An awareness campaign was held in Gyumri on the initiative of the volunteer corps of the Armenian Caritas to prevent Covid-19 epidemic. The action was carried out in “58” district of Gyumri. Volunteers from the “9 Steps to the Labor Market” program also joined the action. The action was called “Wear a mask”. The aim of the campaign was to keep the public in the center of attention by observing the rules of safe behavior during the coronavirus. While distributing the masks, the volunteers reminded citizens of the established rules: to wear a mask, to maintain social distance, to disinfect hands,

“Armenian Caritas” BNGO, “Caritas Georgia” and “Caritas Germany” organized an online conference “Supporting inclusive education in schools” in the frame of the project “Inclusive and equitable quality education for all” funded by German Federal Ministry for economic cooperation and development through Caritas Germany.  The conference took place on July 23, 2020. The aim of the conference is to contribute to the positive development of inclusive education in Armenia and Georgia. Therefore, the conference brought together international and local experts, stakeholders and actors involved in the field to discuss the advantages and challenges of the inclusive education, share best practices and discuss adaptability in local settings.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has provided Armenian Caritas with food commodities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The two agencies will provide food assistance to vulnerable individuals across the daycare center “Little Prince” in Gyumri, Artashat and Vanadzor cities, as well as Center for Children and Youth with Multiple Disabilities “Emili Aregak”. Over 360 beneficiaries in Gyumri, Artashat, and Vanadzor benefitted from additional food items from WFP within Caritas food baskets, which Caritas provides to the vulnerable families in Armenia on a regular basis to support their food security and livelihood. Thanks to such partnerships it becomes possible to ensure a more comprehensive response to COVID-19.

At the suggestion of the Shirak regional administration, the organization acquired and provided the province with PPE – Personal Protective Equipment /200 protective goggles and 200 protective medical clothing/. They will be given to the Gyumri Infection Hospitaland other hospitals. The initiative was made possible with the financial support of Renovabis, CaritasInnsbruck/Austria and the USABishopsConference . If necessary, the Armenian Caritas will also acquire and provide requested items with the remaining money. “Organizational, preparatory works are being carried out. There is a great need for protective, disinfectant supplies worldwide. It is true that professional institutions are provided with these items,

Armenian Caritas organized a 3-day training in the cultural and warm atmosphere of «Machanents» Guesthouse from February 21 to 23 for those pupils who will become peer to peer educators spreading the values of inclusive education among their peers to build together more inclusive school and become the driving force for changes in their schools. Under the guidance of their trainer Artashes Torozyan pupils got acquainted with the principles of inclusive education, their rights and responsibilities, learnt about the best example of inclusive school: the Finnish school. They acquired skills to conduct trainings, worked in groups and presented their suggestions.