Izmirlian Foundation

Improving the Quality of Education in Rural Areas of Armenia

Period : 2020 to 2021

Partnership Agreement was signed on May 8, 2019, between the Izmirlian Foundation, Teach for Armenia Educational Foundation and ‘Gradarak’ Educational and Cultural NGO. The project parties had a common goal to contribute to improving the quality of education in rural areas of Armenia. The Izmirlian Foundation continued supporting educational projects in Armenia by donating USD 25K for the implementation of the project on ‘Improving the quality of education and the learning environment in the secondary schools of border communities of Tavush region’. Within the framework of the project ‘Gradarak’ Educational and Cultural NGO renovated the library on the premises of the public school in Choratan village of Tavush region, transforming the library into a child-friendly multifunctional room. Teach For Armenia Educational Foundation ensured the placement of one Fellow to work as a public-school teacher for the 2019-2021 academic years and to boost the community life in Choratan village of Tavush region in the scope of its two-year Leadership Development Program and the trilateral partnership with the Parties.

Provision of food to vulnerable families in Herher, Dzovategh and Kherkhan villages in Artsakh

Period : 2020 to 2020

The Izmirlian Foundation launched the project on “Provision of food to vulnerable families in Herher, Dzovategh and Kherkhan villages in Artsakh” alongside the Tufenkian Foundation to join efforts scaling up winterization support for persons affected by the war who have returned to Herher, Dzovategh and Kherkhan villages in Martuni region of Artsakh by contributing to their food security for an additional two-month period. The project outreach comprised a total of 168 vulnerable families or about 680 persons who were provided winterization support through access to safe and nutritious food. The project implementation partner was Tufenkian Foundation.

Supporting Musical School after A. Spendiaryan

Period : 2020 to 2020

The Izmirlian Foundation continued supporting the musical school named after Alexander Spendiaryan by equipping the school with necessary musical instruments to enhance the educational processes and enable the participation of Armenian talented students in national and international competitions. Within the framework of the project the school inventory was replenished with a semi-concert grand piano, thus enabling access to musical instruments for 400 piano students at Alexander Spendiaryan Music School. Despite the outbreak of COVID-19, the school has been proactive in participating in various national and Interntional online competitions. Particularly, 28 students have participated in various national and international online competitions since April 2020. The project was implemented by “Hayastan” All Armenian Fund.

Hand in Hand

Period : 2020 to 2021

The Izmirlian Foundation in line with the government priorities to empower socially vulnerable groups of society and promote the reduction of the use of plastic containers, supported “Hand in Hand” project within the framework of which a social entrepreneurship was established where youth with autism spectrum disorder got involved in production of environmentally friendly products. The goal of the project was to empower socially vulnerable groups of society and social enterprises as well as to promote environmentally friendly production. Due to the Project 19 youth with autism spectrum disorder are employed by the social enterprise of Step Forward Social NGO and have a sustainable source of income. The young employees report that employment has served as a source of empowerment for them. Moreover, the parents report about significant positive changes in their teens’ behavior. The Project has resulted in increase in the hours spent in working environment (4-6 hours per day) for autistic youth contributing to their social inclusion, considering also that they interact with the clients (both face-to-face and by phone) and are also involved in the product delivery processes. As a result, the parents have gained additional time to spend on other productive activities. These translate into either opportunity cost of labour, increased production, improved education levels or more leisure time. The outreach of training activities comprised 26 beneficiaries reporting about having new skills and knowledge in production practices and technologies. Due to the project the sustainability of Step Forward NGO was enhanced, since the income generated by the social enterprise feeds into the projects implemented by the NGO. This ensures the sustainability of the social projects implemented by the NGO extending services to children/youth with autism spectrum disorder. Moreover, it ensures full time employment opportunities and sustainable source of income for the employees of Step Forward Social NGO. The project was implemented by Step Forward Social NGO.

Medical Support to internally displaced Armenians of Artsakh

Period : 2020 to 2022

As a midterm assistance to internally displaced persons from Artsakh, the Izmirlian Foundation launched the project on “Medical Support to internally displaced Armenians of Artsakh” aiming to provide health care assistance to internally displaced persons from Artsakh as a result of the Artsakh-Azerbaijan war in 2020. The goal of the project was to achieve improved health among Armenians of Artsakh by enabling their access to quality medical services. Within the framework of the project a cooperation partnership was established with the Armenia office of International Organization for Migration that ensured the pre-screening of Artsakh Armenians residing in temporary shelters, through mobile clinics, and their referral to IMC for further in-depth diagnostic and curative interventions. Due to the partnership the project outreach was significantly increased. The Project benefited 182 Artsakh-Armenians that received different services at IMC and 9,985 beneficiaries that received screening services through mobile clinics. The project was implemented by the Izmirlian Medical Centre.

Emergency Response for Persons Displaced from Artsakh

Period : 2021 to 2021

The Izmirlian Foundation launched the Project on “Emergency Response for Persons Displaced from Artsakh” in cooperation with Armenian Red Cross Society aiming to support winterization of vulnerable persons displaced from Artsakh, particularly from the regions occupied by Azerbaijan. The goal of the project was to contribute to improved food security for survival and winterization of vulnerable persons displaced from Artsakh. Due to the project 2,150 vulnerable persons sheltered in transitional houses of Kotayk province were provided with food items. The project implementation partner was Armenian Red Cross Society.

Fostering Lab Capacity of the Hematology Center after Prof. R.H. Yeolyan

Period : 2022 to 2022

The Izmirlian Foundation in cooperation with the Hematology Center initiated the project on “Fostering Lab Capacity of the Hematology Center after Prof. R.H. Yeolyan”. The goal of the project was to improve access to quality diagnostic services through the enhancement of laboratory technical capacity thus enabling the accurate and timely detection of pathogens as well as diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes among patients of the Hematology Center. Due to the project the diagnostic services related to the following conditions were fostered: Fungal complications during the chemotherapy treatment of patients with leukemia, solid tumors and bone marrow transplantation (Pneumocystis, Histoplasmosis, Aspergillosis); Gastrointestinal and blood stream infections that require quick detection of pathogenic bacteria. Due to the Program microbiological tests are performed more efficiently and in a shorter period of time, which is critically important for immunocompromised patients. In addition, patients with suspected myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) can now get an accurate diagnosis due to the availability of sideroblastic stains which are used to determine some types of MDS. MDS is a condition that can transform to leukemia and lead to an early death. Determining the type of MDS helps doctors in prescribing the necessary life-saving or life-prolonging treatment. A total of 7 pieces of laboratory equipment and devices necessary for timely and efficient pathogen identification were delivered and installed in the Hematology Center. The Project direct beneficiaries are immunocompromised patients with haematological and oncological malignancies and patient with MDS who are receiving care in the Hematology Center after Prof. R.H. Yeolyan. The Project was implemented by the Hematology Center after Prof. R.H. Yeolyan.

Vazgen Sargsyan Military University

Period : 1996 to 2003

In 1996 the Izmirlian Foundation established an ongoing cooperation with the Armenian Government to support military education in the country. Within the period from 1996 to 2003, the Foundation funded the construction of the main facilities of the Military University. Recognizing the critical role of a highly educated Armenian officer corps in ensuring the security of the Republic of Armenia, the Izmirlian Foundation remains an important supporter of Vazgen Sargsyan Military University.

Supporting the Artsakh State University in the enhancement of its learning environment

Period : 2022 to 2022

Due to the financial support from AGBU, HAAF and the Government of Artsakh, the Artsakh State University (ASU) facilities were rehabilitated in 2021. However, the University lacked funds for furnishing the rehabilitated facilities to enable its full-fledged operation. Recognizing the role and impact of the Artsakh State University (ASU) in supporting the preservation of national identity in Artsakh as well as the paramount importance of facilitating access to education in conflict affected areas, the Izmirlian Foundation, in cooperation with the Government of Artsakh, supported the furnishing of the ASU facilities. The initiative was particularly important in the light of the Artsakh War in 2020. The Project goal was to foster an enabling environment for learning and social cohesion. The Project direct beneficiaries were students, professors, researchers at ASU as well as students from other universities/academic institutions. The Project implementation partner was the Artsakh State University.

Furnishing of Three Schools in Artsakh

Period : 2022 to 2022

Scaling up its support to education in conflict affected areas, the Izmirlian Foundation supported the furnishing of the facilities of the three newly rehabilitated schools in Chldran, Ivanyan and Stepanakert settlements in Artsakh. From 2020-2022, the Izmirlian Foundation supported the capital renovation of “Dikran Izmirlian” secondary school in Chldran and the expansion of its premises aiming to improve the community school infrastructure creating a safe, healthy and attractive environment for schoolers and teachers. Ivanyan secondary school located in Askeran region of Artsakh was established in 1993 and the school was fully rehabilitated during 2020-2022 with financial support from “Hayastan” All Armenian Fund. Shirakatsy Lyceum was established in 2022 in Stepanakert city of Artsakh. The goal of the Project was to enhance the quality of teaching and learning environment in conflict affected areas by furnishing the newly rehabilitated school facilities. Generally, school infrastructure is decisive for students to achieve the expected academic results. A good school infrastructure, with renewed spaces, makes it possible for schoolers to study and, in addition, tends to improve the attendance and interest of students and teachers in learning. For this same reason, investments in school infrastructure have an essential role in solving access problems of students to the school system and to improve their performance. The Project direct beneficiaries were 326 schoolers and 116 schoolteachers/staff of Dikran Izmirlian, Ivanyan secondary schools and Shirakatsy Lyceum.

Micro Loans - ECLOF

Period : 2001 to 2016

In 2010, the Izmirlian Foundation provided a grant to ECLOF Foundation for financing rural micro credit programs in economically vulnerable communities of Armenia. ECLOF International is a global ecumenical microfinance organization supporting disadvantaged populations.

Musical School after Spendiaryan

Period : 2015 to 2016

One of the educational-cultural projects of the Izmirlian Foundation is the project aimed at supporting the musical school named after the famous Armenian composer Alexander Spendiaryan. Within the framework of that project, during the period from 2015 to 2016, the Izmirlian Foundation donated a collection of string and wind instruments enabling the students to develop their skills and to participate in national and international competitions.

Ararat Bank

Period : 2007 to 2016

In June 2007, the Izmirlian Foundation signed a co-financing agreement with Araratbank. The initiation of the project was stipulated by the dearth of long-term, below market rate and development oriented funds for the real sector of the economy. The program targeted supporting Armenian companies with strong potential for export and employment generation. The funds were mostly allocated to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Hayastan All Armenian Fund

Period : 2000 to 2011

From 2000 to 2011, the Izmirlian Foundation (in cooperation with “Hayastan” All Armenian Fund) provided regular monthly allowances to the families of deceased soldiers.

Small Business Loan Program

Period : 1999 to 2015

In 1999, the Izmirlian Foundation supported SME development in Armenia, by enlarging the Eurasia Foundation Small Business Loan Program that was providing affordable credit funding to local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The program was later reorganized into the Izmirlian-Eurasia Foundation Small Business Loan Program (SBLP). In July 2004 the Izmirlian-Eurasia Universal Credit Company was established.

SME Development in Armenia

Period : 2003 to 2007

In 2003, the Izmirlian Foundation entered into another lending program platform to support SME development in Armenia: in partnership with the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB), the Izmirlian Foundation established a Joint Finance Facility (JFF) providing direct lending to larger scale enterprises in Armenia. The program was strengthened by the participation of the Netherlands Management Cooperation Programme (NMCP).

Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra

Period : 2017 to 2017

In 2017 the Izmirlian Foundation financed modernization of the power supply system of the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall in Yerevan. The upgrade of the power supply system helps ensure the smooth operation of the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra and will provide Armenian and foreign audiences the opportunity to enjoy high culture in Yerevan’s unofficial 'living room'.

Ensure Safe Access to Agricultural Land

Period : 2017 to 2020

The Izmirlian Foundation supported HALO Trust international (an international NGO) via provision of co-funding to accomplish the clearance of three minefields. The project aimed to contribute to the elimination of casualties as a result of mine explosions, to ensure safe access to agricultural land, grazing, wood collecting, haymaking and foraging for the local population. The total land area cleaned is estimated 51,726m2, where twenty-four national staff members, among them several women, were employed during the active phase duration of the remediation project.

Food for Extremely Poor in view of COVID 19

Period : 2020 to 2021

The Izmirlian Foundation supported the project on "Food for Extremely Poor in view of COVID 19" in cooperation with Social Services of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin with the goal of supporting the food security for vulnerable people/families throughout Armenia and Artsakh by ensuring the vulnerable population's access to nutritious food. Donation Agreement was signed between the Izmirlian Foundation and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on 22 May, 2020. The project was implemented by Social Services of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Armenian Dioceses. The Project reached 4,050 vulnerable families or about 18,600 people with safe and nutritious food.

COVID 19 - Protecting the Most Vulnerable in Armenia and Artsakh

Period : 2020 to 2021

The Izmirlian Foundation supported the project on “COVID 19: Protecting the Most Vulnerable in Armenia and Artsakh” in cooperation with Armenian Red Cross Society, World Vision Armenia and The HALO Trust International NGO to contribute to food security and access to primary hygiene items for the most vulnerable as a mid-term assistance. The Project aimed at supporting the country’s response to and mitigation of consequences of COVID 19 by ensuring the access to nutritious food and availability of basic hygiene items for vulnerable families in Armenia and Artsakh. The Project was implemented in partnership with Red Cross Society, World Vision Armenia and The HALO Trust International NGO. Due to the Project 1,100 vulnerable families (around 4,000 people) in Shirak and Gegharkunik provinces of Armenia, 1,147 vulnerable families (8,248 people) in Armavir and Lori provinces of Armenia, and 401 vulnerable families (1,631 people) in Kashatagh (former Lachin) region of Artsakh accessed safe and nutritious food and basic hygiene items.

WASH and Health in Schools of Tandzut and Aygeshat communities of Armavir province

Period : 2020 to 2021

The Izmirlian Foundation supported the project on “WASH and Health in Schools of Tandzut and Aygeshat communities of Armavir province” as the pilot initiative of My Step Foundation’s Healthy lifestyle program with the goal of ensuring substantially improved hygiene, sanitation and health environment in rural schools of Armenia․ A Cooperation Agreement was signed between the Izmirlian Foundation and "My Step" Foundation on 27 May, 2020. The project was implemented by “My Step” Foundation. Due to the Project 453 schoolers and 70 staff members of Aygeshat and Tandzut secondary schools gained access to substantially improved hygiene, sanitation and health environment through rehabilitated sanitation facilities, sports facilities and improved knowledge in health-enhancing physical activities. Additionally, around 2,000 community members participated in behavior change interventions for WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene).

Virtual Camp Tumo

Period : 2020 to 2020

After successful implementation of Camp TUMO program 2019 that provided a great educational experience opportunity to teenagers living in the border villages of Armenia, the Izmirlian Foundation scaled up the cooperation with Simonian Educational Foundation supporting Virtual Camp Tumo program 2020. Due to the outbreak of COVID 19, Camp TUMO 2020 was organised in an online mode. The program targeted teens living in the border villages of Armenia. They were involved in online TUMO workshops together with Yerevan based TUMO students and spent 3-4 weeks learning ins and outs in 10 different subjects. The classes were organised to allow campers interact with other students and share their experience afterwards. The goal of the project was to provide greater opportunities for teenagers from remote areas of Armenia to gain knowledge, skills, and hands-on experiences in technology and design and connect with other TUMO students via online workshops. 25 teenagers from remote and bordering communities of Armenia directly benefited from the project. The main outcome of the project was: Enhanced knowledge and capacities in technology and design as well as increased network of peers. In 2019 The Izmirlian Foundation financed the implementation of Camp Tumo 2019 program within the framework of which 20 young people between the ages of 10 and 18 from nine Armenia’s northeast (Tavush province) border rural communities attended Camp Tumo in Yerevan for one week. Within the framework of the project, the beneficiaries received trainings in robotics, photography, 3D modelling, animation and graphic design. Besides actively participating in training programs, the campers did sightseeing activities in Yerevan and in various regions of Armenia.