VivaCell-MTS, Junior Achievement of Armenia support student NGOs

PanARMENIAN.Net - Twelve student NGOs received grants in the framework of Entrepreneurial and Civic Activism for Students of Vulnerable Communities of Armenia.

Aimed at ensuring students’ literacy in economics and entrepreneurship, the program enabled the use of theoretical knowledge in practice through the newly-founded commercial organizations. In the framework of the program, the students became familiar with the principles of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and developed a strategy for student business companies.

Junior Achievement of Armenia is the first NGO to have exercised Corporate Social Responsibility strategies in the sector of public education. CSR being a relatively new concept in the Armenian business community, the students learnt about it on the example of VivaCell-MTS – the pioneer of Corporate Social Responsibility in Armenia.

In 2011, VivaCell-MTS and Junior Achievement of Armenia signed a memorandum of understanding delineating areas of cooperation in the field of education.

“It is very important to use the opportunities life has prepared for you,” VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said. “In this respect, I am pleased with the enthusiasm of these young people here. To achieve success, you should be ready to take risks and learn from others’ success stories, making yourselves more provident, competent, and successful.”

Over 150 non-governmental student organizations from all the provinces of the country participated in the contest. The winners will use the grants for implementation of various social projects in their respective communities.

The Entrepreneurial and Civic Activism program seeks to instill among the youth the belief in their own capabilities and in a bright future.

The program is sponsored by JHM Benevolent Foundation and HSBC Bank. The event is organized within the framework of Global Money Week.