Idjevan

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Armenia).

With more than 20,000 inhabitants, the historic town of Idjevan is about 140 kilometres north-east of the capital Yerevan and the most populated in the Tavush province. The area around Idjevan is one of the most underdeveloped regions in Armenia with around 60% of the population living in rural communities. In these areas environmental challenges affect family life. Many families need support so that children and young people can be protected and grow up healthily.

Since 2008, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Idjevan.

2 in 5
Children live in poverty

Many families lack food

In Idjevan and the surrounding region, unemployment rates remain high with more than 46% of children living in poverty and 2% in extreme poverty. Of deprived households in Tavush, those in Idjevan report the highest number of households that do not have enough money for food (over70%), and households that are dependent on social support (over 85%). Nutritional deficiencies have multiple effects on children’s physical and mental development, including poor growth. As a result, Tavush is the province in Armenia with the highest number of children who are not growing healthily.

2 in 3
Young children do not go to preschool

Children missing out on education

Almost two thirds of pre-schoolers in the province are not enrolled in kindergarten. Early childhood education is particularly beneficial for disadvantaged children and an important pathway to overcoming the challenges of poverty. Early education sets them up for success in the further stages of education, enabling them to score higher marks and reducing the likelihood of repeating a grade. Children in pre-school are also less likely to be victims of abuse or neglect, thereby reducing the need for child welfare services.

Your support makes a difference for children in Idjevan

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
320
Families
Can stay together
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children doing math. We support the education and training of children and young people (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Armenia).

How your support helps in Idjevan

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.