A reflection for CNEWA on Armenian Caritas identity in the perspective of faith dimension Armenian Caritas is a part of the large family of Caritas Internationalis-a confederation of national Caritas organizations which all share the same mission of “Caritas”-charity of the Catholic Church to the people in need everywhere and anytime. As our President, Raphael Archbishop Minasyan, told once: “Caritas is the only child of the Universal Catholic Church, or simply the charitable tool of the Church of the Lord: Can you imagine this unique child, with a very special character coming to the world and telling with the evangelist Mathew:

On June 10, 13 and 20, 2019, the Governor of Lori Region Andrey Ghukasyan, the Governor of Shirak Region Tigran Petrosyan, the Governor of Gegharkunik Region Gnel Sanosyan and the Executive Director of Armenian Caritas BNGO Gagik Tarasyan signed a Memorandum of Understanding undertaking a commitment to multilateral cooperation in order to have the organization’s programs implemented in the communities of the regions more effectively. During the meetings “ARAMAZD. SMART “project was presented, which is planned to be implemented in a number of consolidated communities of Lori, Shirak, and Gegharkunik regions. The goal of the project is to promote sustainable development opportunities for rural youth through the activation of partnerships and cross-sectoral cooperation among community key stakeholders.

On June 10, 2019, the Governor of Lori Marzpetaran Andrey Ghukasyan and the Executive Director of Armenian Caritas BNGO Gagik Tarasyan signed a Memorandum of Understanding undertaking a commitment to multilateral cooperation in order to have the organization’s programs implemented in the communities of the region more effectively. Deputy governor of the region Gayane Markosyan and the responsible of Armenian Caritas “Community Development and Disaster Risk Management” strategic direction Zara Aghayan, were also present at the event. Presenting the purpose of the visit to the governor Gagik Tarasyan mentioned that Armenian Caritas has been operating in Armenia for almost 25 years,

“Armenian Caritas” has received co-financing as a result of the Armenian Government-Armenian Caritas cooperation. Highlighting the program implemented by “Armenian Caritas” Benevolent NGO in Lori region, and services provided by “Sabine” small group house, in 2019 the Armenian Caritas included the “Family, Women and Children Support” expenditure program. 7,818.8 thousand drams were allocated within the framework of the “Services for care of children left without parental care”. The administration of “Armenian Caritas” expresses its deep gratitude to the RA Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and first deputy minister Arsen Manukyan for supporting this crucial program.  

On April 12, within the framework of “Building Local Capacities to Reduce Irregular Migration and Trafficking” Project a discussion-training on migration took place at Gyumri secondary school No.8 with the participation of schoolchildren and some of the “Armenian Caritas” implementing partners. The meeting aimed at raising awareness on the opportunities and challenges of migration among schoolchildren. A hot discussion between the schoolchildren and the trainer started. One of the schoolchildren mentioned: “One of the widespread shortcomings of migration is the high risk of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and another one is brain drain.” Another student highlighted that migration might have also positive consequences,