Children Clubs Opening in Tavush Region

November of 2008 was quite extraordinary for five communities of Tavush region, where Mission East implements the second phase of its “A Healthy Start” project. November 20, 2008 was a memorable day for Khashtarak, Sev Qar and Achajur communities and November 26 for the people of Getahovit and Azatamut communities, while in each village a Mainstream Family and Child Center was opened. The center will give equal opportunities to the disabled children, who are mostly kept at homes, and see almost no one but their family members. First step of integration into the society is communication, which will be, for sure, provided in such centers. Mission East staff together with partners – Arabkir Medical Center and Bridge of Hope, as well as the community heads and the representatives of Ijevan marzpetaran participated in these events. Children of the communities welcomed the guests with bread and salt, and the priest of the local church blessed and prayed for the future activities of the center. The events were covered by local media.

The day of November 20 was special for 9 years old Marine and her family from Achajur community. Marine suffers from cerebral palsy, and during her whole life she hasn’t had wheel chair, while family could not afford to buy it. With the support of ME local partner Bridge of Hope – Ijevan, Mareh got long-expected wheel-chair just during the opening of the Children Club in Achajur. This will somehow make her life easier…