Sponsors: Armenian American Nurses Association
Anadolian Family
A group of LA Armenians
Mr. & Mrs. Apo and Rose Saghtejian
Patyl Aposhian & Family (USA)
Sponsors - Armenian American Council on Aging (USA)
The Community
Haykavan is located in the southern Hadrut Region of the Mountainous Karabagh Republic, 52Km from the Regional City of Hadrut and 35 Km from Jabrael, at an altitude of 1235m from sea level. The village is the gate to one of two southern mountain passes leading into the heart of south Karabagh.
The river running through the Haykavan valley is the principal source of water irrigating the fertile planes of the Arax valley.
The Educational System
As of May 2003, Haykavan’s population numbered 12 families, 50 people, among which 14 were born in the village since 1995. Out of the 21 youngsters of age 0-18 living in the village, two are currently serving in the Army.
In the fiscal year 2003-2004, the village has 9 school age children, to which the new inhabitant’s children will be added.
The Socio-Economic Conditions
The community is in general in poor economic condition. The present number of livestock in the village is not sufficient for the population. Fortunately, the village is supplied with water and power and plenty of farmland is available to the community. Drinking water is also available to most households.
As of 2002, the village was incorporated into the Hadrut Region, with the help of which, the community was able to further develop its agriculture. Until recently, the absence of a viable clinic and a community center in Haykavan has been a major obstacle in the development of the community, giving the locals a feeling of insecurity and isolation in their own town.
Yerkir UNGO rebuilds Haykavan
Starting in August 2003, Yerkir USA started a fundraising campaign, to help secure funds and sponsors for the Yerkir UNGO “Project Haykavan”, which included:
1. Construction of five new single-family homes and renovation of three.
2. Construction and furnishing of a new school.
3. Construction and furnishing of a clinic-community center complex.
4. Repair and completion of the water distribution piping system in the village.
5. Assistance in the areas of agriculture and cattle raising, as well as wheat farming.
Yerkir USA’s “Project Haykavan” fundraising campaign was a success. Through fundraisers and sponsorships by generous individuals and organizations, the necessary funds were raised and sent to Yerkir UNGO for construction to begin in March 2004. See the list of “Project Haykavan” sponsors.
On August 18th, 2004, Haykavan witnessed the grand opening of its new clinic-community center complex as well as five new homes and on September 10, 2004 the new school was opened. Sponsors from Los Angeles had arrived at both events, to share their joy with the local Armenian community.
The historic village of Haykavan is reborn!
Yerkir UNGO commits to continuing its efforts to support and grow Haykavan. We are presently looking for sponsors to build five additional homes as well as sponsors to implement Yerkir Fund agricultural assistance programs in the community.
To become a sponsor for a Haykavan Home or a family through the Yerkir Fund project, contact Yerkir USA at contact@yerkirusa.org or 818-291-9703.
