Levon was one of the six beneficiaries of “Development of capacities of persons with disabilities forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and their family members and promotion of their employment” project implemented by EREO with support of “Emergency Response” project of STRIVE. After being forcibly displaced from his hometown Harutyunagomer of Martakert region of Nagorno-Kharabakh in September of 2023, Levon settled in the Gugark village, Lori Marz, Armenia. He was the only beneficiary of this project who did not have a family and lived all alone, and no one to take care of him. 

Given the situation the local authorities of Gugark referred him to this project. Despite having a serious hand disability this person was making handicrafts of wood and plaster. Levon’s diligence and unbreakable spirit encouraged also the other beneficiaries of the project, who were just learning a new profession attending the make-up and cooking classes.

Unlike them Levon already had all the skills in woodcraft and plastering. But being displaced from his home in no time, he has left all his equipment and tools behind. To help him to earn his daily bread, EREO provided Levon with all the necessary equipment, tools and materials within the framework of this project.

Levon had the first mini exhibition of his works in Armenia on the closing event of the project. Though the homesick sadness remained in his eyes, we hoped that the project would be an incentive for him and all other beneficiaries, giving them the opportunity to do the work of their choice, solve the employment issue and take care of their family needs.

“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.

22 April 2024, Monday | 168