Child Sponsorship Background from Idjevan, Armenia

SOS Children's Village Idjevan

Idjevan, the capital of Tavush province, is located on the banks of the river Aghstev, about 140 kilometres north-east of Yerevan. Idjevan is the administrative and business centre of the province and is quite famous for its wineries and carpet-weaving factories.

Overall, the number of Armenian children without parental care, especially of social orphans, has been steadily increasing over the past few years. Nearly half the population lives in poverty, with two out of ten being extremely poor. The Armenian government and the local authorities are very supportive of the work of SOS Children's Villages.

A suitable plot of land of four hectares for SOS Children's Village Idjevan was found close to the city centre, with schools, nurseries, a music school and a sports training centre close by. The architecture reflects the "Solid, Modest and Integrated" approach of SOS Children's Villages: the family houses resemble the local building style and fit seamlessly into the neighbourhood.

SOS Children's Village Idjevan comprises fourteen family houses as well as houses for the village director and the SOS aunts (who support the SOS mothers and take care of the children when the mothers are on leave), a workshop and an administration area. Up to 91 orphaned, abandoned or neglected children find a new home in the fourteen family houses, where their SOS mothers take care of them.

Other SOS Projects in Idjevan

The family strengthening programme offers access to essential services for children’s development (eg. educational, nutritional and health support, social skills) and supports families to protect and care for their children. The programme also aims at linking families with income generating activities and offers help to improve parenting skills.

Background to Idjevan

Idjevan is a city in Armenia and the capital of Tavush region. It is located in the northern part of the region, on the foot of Ijevan ridge and Nal'teket ridge on both banks of Aghstev River. The city's population as of 2009 is 20,500 making it the most populated city in the province. It is 137 km to the north-east of Yerevan.