After 70 years of Soviet rule, Armenia re-established its independence in 1991.  The resulting economic downturn has recently seen some improvement, but many poor and vulnerable groups are not yet benefiting from the country’s progress. Mission East continues to work in areas of inclusive education and disability, aiming to reduce the stigma of disability and increase the opportunities for the disabled and their families to play a full role in society.

The project 'Towards Education for All' has shown exciting results: Improved curricula and teaching methods give children with learning difficulties an education which is designed to bring out their individual potential and facilitate their eventual integration in the society.  Parents groups support each other to claim and protect the rights of their children, to understand their needs, become involved in their education and to be proud of their children's achievements.

The 'A Healthy Start' project also works with disabled children and their families, aiming to improve the effective rights of disabled children, in particular in the area of access to proper diagnosis and adequate healthcare.

Mission East’s vision is to continue to work with the most marginalized and vulnerable children in Armenia and their families through national programmes in which the Government of Armenia is working along side us to make a more equitable society in line with the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"I want society to recognize my child"

Interview with Karine Martirosyan, mother to seven-year old Zara. Zara is disabled and attends an inclusive school where she is educated in a targeted curriculum developed by Mission East. This has helped Karine to regain her self-confidence – and the daughter has found the joy in going to school.

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Clubroom gives disabled and non-disabled children a place to meet

Mission East and our local partner organisation Nur is opening 11 clubrooms for children Armenia. The purpose of the clubrooms is to provide an environment where disabled and non-disabled children in the community can meet, get to know each other, play together, and enjoy common interest activities together.

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