Grand opening of the “Little prince” social center for children in Tashir was held on May 17. It should be noted that it is the forth center along with centers in Gyumri, Gavar, and Vanadzor.

Grand opening of the “Little prince” social center for children in Tashir was held on May 17. It should be noted that it is the forth center along with centers in Gyumri, Gavar, and Vanadzor. The center was established in the framework of Armenian Caritas “Family based promotion of children and youth in challenging circumstances” project which is funded by Caritas Germany and German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. By means of creation of such centers the organization aims at elevation of social protection of children, youth and their families living in challenging circumstances. Tashir ”Little Prince” social center will provide 30beneficiary children and their families with socio-psychological and legal consultations, as well as some clothing, stationary and items for hygiene. Within the center the classes of computer skills, cooking, design, journalism, sewing and physical exercising will be carried out for children and youth; and for their parents there will be held vocational trainings on computer operation and office administration, sewing, hairdressing and furniture making.

“Establishment of such center was of crucial importance for Tashir as it is considered one of the poorest cities of the country. If we have a closer look at the experience of developed countries, we could see that there each community has a center alike for serving to community children who face social issues. The naming of the center was also purposeful, as it reflects the process of unique development of each child which is stimulated in every of “Little Prince” centers,” – said executive director of Armenian Caritas Anahit Mkhoyan.

The manager of the project “Family based promotion of children and youth in challenging circumstances” Hasmik Sargsyan remarked that raising number of beneficiaries  at the Tashir center is very natural phenomena as the researches held in Tashir discovered that much more children need to attend the similar centers. They are mostly from extremely disadvantaged families, and there are a considerable number of orphans and children living with trustees. Their parents are predominantly unemployed, therefore it is essential to help and empower their families.

During the opening ceremony the speeches were delivered by Armenian Caritas executive director Anahit Mkhoyan, project manager Hasmik Sargsyan, andthe mayor of Tashir Nshan Soghoyan. Dancing and drama performances were staged by children of Gyumri and Tashir centers.

The red ribbon was cut by Mr. Soghoyan and Mrs. Mkhoyan; the Reverent Father Hovsep Kelekyan held the blessing ceremony of the center.