The goal of the project is to train experienced youth workers, active students, teachers, local council members, and other staff of local self-government bodies as community mobilizers who, upon returning to their communities, can support and guide displaced citizens from Nagorno-Karabakh in local democracy, advocacy, and meaningful participation.
To achieve this, intensive 3-day capacity-building schools were organized across 4 regions of Armenia (Lori, Tavush, Shirak, and Aragatsotn), where participants gained thorough knowledge of the local self-government system, municipal budgeting, and civic engagement tools. Following the training phase, mobilizers received continuous online and direct mentoring to effectively structure and facilitate grassroots information sessions in their target settlements. These community meetings utilized informational presentation boards and the educational quest-game, transforming complex local governance frameworks into accessible and engaging practical learning.
Exceeding its initial targets, the project delivered 78 community meetings instead of the scheduled 60. Through these sessions, 1,278 displaced individuals gained crucial insights into local governance and their rights, bypassing the original milestone of 1,200 beneficiaries, with women and youth representing at least 40% of the total participants.
As a direct impactful outcome, 4 displaced citizens (3 in the Aparan community and 1 in the Pambak community) have officially joined the formal advisory councils adjunct to the heads of their respective municipalities, gaining a direct voice in local decision-making. Additionally, the project team compiled 5 multimedia success stories highlighting women participants who are now actively stepping forward to drive positive development within their new host communities
This initiative is implemented by the ‘We’ NGO of Lori Region within the framework of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ‘Resilience for All’ project, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and carried out in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.
