Today, the managers of two major EU funded projects “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” and “STRONG CSOs for Stronger Armenia” met.
Mr. Karen Zadoyan, the President of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project Manager introduced the project and its target areas.
Speaking about the “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project, the ALA President said that it is implemented by a consortium of organizations, which consists of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association; “AGORA CE” NGO (Czech Republic), Armenian Center for Democratic Education (CIVITAS), International Center for Human Development Public Organization, SME Cooperation Association, and Union of Communities of Armenia. The three target areas were selected initially, but currently the issue of increasing the scope of the target areas is discussed with the Government and other actors of the areas. The areas which include problems are being identified as well.
Karen Zadoyan also said that sub-grants for a total sum of 870 thousand Euros would be provided in the scope of the project. “The project will use different tools in order to reveal all the existing problems of public sector from the bottom.”
Karen Zadoyan said that the organizations would establish incubators in 4 marzes of the republic and in Yerevan city, where they will teach the local CSOs practical skills, among them the European experience as well. He explained that the organization would use modern technologies, seminars would be conducted through webinars, and there would be a direct connection with other regions of Armenia, Yerevan or the Czech Republic.
Only CSOs that have participated and successfully completed these trainings would have an opportunity to apply for grants.
According to Karen Zadoyan, a relevant Grant Committee would be established, which shall select the winner organizations. ALA President offered the “STRONG CSOs for Stronger Armenia” Project Management to get involved in this committee, when it would be created. In addition Mr. Zadoyan offered the partners to participate in the activities of the Stirring Committee of “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project
Mr. Jarek Zarychta “STRONG CSOs for Stronger Armenia” Project Manager said that it is implemented by the consortium of Podlaska Regional Development Foundation (Poland) and DAS.am Consulting and Support NGO (Armenia). He also added that the project has a grants component of the total sumo f1 million Euros to provide sub-grants.
The project is focused on increasing capacities of CSOs in Armenia as independent bodies that ensure development in the country, through making them better informed and responsive to the needs of the citizens and actively support to the development of the country through practical project approach.
“The project has been launched on 1 October 2015. The implementation period of the project is 3 years. The target groups of the Project are CSOs in Yerevan and marzes, their beneficiaries, private sector, government agencies and various groups of the society,” Mr. Zarychta said.
The specific objectives of the project are to increase internal and external capacity of CSOs and increasing capacities of CSOs in applying for and implementing EU projects (details are available in the project website).
Mr. Carl Ulbricht, International Expert, Mr. Artak Saribekyan, Deputy Project Manager/Grants Manager and Miss Haykuhi Alaverdyan, representatives of the “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” project as well as Miss Irene Danielyan, Capacity Building Coordinator of “STRONG CSOs for Stronger Armenia” Project attended the meeting as well.