When There’s No Way Back, You Move Forward: A Refugee Story

Mornings at the Khachatryans' home begin with the loud, clear crow of a rooster, a sound as calming as music and a perfect wake-up call for the farmer’s day.

Though the family once lived in Stepanakert, Artsakh, everything changed after their forced displacement. Today, Shmavon Khachatryan has found new purpose in the peaceful, green village of Gandzakar in Armenia’s Tavush Province.

Every morning, Shmavon checks on his poultry, more than 100 hens and chickens, led by a single rooster, who remains nameless. His young son, Eric Khachatryam 10, simply calls him “Red.” Unafraid, the boy is also the one who collects the eggs at the end of each day.

Shmavon began poultry farming in 2023, soon after the family resettled in Gandzakar with hopes of eventually buying a home there. With support from FAR, he received a modern incubator that helped launch the small family business. Today, they raise poultry both for meat and egg production.

“People go to the store and buy frozen products but they could choose fresh, local ones instead. That difference says it all. If you don’t work with love, there’s no progress. When we first arrived, we were in shock. But when you know there’s no going back, you start looking ahead. If you want to move forward, you have to carve your own path,” says Shmavon in a short film that tells the story of his family and the farm they’ve built with FAR’s support.

Watch the full film and stand with us to make a lasting impact in the lives of our Artsakhtsi brothers and sisters by donating to FAR today.