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
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