The Third “Harehas” Educational Center Opens in Varser
On October 10, the village of Varser will host the opening of the third center of the “Harehas” socio-educational program. The inauguration ceremony will host community members, partners, and all those interested in the development of rural communities in Armenia.
“Harehas” is a six-year socio-educational initiative launched by the Dekavva Foundation, aimed at empowering rural communities in Armenia through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship support.
The mission of the project is to foster self-sufficient, proactive, and cooperative communities. Its vision is to contribute to the development of Armenia by bringing new opportunities to rural life.
“We currently operate two centers in the villages of Zovaber and Geghamavan, with 56 women enrolled in the educational programs. The initiative has already catalyzed eight successful business ventures: a smart farm, a sewing workshop, the Juventa beauty salon, the Kamq child development center, the M&M design studio, the Arpifarm pharmacy, the Hakobyan dental laboratory, and the Verelq youth development center,” said Adriana Marutyan, Executive Director of the Dekavva Foundation.
“We’ve hosted three film screenings and facilitated 10 educational sessions in collaboration with the ’10:30 Club.’ The memorandum of understanding signed with the Gegharkunik Regional Administration represents a significant milestone in advancing the ‘Harehas’ program. We believe this partnership will foster growth in the rural communities of the region and strengthen the economic empowerment of women,” added Adriana Marutyan, Executive Director of the Dekavva Foundation.
Implementation will span five regions: Gegharkunik, Shirak, and Syunik will each engage 10 villages, while Tavush and Vayots Dzor will each engage 5 villages.
Over six years, the program expects to engage more than 40 villages, train over 3,000 women and families, launch more than 176 local business projects, establish over 40 educational centers, and ensure over 400 new employment opportunities.
To ensure the sustainable expansion of the program, memorandums of understanding have been signed with Gegharkunik Regional Administration as well as the Municipality of Sevan.