It was less than one year ago that the 11 members of the “One Village” initiative came together and chose Navur Village (pop. 1,100) in Armenia’s impoverished Tavush Province as the place they would try to empower during 2019.
Just days ago it was finally time to celebrate the fruits of One Village’s collaboration with Navur’s leaders, which include a renovated potable water system, a refurbished football field and basketball court, and new playgrounds. The village now also has new vital agro-machinery, courtesy of FAR and our BCPP program.
FAR joined One Village in 2015 when Shen, Children of Armenia Fund, Development Principles, World Vision Armenia, Teach for Armenia, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Caritas and others gathered to support Martuni Village in Gegharkunik Province. The group renovated and reopened the village’s kindergarten and renovated the potable water system.
This is not the first time FAR has tried to help Navur, however.
“Three years ago, we made an investment by providing livestock to Navur’s farming cooperative and it paid off. The cooperative is currently expanding its activities and, apart from livestock, it’s also involved in agricultural cultivation. We are committed to working with the cooperative to make it a positive model where farmers can channel their energies and benefit from their work,” said FAR Economic Development Projects Manager Eric Baghdasaryan during a site visit to Navur. “This is a unique opportunity to continue collaborating with organizations to bring together the most valuable knowledge and expertise, to unite efforts, as well as to bring sustainable results to rural communities.”
FAR supports the project through it Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP), which is funded by The Mardigian Family Foundation.