March, 19, 2004, Yerevan, Armenia
For more information contact: Robert Tatoyan, rob@yerkir.org
"YERKIR", UNION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
FOR REPATRIATION AND SETTLEMENT
REPORTS ON ITS FIRST YEAR OF ACTIVITIES
"Yerkir", Union of Non-Governmental Organizations for Repatriation and Settlement was founded in November, 2002. By unifying the efforts of various organizations from the R.A. ( Republic of Armenia), MKR ( Mountainous Karabagh Republic) and the Armenian Diaspora, the organization engaged in the social, economic and cultural development of border villages of RA and MKR. The organization has chapters in USA, Europe and Canada and an upcoming chapter in the Middle East.
"Yerkir"'s principal objectives are:
1. Assist in the re-population and settlement of the border regions of RA and MKR.
2. Assist in the social, economic and cultural development of the border regions of RA and MKR.
3. Assist in the research and protection of the historical and cultural heritage of the border regions of RA and MKR.
"Yerkir" works on improving the socio-economic and cultural problems of post-war restored villages, as well as the reestablishment of the historic Armenian settlements of the region.
In 2003, during its first year of operation, "Yerkir" implemented the following projects:
Construction and furnishing of a school in the village of Araler, Hadrout Region, MKR (sponsor- Charles Ghazerian of France).
Construction and furnishing of the "Hakop Poyajian Bokhboj" kindergarten in memory of Hakob Poyadjian, in the village of Arakiul, Hadrout Region, MKR (sponsor- the Poyajian family of Los Angeles, USA).
Construction and furnishing of the Madteos Tsaretsi school in the village of Tsar, Nor Shahumian Region, MKR (sponsors- A group of Los Angeles USA Armenians).
The following "Yerkir" projects are currently in progress:
Construction and furnishing, including medical equipment, of a hospital, in the village Araler, Hadrout Region, MKR (sponsor- "Hayrenik" Union of Los Angeles, USA).
Construction of 5 (five) houses, a medical center, as well as the water distribution system, in the village of Norashen, Hadrout Region, MKR (sponsor- AGBU France).
Construction and furnishing of a school in the village of Norashen (sponsor- AGBU Western USA).
Construction of 8 (eight) houses, a water distribution system as well as establishment of small and medium households engaged in domestic animal farming activity, in the village of Saralanch, Hadrout Region, MKR (sponsor- France Karabagh).
Construction of 8 (eight) houses, construction and furnishing of a school as well as construction and furnishing of a medical center and a community-youth center, in the village of Haykavan, Hadrout Region, MKR (sponsors-Armenian American Nurse's Association, the Anatolian family of Los Angeles, a group of Los Angeles Armenians, Mr. & Mrs. Apo and Rosine Saghdejian of Fresno, Mr. and Mrs. William So and Astghik Dadrian of Newport Beach, California, Armenian American Council on Aging).
Remodeling and furnishing of the school building, construction of a medical center and a community-youth center, in the village of Tsamdzor, Hadrout Region, MKR (sponsor, " Armenia" Foundation of Geneva, Switzerland).
Procurement and installation of temporary mobile homes in the village of Ijevanatun, Hadrout Region, MKR (sponsor- "Monte Melkonian" Fund).
Remodeling and furnishing of the school building in the village of Arakiul, Hadrout Region, MKR, (sponsor - the Poyajian family of Los Angeles).
Construction of a medical & agricultural development center in the village of Arakiul, Hadrout Region, MKR (sponsor-France Karabagh).
Construction and furnishing of a kindergarten in the village of Talish, Martakert Region, MKR (sponsor, "D.A. Connextion", France).
Founding of the entire village of Knaravan, Nor Shahumian Region, MKR. The work includes construction of 18 (eighteen) single family houses, construction and furnishing of a school, construction and furnishing of a medical center and a community-youth center and the implementation of agricultural development projects. The project is sponsored by the Harutyunian family of New Jersey, USA.
Construction and furnishing of a kindergarten in the village of Yeghegnout, Nor Shahumian Region, MKR (sponsor - ARF Patanekan of Canada).
Remodeling and furnishing of the kindergarten-Dance & Music school building complex in the village of Chinari, Tavoush Region, RA (sponsor- Alain Krakirian of Los Angeles, USA).
Reconstruction and furnishing of the school in village of Aregouni, Gegharkounik Region, RA (sponsor- United Armenian Students of Los Angeles, USA).
"Yerkir"s total investment in 2003 was US $215,000.00 or 173,000 Euro. 2003 was also a year of organizational growth for "Yerkir". The organization firmly established itself by opening offices in Yerevan, Stepanakert and Vadenis. With contracts totaling more than US $400,000.00 in 2004, "Yerkir" UNGO has ambitious expansion plans. Expansion will be directed in different geographic regions of RA and MKR, including:
1. Border communities of the Syunik, Tavoush and Gegharkounik Regions.
2. Border communities of the Hadrout, Martakert, Martouni and Nor Shahumian Regions.
During 2003, "Yerkir" submitted numerous project portfolios to various organizations and individuals. The submitted projects were focused on socially and demographically developing the more than 30 border rural communities located in the above mentioned target regions.
Today, one of "Yerkir's primary goals is to encourage repatriation from Russia and other CIS countries. Priority is being given to natives who were forcefully evicted from their communities and many of whom would return to their hometowns, given favorable living conditions.
For further information on "Yerkir"'s current and upcoming projects, visit www.yerkir.org or "Yerkir USA"'s homepage at www.yerkirusa.org. You will also find "Yerkir"’s detailed 2003 financial statement on the organization's website.
