.
"The program not only provides personal growth, but it also contributes to a cultural change in the field, ultimately putting social work on the map in Artsakh,” said Arevik Harutyunyan, a social worker from Stepanakert who is currently working with about 30 families in Stepanakert.
Launched in 2021, Social Workers for Artsakh is an inclusive psychosocial protection program developed and implemented through the FAR Children’s Center. This vital project is also sponsored by the Estate of Mary Bahadourian and the Myron and Mary Shahinian Stapanian Fund.
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