Project Goal
To equip single moms and displaced women from Artsakh in Gyumri with the tech skills they need to enter the labour market!
Project Background
Ayo! is thrilled to join forces with the Gyumri Information Technology Center (GITC) for a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping and empowering women with essential tech skills, opening up new opportunities in the labor market!
GITC’s mission is to leverage technology education to provide long-term employment opportunities in the Shirak region. Currently, they are committed to elevating the living standards of single mothers and displaced women from Artsakh based in Gyumri. Their strategy involves launching a comprehensive training program in tech skills, followed by hands-on internships and strategic job placements. Additionally, a well-thought-out grant program is in the works, specifically designed to support women venturing into entrepreneurship, either as solo founders or collaborative teams.
Shirak, unfortunately, stands as one of Armenia's most vulnerable regions, grappling with high levels of poverty and unemployment. According to 2020 statistics, the poverty rate soared to 48.4%, with child poverty reaching a staggering 57.7%. Unemployment in 2019 stood at 18%, reflective of the enduring aftermath of the 1988 earthquake that devastated the region, causing widespread population decline and economic setbacks.
Despite these challenges, Gyumri, the regional capital, is experiencing a resurgence, thanks in part to the impactful efforts of GITC. Established by FAR in 2005, GITC has successfully trained over 500 individuals in crucial tech skills. Notably, GITC has actively contributed to positioning Gyumri as a burgeoning tech hub, attracting tech businesses that have chosen to establish branches in the city, thereby catalyzing its revitalization.
Michael & MaryJan Kelly
Laura Boyajian
MaryJan Kelly
Margaret Kiladjian
Julia Kew
Sam & Lucine Kapreilian
Viken Babikian
Raffi Festekjian
Suzanne Ekchian
Caroline Ekchian
Armina Manoukian
Naira Balagylozian
Tanvi Gupta
Gayane Baloyan
Tyler Whitby
Gregory Toufayan
Sargis Meliksetyan
Meline Deukmedjian
Reyna Tutunjian
Tara Torossian
Shannon King
Isabelle Sirounian
Leo Dadian
Aram Andonian
Cynthia Ghannam
Brett & Katharine Wiley
Gayane Ghukasyan
Aleen Ostayan
Peter Bogosian
Sam Oldham
Sandra Benlian
Janice Young
Viken Dumeciyan
St. James Armenian Church Women's Guild
Holly Malkasian Staudinger
Anna Ohanyan
Mary Telfeyan
Mary B. Aroian
Deb Bonar
Erick Miller
Edward Dervishian
Sosi Hagopian
Adriane Bonfiglio
Lori Dorian
Christine Bahtiarian
Nancy Barsamian
LuAnn Sabounjian
Tyler Whitby
Haike Engoyan
Bethany Robinson
Arshen & Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian
Jack F. Yaghdjian
Alexander J. Vartanian
Brenda Tavitian
St. David Armenian Apostolic Church
Debra N. Sarkisian
Joan Quinn
Cheryl Ohanesian
Sylvia A. Migridichian
Margaret Masmanian
Sylvia Kruizenga
Gary Khachian
Bedros Kazazian
Richard Kazanjian
Raffi A. Kayayan
John A. Kasparian
Armen Kabodian
Ara Hourdajian
Cordelia B. & C.D. Horan
Christian Garabedian
Armig Ferris
Violet Mirzoyan Dadekian
Ara Boghigian
Michael D. Bebirian
Mark J. Badach
Ghayaneh Amikhani
Sarah Stauderman
Daughters of Vartan Hripsime Otyag
Hasmik Davtyan
Armenian Church of Our Savior
Armenian Church at Hye Pointe
Greta Janigian
Vardges Taktakyan
Julia Perez
Manankichian Kederian
Jay Kapur
Charles Tutunjian
Lisa Kouzoujian
Sofia Donikyan
Chris Bonfiglio
Joseph Comisford
Mamigon Kiledjian
Karine Vega
Tatevik Bagiryan
Anoush Oconnor
Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Sunday School
Angela Sarukhanyan
Rebecca Bagdasarian
ACYOA Juniors - Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection
Women's Guild Central Council
St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church
Roswita Apkarian Fragomeni
St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church
St. Mesrob Armenian Church
Mihran A. Aroian
Sts. Vartananz Armenian Church
Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church
St. Leon Armenian Church - Women's Guild
St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church
Katherine Meranian
Jeff J. Masoian
Charles Bazarian
Joyce Avedisian
sergey badalyan
Gregory Toufayan
St. Leon Armenian Church
Krikor Norsigian
Carl J. Bazarian
Meline Toufayan
Mike Kalajian
Margarit Piliposyan
Ari Terjanian
Lorie R. Odabashian
Haroutyoun Margossian
Natalie Mardirossian
Zach Kowalski
Kristina Khachaturyan
Nele Keshishian
Hrachya Janikian
Christianne Goodwin
Gary Gengozian
Boghos Gauro
Aram Adourian
Anna Vardanyan
Aline Tashjian
Sarah Stites
Fr. Shnork Souin
Arin Parsanian
David Onanian
James Moresco
Caroline Kernan
Yeprem Kelegian
Adrine Katchadurian
Aleen Kaltakdjian
Stephen Haroian
Ara Hacet
Kathryn A A. Geyer
Jeanette Derhagopian
Jonathan Campbell
Francis Bulbulian
Ohannes L. Bezazian
Annie Bakerdjian
Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs
Supporters
140
Partner
February 27, 2024
Created on:
remaining
$4,850.44
(84%)
raised
$26,057.56
$30,908
goal
35
beneficiary
Shirak
region
remaining days
(84%)
raised
$26,057.56
Active Project
Women in Tech
Category