On September 13, more than 50 young people from 6 regions of Armenia participated in an study visit to Yerevan. This initiative was part of the “Model Armenia” educational program, which aims to familiarize young people with the work of state structures and encourage their active participation in social and political life.
At the beginning of the day, participants were greeted by Ani Torosyan, the team leader of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s “Youth in Action” program, and Arpine Hakobyan, the president of the NGO Center. They presented the goals and importance of the program.
The first location for the youth was the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. Here they met with MPs Elinar Vardanyan and Aspram Krpeyan. During the meeting, young people had the opportunity to ask questions to the deputies, discussing community issues, legislative regulations, and responsible participation in the country’s life.
In the second part of the visit, participants toured the NA library and museum, getting acquainted with historical samples and receiving additional information from the staff.
The next location was the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia. Here, the young people were hosted by a number of high-ranking officials, including:
- Deputy Minister Kristine Ghalechyan
- Assistant to the Minister Liana Hovhannisyan
- Head of Local Self-Government Policy Department Ashot Giloyan
- Head of Automobile Transport Policy Department Khachik Soghomonyan
- Head of Energy Department Division Hovhannes Abrahamyan
The ministry representatives introduced the young people to various areas of their work, presenting the challenges and prospects in the fields of local self-government, transport, and energy. They also encouraged young people to actively participate in community life and decision-making processes.
During both meetings, young people had the opportunity to raise issues that concerned them. Issues of citizen participation in community life, development of community infrastructures, and solving local problems were discussed.
This educational visit was an important step towards promoting youth civic activism and raising awareness about the work of state structures. Such initiatives contribute to the involvement of young people in the country’s governance processes and stimulate their interest in public policy.
The “Model Armenia” youth empowerment program/game is implemented in cooperation with the “NGO Center” Civil Society Development NGO.
The “Model Armenia” youth empowerment program/game is implemented within the framework of the three-year “Youth in Action: Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development in Armenia” program, which is funded by the European Union and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and is implemented jointly with World Vision Armenia, Media Initiatives Center, and Gyumri “Youth Initiatives Center”.