Reference :
V-P-AM-E-00539
Date :
09/02/2023
Caption :
Mets Masrik, school. ICRC has helped the Armenian Red Cross Society implementing a Smiley Club, which provides the pupils a space to play and study after school.
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
Description :
Source: ICRC website, article 22/02/2023
“People living in the conflict affected village located close to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border are slowly rebuilding their disrupted lives.
(…)
“(…) the compound impact of hostilities and COVID-19 pandemic had paralysed the education system in their community. They did not have sufficient classrooms to accommodate the growing number of students or other basic facilities like water supply and toilets. The children also did not have safe places to play or enjoy any leisure activities.
(…)
"Gasparyan explains that the school, which was built in 1983, had been functioning without ever undergoing extensive renovation. "The facility had multiple problems that hindered creating the right environment for learning and growth. The toilets were disastrous and there was no water available in the school. Can you imagine a modern school for 400 students without a toilet or water? Finally, in 2021 we turned to the ICRC for support. They responded immediately, renovating the toilets and providing access to water inside the school," she says.
"Following the escalation of hostilities many families that fled from their homes found refuge in Mets Masrik. As a result, the school had to accommodate new children. "The library and all available small rooms were turned into classrooms. We were also considering converting the director's room into a classroom," says Gasparyan. Stepping in, the ICRC helped to renovate a classroom to accommodate the displaced children settled in the community. "Our students now have an extra classroom that is bright and cosy. These efforts give us hope to live, a sense of security and the assurance of being cared for. We associate the ICRC with a feeling of security and peace," adds Gasparyan.
“Another bright spot for the community is Smiley Club which was set up in September 2021 and is run by ARCS volunteers. Children can join the Smiley Club after school to get help with their homework, improve their language and numeracy skills, find psychosocial support or play. Gasparyan, who is also a volunteer with the National Society, shares that the club was started as children in the villages along the border had no options for activities after school. "Earlier, the children had to either go home or find some entertainment outside, but that was not safe. The club provides them a safe space to play, study and pursue hobbies, helping them to develop holistically. It also fosters the smooth integration of displaced children. People always talk about the Smiley Club with enthusiasm and a smile," says Gasparyan.”
Original material :
digital
Resolution :
6000x4000
Orientation :
landscape
Colour/B&W :
colour
