“Comforting Workshop” project was implemented by “Improve Our Village” NGO in the framework of “Emergency Response” project of STRIVE.

The name of the project was not chosen by chance, because it was aimed at teaching 10 women who were forcibly displaced from their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, sewing and pattern making, so that they could work again, help their families, and thereby alleviate the deep pain of their loss.

All the beneficiaries of the project were women of different ages. Some of them had just become mothers, and some were preparing for the birth of grandchildren. However, they were all united with one wish: a day before to become able to lighten the burden of the family with their work. 

At the closing ceremony of the project, their eyes were already filled with hope, and their fingers were skillfully working with the sewing machine and fabrics. In addition to sewing and pattern knowledge and skills, within the framework of the program, each of them also received a sewing machine and a package of other necessary professional accessories.

"“Comforting Workshop” was extremely important for us. This project not only gave us the opportunity to get a new profession and generate income through it, but we also felt that this is our home, where we are loved, where we will live in peace," said one of the beneficiaries in her thank you speech on the closing event of the project.

“Emergency Response” component of the “STRIVE” project is co-funded by the European Union and “Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation,” and implemented by NEF-Belgium (NEF) and four local partners: “Agate” Rights Defense Center for Women with Disabilities NGO, “Blejan” Ecological, Social, Business Support NGO, ''WINNET Goris'' Development Foundation and “YCCD” Youth Cooperation Center of Dilijan NGO.
 

16 May 2024, Thursday | 195