Thursday, November 20 2014

 An education center for children has been opened in Gavar thanks to cooperation of ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank, World Vision Armenia and Hayastan All Armenian Fund. ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank told ArmInfo World Vision Armenia managed to open the center due to the plastic card "VISA Barerar" (VISA Charitable) that was issued as part of a three-year joint project of ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank and Hayastan All Armenian Fund with a budget of 41 million drams.

According to the source, the center will give an opportunity to over 60 children aged 9-18 of Gavar orphanage to get knowledge and professional skills needed for their further full-fledged activities after graduating from the educational institution. In particular, the children will attend training courses of Armenian, foreign languages, Math, History and other subjects, as well as out-off-class clubs to learn various specialties that are currently in demand (hair- dressing, shoemaking, sewing, design, wood processing etc.).  
"World Vision assigns a high priority to the work with children and the youth. To that end, small projects developed by students will be implemented to boost development of the local youth and the community," says Zhirayr Edilyan, Armenia Programme Director at World Vision. 

"That brilliant idea was introduced past summer with signing of a trilateral agreement. Thanks to the fund of 'VISA Barerar' plastic card we have got an opportunity to open this education center in Gavar that not only will give specialized education to the local youth, but also prepare them for admission to higher educational establishments. The center will admit also children from vulnerable families in Gavar. The Bank will be consistent in providing scholarships and, if necessary, job to the students of the orphanage. I am thankful to World Vision and Hayastan Fund for joining our idea and helping us make it true. I thank also 'VISA Barerar' cardholders who personally contributed to implementation of this project," says Hakob Andreasyan, CEO at ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank. 

"Our children deserve better life and education in warm and caring atmosphere. This education center will give them an opportunity to learn and receive knowledge and various skills to become full-fledged members of the society for the welfare of our motherland," says Ara Vardanyan, Executive Director at "Hayastan" All Armenian Fund.

ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank, "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund and VISA Company announced the issue of  VISA "Barerar" (VISA Charitable) co-branding card project in late 2012  on occasion of the 20th anniversary of the All-Armenian Fund.  The goal of the project is to raise funds to provide financial support to the children of Armenian orphanages. The VISA "Barerar" cardholders have an opportunity to make regular charitable contributions to the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund without any extra expenses by only paying for the daily shopping with the card. 0.3% of each operation and 50% of the annual fee for the card servicing are transferred to the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. In addition, the VISA Barerar cardholders can make additional contributions. The card may be issued both on the initiative of the cardholder and within the frames of the Bank's salary projects. 
To recall, "ACBA Credit Agricole Bank" CJSC has been operating in Armenia since 1995. Since September 2006, the majority shareholder of the Bank has been Credit Agricole S.A. with a 15.56% stake.  Another major shareholder, SJSC "Sacam International" (member of Credit Agricole S.A.), has a 12.44% stake.  The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund was founded by Presidential Decree in 1992. It is a unique institution whose mission is to unite Armenians in Armenia and overseas to overcome the country's difficulties and to help establish sustainable development in Armenia and Artsakh.

World Vision launched activity in Armenia in 1988. World Vision partners with the Government of Armenia, regional and local authorities, Armenian Church, UN agencies, USAID and other international donor organizations, international and local NGOs and communities to effectively implement its projects.  World Vision works in more than 200 communities in Shirak, Aragatsotn, Gegharkunik, Syunik, Tavush and Lori marzes and Yerevan, serving more than 33,000 children and their families.