Camp for Disabled Children in Armenia

In November 2004, I joined an organization called CESO, Canadian Executive Service Organization) whose mission is to promote economic growth in developing nations and emerging market economies through the transfer of knowledge by Volunteer Advisors (VA).

These advisors understand the importance of commitment and strive for the highest level of quality service.

The success of volunteer advisors is based on respect fro all people and a willingness to share knowledge by working alongside clients as partners dedicated to a common goal. 

My first overseas assignment came about 2 years later in Nov of 2006 when I received a call form the CESO office in Toronto asking me if I would be interested in an assignment in Armenia.  I immediately said yes and almost as quickly realized that I had no idea where Armenia was.

My name would be given, along with four other names to the client who would then decide which volunteer would best suit the assignment.  Five possible choices-what would be the chances I would be picked.  In a few days, I found out that I was the chosen one and the wheels were set in motion for my trip to Armenia.  I have to confess, I had a moment of panic and wondered what I had agreed to and what was in store for me.  My mission, which I had chosen to accept, was to work with an NGO (non government organization called (NOYASTGH), an organization involved with disabled children and their parents and specifically the development of a summer camp program.

As a VA, I was asked to do two things: to assess their current activities through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, and  to propose better management of the camp and assist in the development of better camp programs.

I arrived in Yeravan, the capital of Armenia at 5 on Sat, Nov 5^th, 2006 after many hours of flying and numerous plane changes.  I was met by a man who spoke no English and fortunately met another volunteer from Alberta who was landing at the same time.  We were taken to a small Inn and shown to our rooms with very little communication.

On Sunday, I was taken to the small town of NOYEMBERYAN, population about 600,000 and a 3 ½ hour drive into the mountains north of Yeravan.  The country covers 11,506 sq miles , slightly smaller than the state of Maryland.  It is situated on a mountainous plateau on a major fault line and has a population of approximately 2,980,930.

They have hot summers and cold winters and in Nov it was staring to get cold.  The drive to Noyemberyan was anything but relaxing, on high narrow, unrailed mountain roads with a driver who drove like Mario Andreetti and thought he was on a three land highway.

However, I arrived safely and met Emma Alexandros, president of the NGO and my hostess for the next three weeks.  Emma could speak no English and I  of course no Armenian.  Emma's two young daughters had moved out so her older daughter could move in to act as interpreter.

I began meeting with the small staff of the NGO through two interpreters in order to set up a community meeting and carry out the SWAT analysis.  I don't think they really understood what this analysis was all about but they got on board quickly.  They invited interested community members and those involved with the camp, prepared the room, formulated questions for the session and arranged for refreshments. 

It was a great day and at the end of the analysis, the group had determined that the priority for the camp was to create a kitchen to not only serve the children their meals bur also to be used for programming purposes.

With this information, I assisted Emma and Margaret with a proposal outlining the purposes of the kitchen and developing a budget to cover the costs.  Emma and I presented this proposal to the Rotary Club of Yeravan with a request for some funding for this project.  I also brought this proposal home with me and used it to request funding from my own Rotary Club and from the district.

The assignment was over for now but the memories will last forever.

They have very little or no indoor plumbing or water in most homes, no central heat, very little money, yet their hears are as big as outdoors and their warmth and kindness and generosity make you feel very special while, at the same time, has a very humbling effect.

The camp called "Pyunik" 'peaceful place' is very important to the children and families of these communities because there are few, if any, government services.  In the summer, the children would just be at loose ends with not where to go and nothing to do.  The camp will provide a safe place and life changing experiences.

I left Armenia with new friends and a renewed purpose to do what I could for their people and this camp. Over the past two years, I have communicated vis email with my Armenian friends and through the generosity of our Rotary Club $3500 and the District $1000, I was able to send $4500 to the NGO to assist with the renovations needed in their camp building and to begin creating a kitchen.

It was thrilling to say the least and even more thrilling was the invitation by Nostaga to return to Armenia.  CESO approved this return visit to complete a follow up assignment to assess the progress of the camp and give future direction where required.

This time I avoided the cold of the winter and the hear of the summer and went in mid August 2008 for 2 weeks.

It was wonderful to see Emma and Margaret and her family again and to renew our friendship.  How different it was this trip from the first one because of this familiarity. I spent time at the camp reviewing the progress.  It was remarkable.  From an old derelict, rundown military building, filled with crumbling rocks, endless debris, animal remains and waste.  They had sectioned off an end of the building and had reconstructed three rooms and an entrance.  With new windows and a new door and paint, they had transformed this space into an attractive area for sleeping and eating.

The kitchen had a floor and, best of all, electricity had been connected.  The other big improvement had been the water which was now brought to the camp, via pipes and a tap. Previously they had to walk a long distance and it was now at their fingertips.

They were in the midst of preparing the floor for cement and creating a wall to secure one end of the building so they could install their new stove and fridge.

Everyone was working hard and it was amazing what they had and were continuing to accomplish.  Their plans for the future include indoor bathrooms, sports fields, rooms for games and crafts inside, rebuilding a patio overlook the football field, a garden which will supply their food and a much expanded camp program schedule.

Through discussions with the camp staff, it is clear that they all have their own vision of what this camp will become but the common theme is a safe place for children to grow and develop their skills and strengths and to have fun and enjoy their lives.

My two assignments in Armenia have provided me with wonderful opportunities for my own growth and development with new friends and a belief that when two great organizations like Rotary and CESO work together on a project, magic can happen.