Our current projects

Since the devastating earthquake of 1988 in the region of Shirak,  Prof. Günter Peter, the former director of the hospital Scheibbs in Lower Austria,  has been actively engaged in different projects implemented in the region.  Especially big was his commitment in the establishment of the Austrian Children's Hospital in Gyumri, which was built due to the Austrian donations and the efforts of his association.

He retired at the end of 2015.  Among the projects initiated by Prof. Günter Peter are carpet weaving, which has been implemented at the Fritjof Nansen Children’s Home in Gyumri, and shoemaking.

As unemployment is one of the main problems in Shirak region, our main aim is to train young people in specific crafts through which they will be lateron able to earn their own livelihood. Equally important is to help them gain self-confidence, strengthen their courage and give them hope for their future.

The second focus is on aid to the necessary medical care for children whose families cannot afford treatment. In Armenia, health insurance covers only for children up to 7 years of age and offers very limited benefits. Because of financial difficulties many families are not able to cover treatment expenses. In the mother-child-center of the Austrian Children's Hospital (ÖMKiZ) in Gyumri young patients from economically disadvantaged families will be able to undergo necessary medical treatment with the support of our project.

Furthermore, we want to allow women living in remote villages of Shirak and Lori region with the opportunity of a cancer screening. A gynecologist from Armenia will provide urgent medical care which may be required.

Currently, four projects are supported by us. We will cooperate with local contact persons to ensure the proper use of funds. During this year's visit to Armenia (autumn 2016) all projects were visited by us personally. All travel expenses for the project visits will be covered by the board members personally. Donations will be used exclusively for projects’ implementation within the related project agreement.

More detailed information on each project is available in the sections I to IV.

We will report on the progress of projects here and try to regularly update you.