UMCOR scholarships for Armenian students
15 November 2004
Thirty-five Armenian university students start this school year with high hopes after being awarded with tuition scholarships courtesy of UMCOR Armenia. The scholarships were awarded as part of UMCOR's micro-credit program, AREGAK.
The students who received scholarships were selected from among families who have received AREGAK micro-credit loans. AREGAK is implemented throughout Armenia and provides beneficiaries, who would not be eligible for finance from conventional sources such as banks or similar credit organizations, the financial means to set up businesses, purchase equipment, machinery and tools, buy livestock or seed and create the means to support themselves and their families.
Typically, AREGAK clients stem typically from amongst the most vulnerable people in Armenia. Around 52 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, while 16 percent lives in what is considered to be severe poverty.
On a recent trip to Syunik Marz, I met dozens of families that have been living in communal centers and "domics" or temporary metal shelters for up to twelve years. These municipalities are "forgotten regions" in which assistance provided to date has proven inadequate to address the needs of vulnerable families. UMCOR has set up AREGAK micro-credit offices in Sissian, Kapan and Goris and seeks to open an additional office in 2005 in Meghri, a municipality in the furthest southern point of Armenia, bordering Iran. UMCOR aims to increase assistance in Syunik Marz and build on its current presence. Local assessments are underway in coordination with and actively supported by the local community.
This year, UMCOR Armenia is celebrating its tenth anniversary - serving the people of Armenia through the provision of humanitarian and development assistance. Long-term development initiatives in Armenia continue to be in need of support, while education is among the highest priorities. For many Armenians, sending their children to college is a cherished dream. This latest intervention will help these Armenian students achieve new goals which will impact not only their future but potentially the future of Armenia. As one recipient stated, access to advanced degree education is a dream come true.
By Warren Harrity, Head of Mission for UMCOR Armenia
