Cooking Dreams, Creating Futures for Deaf Youth

While Anna carefully slices carrots for a fresh salad, her classmate Samvel Asatryan captures the moment with a beaming smile. He gestures with excitement, his phone in one hand, filming snippets of their class to turn into a short video for social media.

Thanks to FAR’s pioneering Social Media Marketing training course, along with a cooking program, students like Anna and Samvel, who are deaf or hard of hearing, are gaining practical skills and confidence that were once out of reach. 

“I’ve always dreamed of learning to cook,” Anna says, eyes on her salad. “I used to watch food videos online, but I thought I’d never have the chance to actually learn. Now I can.” Samvel, on the other hand, has discovered a passion for digital storytelling. “SMM may even be my job one day,” he syas enthusiastically.

Launched by FAR for the students of the Yerevan Special Educational Complex for Children with Hearing Impairments, and members-specialists of the Armenian Deaf Association (ADA), the SMM program is the first of its kind in Armenia. Over the courses, 35 young people were trained in cooking, content creation, photo editing, audience engagement, and basic analytics. Another training designed for the professionals working with deaf youth also covered essential soft skills, team building, crisis management, and burnout prevention. Surdo-translators of ADA received professional development too, helping bridge communication for more inclusive education.

Before designing the program, FAR conducted deep research to identify the unique needs and aspirations of deaf youth. “The job market can be a harsh place for people with disabilities, especially hearing impairments,” notes FAR Economic Development Director Erik Baghdasaryan. “But we believed that if we met them where they are, with relevant, skill-based, and empowering training, we could help change that.”

Culinary training was led by renowned Armenian chef and mentor Arbi Gharakhani. “We started with theory, basic techniques, safety, and hygiene,” he says. “Then we moved to practice: identifying ingredients, learning knife skills, and understanding how to work in a real kitchen. They were focused, passionate, and eager to learn.”

For Anna, Samvel, and their peers, the program offered more than just skills; it offered dignity, joy, and a pathway to self-reliance.

Your support can ensure transforming lives of these young people, breaking down barriers, and building a more inclusive Armenia. Donate to FAR today, and empower tomorrow.