UMCOR marks 10 years of helping Armenians

31 August 2004

What started as a way to get pharmaceuticals to poor Armenians has grown into a multi-faceted program making life better for this former Soviet nation. Marking a decade of service, UMCOR Armenia reports positive strides. However, work remains to ensure Armenians have every opportunity to become self-reliant.

After Armenians voted overwhelmingly in September 1991 for independence, and in the aftermath of an earthquake, regional conflict and economic distress, UMCOR established an office in Yerevan. Initially, the staff distributed pharmaceuticals to health institutions and clinics.

"Providing medical supplies was a way for organizations such as UMCOR to serve people's immediate needs," according to Paul Daniels, Head of Mission for UMCOR Armenia until last month. "While UMCOR continues an expanded healthcare service, the organization's work has transitioned to include more developmental activities such as providing medium-sized agricultural loans to farmers and establishing a micro-credit program, called AREGAK, for small business start-ups," Daniels explains. In the process, the nation has raised the overall standard of living so that only half of all Armenians, mostly the elderly and very young, still live in poverty today. The 150 Armenians and three expatriate staff, such as Dutch-born Daniels, at UMCOR Armenia have made in-roads into helping this culturally- and historically-rich people reclaim economic independence, he assures.

Yet, serious issues remain and the newest initiatives aim to turn-around problems such as human trafficking, healthcare for the elderly and very young and a stronger civil society. For example, the United Nations estimates trafficking affects four million people annually and traffickers earn US$ 7 billion ruining people's lives, moving mostly women and children into slavery, Daniels says. With Armenia as a country of origin, transit and destination, he explains that UMCOR Armenia received funding from the Norwegian and Dutch governments to work with the UN Development Program (UNDP) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to stop trafficking brought on by widespread poverty, unemployment, ignorance and weak legislation. The Armenian government also supports the joint effort and pledges legislative enforcement to stop the flow of enslaved people.

For more facts about the difference UMCOR Armenian projects make in people's lives and how UMCOR Armenia is "battling poverty, helping Armenians" through anniversary fundraisers in 2004, go to www.umcor.am.

Paul Daniels was Head of Mission for UMCOR Armenia from April 2001 until July 2004.

By Pamela Karg, journalist and United Methodist Volunteer in Mission in Armenia