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UNICEF, People in Need (PIN) Armenia, Ijevan Municipality and Together Without Borders NGO have signed memoranda of understanding to expand the network of support services for children and families in Tavush and Syunik regions.
Under the partnership, two new centres for children will be established in Achajur and Aygehovit in Tavush region by the end of 2026, benefiting around 200 children aged five to 15, including children from displaced families.
The space for children in Aygehovit will be renovated with support from the Government of Japan, while a similar space will be established in Achajur using UNICEF humanitarian funding. The initiative will create safe and inclusive environments where children can learn, play, develop life skills and receive psychosocial support.
The existing child-centred space in Meghri municipality, Syunik region, will be expanded with UNICEF humanitarian funding to improve access to child protection, mental health, psychosocial support and educational services for more than 80 children. Children from Meghri and neighbouring communities will receive social, psychological and educational support at the centre through the services of a social worker, psychologist, art therapist, speech therapist and special education teacher, without having to leave their communities.
“Children and their families have the right to receive the services they need within their communities to help them develop to their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. Over the past decade, UNICEF has supported Armenia in expanding the range and accessibility of these services across the country, while also developing the capacity needed to ensure their continuous and sustainable provision,” said Dr Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Armenia. “By expanding our partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child, particularly those affected by displacement and those in vulnerable situations, has a safe space in their community and access to quality support services, enabling them to build a fulfilling life.”
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with UNICEF and help create new, safe and welcoming environments for children in their communities. Our experience and conversations with parents show that these centres can truly change the lives of children and families. Here, children have opportunities to interact with one another, overcome speech and communication difficulties, gain confidence and, most importantly, simply enjoy their childhood,” said Kristopher Schmitz, Country Director of People in Need Armenia. “We also work closely with municipalities and local civil society organisations to ensure that these services continue to operate after the programme ends and remain an integral part of community life.”
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to our partners for this important initiative and their sustained efforts to support children’s development. We are confident that these centres will create new opportunities for children’s development, provide vital support to families and help foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for children in the community,” said Artur Chagharyan, Head of Ijevan Municipality.
“Today is an important and symbolic day for us all. Today, our vision of partnership and cooperation takes its first firm step forward. We express our deep gratitude to everyone who has believed in this initiative, supported its implementation and stands alongside us today. May this partnership mark the beginning of a new phase of cooperation in support of our children and a community where every child can find their place and participate fully in public life,” said Paytsar Tumanyan, President of Together Without Borders NGO.
Over the past five years, UNICEF and People in Need Armenia have established, expanded, renovated and opened eight similar safe spaces for children in Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions, with support from the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNICEF humanitarian funding.
These centres support children affected by conflict and displacement, as well as children in host communities and their caregivers, providing a safe environment for learning, recreation, psychosocial support and social inclusion.
These spaces for children are established, expanded, renovated and opened in close cooperation with local and regional authorities, which play a key role in managing the centres and ensuring their continued operation. Municipal and regional partners are expected to continue supporting these spaces after the programme ends, ensuring their sustainability and continuity beyond the programme’s completion.