YERKIR USA

YERKIR USA

Glendale , CA , USA – The “Yerkir” organization of Armenia aims at repatriating the dislocated Armenian refugees of Artsakh (Karapagh) into their ancestral homeland. The goal of the organization is to create favorable living conditions for people to repatriate in Artsakh. The organization has offices in the Armenian capitals, Yerevan & Stepanagerd and other Armenian cities and works with various non-Armenia based Diaspora organizations to secure funds for its programs. The programs are focused on creating the necessary infrastructure in the villages of Artsakh, in order to provide the repatriates the much needed economic and social security. Since 1997 and with the help of the Artsakh government, Yerkir has assisted thousands of Armenians in their repatriation efforts. Over the years, numerous programs have been implemented in different areas of Artsakh, many in remote areas of the country, where the need for help is the greatest.

Yerkir is a benevolent, independent, non-governmental, non-political organization with no affiliation with any political organization or current. The humanitarian principles upon which the organization is founded, give it a universally accepted image and nature. The donors of the organization range from some of the smallest to some of the largest Armenian organizations in the Diaspora. The organization also works with numerous Armenian individuals who actively provide personal financial and moral support for the achievement of the common goals.

During the past 12 months, Yerkir has extended its branch into Southern California , home of one of the largest Armenian Diaspora communities in the world. Through the generous contributions of Southern California Armenian organizations and individuals, several projects have already been undertaken in Artsakh, including the reconstruction of homes in the village of Araler located in Hatrout, in the southern region of Artsakh and the reconstruction of the school in the village of Dzar located in the northwestern region of Artsakh.

Presently, Yerkir has numerous projects in Artsakh, which are in immediate need of funding and implementation. In order to raise awareness in the Southern California community and create a higher level of understanding of the importance of the repatriation program in Artsakh, the executive director of Yerkir Armenia, Sevag Ardzrouni, will be visiting the US and Canada in early April 2003. At a public gathering on Friday April 11, 2003 at 7:30 PM, at Glendale's St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church (1510 E. Mountain street, Glendale, 91207, corner of Verdugo & Mountain) , Sevag Ardzrouni will present the organization's goals, achievements and upcoming programs. The event is intended to be educational and non-fundraising in nature. The general public and specially leaders and representatives of all Armenian organizations and institutions are strongly encouraged to attend this very important and unique in its kind event. Admission is free.