Orran day care center opens in Vanadzor

PanARMENIAN.Net - Orran day care center opened its doors for 50 children from vulnerable families in Vanadzor, Lori.



Children are selected as beneficiaries of Orran according to the socio-economic selection criteria and range in age from five to sixteen years. The center particularly aims at becoming a daytime haven for children from two-at-risk categories: those currently begging or working on the streets and the children coming from socially unprotected families, who might resort to street life if not assisted.



In its first year the day care center's operation will be financed by Open Society Institute-Armenia and Armenia's mobile operator VivaCell-MTS, the company's press office reported.



Funds for the opening of the center were raised at the charitable dinner and auction last year.



Within more than ten years of activities, Orran has provided primary social support to children from hundreds of families in Armenia. The program is modeled after the Yerevan Orran center which has effectively and efficiently helped vulnerable families since its establishment.



The center in Vanadzor will be open to children for after school time, where the kids will get psychological and educational support. Those who need transportation will be provided with a stipend. For six days per week, the beneficiaries will have a balanced, nutritious meal and be tutored and supervised in the completion of their homework by Orran staff and volunteers. As they complete the homework, children will head to different workshops such as wood shop, macramé, needlework, and ceramics.



The children will receive clothing, shoes, school supplies, and any other necessary assistance related to school attendance. During their free time, they will participate in organized games and activities, and will visit theatres, museums, historical sites, and amusement parks. Social, medical and psychological services will be provided to the children by the professional staff of the center. These services will improve the general wellbeing and health of the children. The money saved by providing the children and family members with food, clothing, shoes, school uniforms and supplies, will allow the family to spend these meager resources on other essential items. In providing the children with a disciplined, structured environment, often lacking in their homes, and with the input and assistance from the professional Orran staff, the children will be able to improve their psychological, sociological and medical status as well as their academic standing.