USAID Mission to Armenia: Ten Years of Progress
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[MUSIC]
Keith Simmons: I had heard a number of things about Armenia before coming here, but since I’ve been here, I’ve been very impressed with the spirit of the Armenian people.
[MUSIC]
John Ordway: People have the feeling that Armenia is a poor struggling country. And when I got here I found out that although it is indeed poor it’s not struggling as much as I thought, it has greater potential and greater prospects and there are more things happening here than I had realized.
[MUSIC]
Keith Simmons: USAID In our work here, we have partners that are non-governmental organizations and we also have partners that are government organizations. I have been very pleased with the cooperation in that partnership and the progress that we have made in our activities here in Armenia.
Narrator: Progress. Progress is essential to the development of Armenia. It's a country that has seen hardship. But today, the Armenians are trying to make history. One that is no longer filled with adversity but with triumph and success. With a handshake of friendship and cooperation - the Armenian people and the people of the United States face this challenge together.
Keith Simmons: So I try to get out into the countryside as often as I can to visit projects, to see the smiling faces, to see the successes of our activities whether it’s in the social sector or the business sector.
Narrator: USAID/Armenia has developed a multi-layered program building a stable and prosperous future. In 1988, an earthquake struck Armenia and the people were shaken to the core. Nearly 15 years later, the area hit by the devastating quake is still called the earthquake zone. An estimated 25,000 people died and over half a million found themselves homeless. Today, some 12,000 families continue to live in metal shipping containers called domiks.
Upon its arrival, USAID helped move families from domiks to houses. And they built many playgrounds and sports fields for children to play.
The housing purchase certificate program has provided 3,000 families with new homes. That's approximately 12,000 people in Gyumri, Spitak, Vanadzor and Stepanavan since the spring of 2000. In Gyumri alone, approximately 90 apartment buildings are in construction on land that was formerly filled with domiks. There has also been new business development and increased employment.
[MUSIC]
Aram Khachadurian: What we're looking at here is the square behind the All Saviors Amenaprkich Church. This square was wall to wall domiks just five or six months ago.
Narrator: The reconstruction of Gyumri has residents hard at work restoring historic squares and religious monuments.
Aram Khachadurian: And thanks to the USAID Earthquake Zone Recovery Program, all of the domiks have been removed. The Armenian Social Investment Fund has been able to move forward with a complete restoration of this important public space to the use of the citizens of Gyumri. And as you can see, many jobs were created that would never otherwise been possible.
Narrator: Gyumri was once a vibrant city that was knocked to its knees and its people were forced into the streets.
Knarik Khakhabyan: After the earthquake we had to live in a domik for 14 years. Now we’re thankful that we’ve been given a certificate, this means we will be getting a home.
Narrator: For USAID, it is a priority to provide families with the basic needs. A shelter from the harsh winters, a comfortable room to spend time with family, a safe haven from the sometimes brutal realities of life, a place to call home.
Armenouhi Aristakesyan: To our great surprise, we found out that we've been given a certificate. It was one of the happiest days in my life and for the whole family because that was the day when we finally got out of these conditions and we did get out. My kids have a space to do their homework. I have a kitchen where I can take care of housework.
Narrator: Like many others, Armenouhi has a story to tell. It's a story of life.
Armenouhi Aristakesyan: I have two children. My younger daughter was born 20 days before the earthquake. She saved my life, because I had to take her to the hospital. If we were in the house, we would have died in the earthquake.
Narrator: Until the Earthquake Zone Recovery Program, Armenouhi's daughter lived all of her life in a domik.
Armenouhi Aristakesyan: We had to live in a domik for 14 long years. We didn't know what it meant to have a home, or normal living conditions, hot water, or the basic comforts.
Narrator: Over 6,000 homeless families are being awarded certificates to purchase housing or receiving grants to complete their unfinished homes.
Armenouhi Aristakesyan: And all this is because of USAID.
Narrator: Within years of the earthquake, Armenia suffered a severe energy shortage and USAID added water and energy programs to it's list of humanitarian aid. The war between Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan led to another dismal time for the Armenians. Azerbaijan shut off the main pipeline transporting Russian gas to Armenia, leaving the people in the cold and in the dark. For energy, the government turned to Lake Sevan. In no time, the beautiful lake became a crucial energy resource, causing a serious drop in the water level and a dangerous imbalance in its surrounding environment.
[SOUND OF BIRDS]
The energy shortage also led to the controversial 1995 re-opening of the Medzamor Nuclear Power Plant, which was considered unsafe. In 1992, USAID's Energy Sector began responding to this emergency.
USAID helped draft a new energy law strengthening the Armenian Energy Regulatory Commission and was later ratified. The Water and Energy programs succeeded in restructuring and privatizing the energy sector.
USAID promoted mechanisms for regional cooperation in water management.
Also there's a 90% collection rate among electricity users, up from 60% in 1997.
USAID completed a $15 million energy metering program.
This metering program was implemented to improve operations of the energy sector. Today, you see USAID in action -- solving the water and energy problems at both the government and community levels.
Gagik Mardirosyan: Over ten years ago we received our lands, but there is no water or irrigation system and some of the people were forced to sell their land and leave the country.
Narrator: Through USAID's civic action groups, community members choose the most pressing problems in their town and implement solutions.
The agriculturally rich farming community of Yeghegnadzor was in desperate need of water.
Gagik and other community members joined forces and installed an irrigation system.
Gagik Mardirosyan: But this water pipe represents hope. Now many have reconsidered and are no longer selling their homes. Instead, they have started working the land. And it seems to me, that in a year they'll begin enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Narrator: While water now flows to the farming regions, there was a time when nothing reached the people of Armenia.
Nelli Arustamyan: I remember those years when Armenia was so cold. We didn't have gas to heat our homes and people were freezing. We thought everyone had forgotten about us.
Narrator: One of the first steps taken by USAID/Armenia was to soften the blows of the energy crisis.
Nelli Arustamyan: It was then, when USAID, helped Armenia with kerosene. We would stand in line for hours to get the kerosene. But we were able to cook and stay warm.
Narrator: The mission of USAID in Armenia is to help ensure the people have water to work, kerosene to cook, and electricity to survive. All while trying to protect natural resources, and prevent further damage.
For over seventy years, Armenia relied on the Soviet Union for its water and electricity. But in 1991, Armenia was the first to declare independence. On its own, Armenia chose Democracy. It has been a struggle for Armenia to adopt and adapt the many practices of a modern democratic state.
Ellie Valentine:
Democracy doesn't come easily, it doesn't come easily to anybody.
Narrator: USAID's helping hand remained outstretched as Armenia began laying the foundation for a democratic, law-based society. They work to develop an ethical and professional standard in the government. USAID helped strengthen government at the local level and through a grass roots campaign has increased citizen participation. They enhanced the organization and effectiveness of legal associations. USAID helped strengthen two dozen independent television stations and provided assistance for a civic education curriculum.
In Armenia, government has not always been associated with peace and justice. For many, the parliament building is viewed as a closed institution -- something inaccessible.
Ellie Valentine: Currently that position is changing somewhat. Sometimes it's by small yet significant events, like the opening of the parliament gates for a 'parliament for the people' concert.
Narrator: With the help of USAID’s legislative strengthening program, parliament opened its gates for the first ever public concert in the summer of 2002.
This marks the beginning of a new state of mind.
Ellie Valentine: It's an attitude change, it's a mindset change, it's a belief that you can do something, you can do something, things can change for the better and you can be a part of that change.
Narrator: USAID is playing the part of facilitator. Initiating a much needed dialogue between the people and the National Assembly. Trying to introduce accountability on both sides.
Ellie Valentine: And that way they can really participate in the legislative process. They can really be players.
Narrator: The game plan relies on future decision makers.
Ellie Valentine: I think working with youth and working with those who really can see that change is going to have an effect and that there’s a future. There’s definitely a future for Armenia.
Armine Hovannisian: USAID was very instrumental in financing a civic education program
Narrator: 450 schools and countless bright young men and women have benefited from this knowledge.
Armine Hovannisian: They understand what we're teaching them in the classroom. They also understand and see the inconsistency of what is in the classroom and what is being taught and what's in the real world. They also realize that if anything is going to change it's going to be upon their shoulders to do it.
We had a policeman come in and knock at the door of one of our student's home. The student opened and the policeman asked if he can come in and search the house. And the student said, well do you have a search warrant? And the policeman was shocked. He said how do you know I need a search warrant. She said well I studied in school in my civic education class. He said let me see that book and he was amazed that the students now were learning about their rights.
John Hughes: In general students in every discipline in post-Soviet countries are expected to simply absorb whatever the professor says without any of their own individualization of that information.
I'm trying to break that pattern and impress upon them, the need to make the information their own.
Narrator: Often called the fourth branch of government, no democratic country is truly free without an independent media. But journalists are now learning to question the government.
John Hughes: Journalism is not really something that can be picked up out of a book. What I try to do here is teach them how to think. If they learn to think and learn that it's okay to question, and in fact it's required to question, then that's how you learn journalism.
Stella Martirossyan:
During our seminars we learn the basics, we learn how to work with cameras, write news stories, and we also learn how to write balanced and objective journalism.
Narrator: Since speech without censorship is a relatively new freedom in Armenia, USAID's media programs focus on training a new generation of print, television and radio journalists.
Stella Martirossyan: If you are preparing a story for the public, you have to present both sides. If you're biased, your audience will sense it and feel that the journalist is not objective. Then, they may not pay attention to your report the next time.
Narrator: Information is power – a motto embraced by USAID programs, but with power, comes responsibility.
A part of achieving democracy is having a healthy free market economy.
The transition from the Soviet period resulted in increased unemployment and forced hundreds of thousands of educated and industrious Armenians abroad.
USAID’s economic development program has a long history of accomplishments.
14,000 new jobs in 1999 and 2000. 2000 entrepreneurs trained.
Banking supervision improved.
Electronic banking introduced.
Over 70 state owned enterprises privatized.
Over 200,000 land title certificates delivered and
online tax and customs services. All this adds up to job creation, opportunity and a healthier business climate.
Susan Klein: In 1995 when USAID turned it's focus to income generation, we were one of the first projects that was funded.
Narrator: Products "Made in Armenia" was a dream for American-Armenian, Susan Klein.
Susan Klein: I said to him, "Well I don't know, but we'll get started and we'll figure it out." And we did.
Aram Sharambeyan: Since then we are operating as a for profit business and not only for profit, but actually making profit and making our living from our production. Production is mostly knitwear, it's children's clothing, which is exported to the United States, France and Russia to places like Nordstroms, Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue and to mail order catalogues.
Susan Klein: We did a huge order to Neiman Marcus. You couldn't imagine the conditions. There was no electricity. The only way we could send it was with some Americans who were going back. Everybody was there late at night. Women were ironing, all of Aram's friends packed things in boxes. They had to run to the airport, but we got it there. And we got it to Neiman Marcus and we did the order. Of course we didn't tell Nieman Marcus what we had to go through to do this order.
Narrator: The Craft Center is one success story and on a farm outside of the capital city of Yerevan, there's another.
[Montage of Farm Music]
Zaroohi Khazaryan: At first we decided to keep chickens, but soon half of them died. Later, someone was selling cows, so decided to buy two. We would milk them ourselves and pasteurize the to make yogurt and cheese. Eventually, we became really busy. We would sleep 3 hours every night taking turns. Our kids were in town studying at that time and they didn't have time help us.
Narrator: But with the help of USAID, husband and wife were able to build one of the most successful dairy farms in Armenia.
Zaroohi Khazaryan: Now, we have all kinds of animals on our farm: pigs, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, geese. I especially like the calves – I really enjoy raising them.
Galoust Hovhanisyan: A few years ago, we could only dream about having these types of flowers on our 100 square meter property. Today, with a lot of hard work, we're working with 2000 square meters. A variety of flowers from Holland, America and other countries from around the world are taking root and growing in our Armenian soil.
Narrator: Galoust is the owner of "Father and Sons Farm." He has a passion for flora, in the technical sense. He works on flower production and fruit drying -- owning the first solar fruit dryer in Armenia.
Galoust Hovhanisyan: The fruit dryer uses solar energy without any additional expense to us. Plus, my eldest son, Samvel, and I have learned how to use it in such a short amount of time. And now, according to buyers, our dried fruit is on par with international standards.
Narrator: He's excited to be a part of a world that has no borders.
Galoust Hovhanisyan: For a long time, our eyes were closed and we had no contact with the outside world. We used our own resources to plant the trees you see now. And all this is a result of my children's and my hard work and sweat.
Narrator: Galoust was chosen from a long list. His dream and those of others were made a reality.
Galoust Hovhanisyan: And the American organization, in a very short amount of time, helped us to build this fruit dryer.
Zaroohi Khazaryan: We are very grateful to USAID for supporting us and for their helping hand. They were the only ones to help us build this successful business.
Aram Sharambeyan: We now employ about 450 people. All women, all women. We have three men in our company
Question from background: Are you one of those three men?
Aram Sharambeyan: Yes i am! (cute laughter)
Narrator: Together, they were able to generate progress, yet elsewhere unemployment still strikes and the family has suffered. The sanctity of family life remains a cornerstone of Armenian culture. Across the board, young and old - cherish and value each other. USAID extends its reach to the much needed areas of health and social welfare.
In March of 2003, with the help of USAID and the Ministry of Social Security, the President signed a new pension law. Already pension benefits have increased by an average of 17% for over 500,000 pensioners.
Other USAID milestones include: Primary healthcare introduced through pilot programs. Prevented a Diptheria epidemic. 84,000 needy families provided with food for winter. Distributed medicine to 40,000 women and children. Mobile medical services provided for 18,000 people in 24 remote villages.
Polyclinic 5 in Vanadzor was established through a partnership with the American International Health Alliance providing children with well-trained doctors, immunizations and medicines.
The city of Vanadzor just celebrated the opening of this USAID funded sports school welcoming over 500 kids. Another sports complex in Gyumri, keeps the children off the streets.
Nshan Hovakimyan: We come here from 10:30 to 12:00 and after that we go to school. We study a little bit and then we come back here to practice judo.
Ruben Hovhanissyan: Before this school there was nothing here – it was a building in ruins for 13 years. Now, we have 10 teachers and around 200 athletes, there are boys and girls in each group practicing 2 hours a day.
Nshan Hovakimyan: For ten years we've been living in a domik. When they rebuilt our building we returned there. And soon afterwards they built this sports complex and I joined the team.
Narrator: Having lived among the earthquake ruins for too long, many children call the sports complex a second home. It's a place to grow and learn.
Nshan Hovakimyan: It is our dream to become sportsmen and great citizens for our homeland.
Narrator: Healthy bodies make for healthy minds. For Armenians, education has always been a priority. From the beginning, USAID supported educational programs. This kindergarten in Sisian was completely renovated to create a space where children discover the world in a safe, comfortable environment full of light and life. And thanks to a USAID sponsored Women's and Young Family Information Center in Yeghegnadzor, the local mothers are able to find the answers to their questions.
Narine Karapetyan: I've been coming here for one year. I used to use this Center when I was pregnant. Now, I'm using the help and support to raise my child.
Narrator: While meeting the needs of mothers and children, USAID has not forgotten the older generation.
Mijerita Babikyan and Yepraksya Ohanjanyan: We've been coming for three years, we are very well taken care of. We are really thankful for the U.S. organization that helps us.
Narrator: 24 soup kitchens throughout Armenia feed over 3400 senior citizens. With a hot meal they are filled with the proper nutrition and they also gain vital emotional nourishment.
Mijerita Babikyan and Yepraksya Ohanjanyan: We may be alone, but when we come here, and are with our friends, we feel good and our spirits rise. And we rest a bit.
Haykaz Mamikonyan: We are really grateful for our American sponsor who helps us. The food tastes and smells so good.
Mijerita Babikyan and Yepraksya Ohanjanyan: I'm 75 years old and yes, I am alone, but I don't feel lonely. Now, I think I'll live a longer life.
Narrator: With a handshake of friendship and cooperation, USAID/Armenia is making a difference. Armenia is making progress.
John Ordway: Armenia is special in a couple of ways. One is, it's got a very educated population, it's very well disposed toward the kinds of things we're doing here. And the second thing that is unique to Armenia in many ways, is its diaspora. The connection that the large and active community of Armenian-Americans makes with Armenia.
Narrator: The diaspora and USAID invested in the future, financing the American University of Armenia that still stands tall today.
USAID and the diaspora joined forces once again when launching the first Tourist Information Center in Yerevan. The Center will promote tourism industry. But that helping hand however is there to help those who help themselves.
Angela Aslanyan-Sax: There has to be the initiative and the willingness of the Armenian people to help to get those initiatives realized. When USAID has noticed that there is willingness and people are prepared to actually start developing tourism in Armenia, then USAID is sure their money will actually go to the right place.
Hasmik Davtian: USAID doesn't help just once. It's been consistent and tangible throughout our six years and it's been working.
Narrator: Again, the diaspora and USAID provided the Armenian-American Wellness Center with the proper technical assistance and training. So that the quality of care has reached international standards. The Center has come to the aid of over 40,000 women and saved the lives of more than a thousand.
Seda Hovannisyan: The Center plays a vital role in the lives of Armenian women and many lives have been saved here. We entered with fears and hesitations, but after meeting the doctors and seeing the equipment, we leave with peace of mind knowing that all of our questions and worries have been answered properly. And that is why I want to say thank you on behalf of these women. Because if the life of one mother is saved, her family and her children are saved, too.
Narrator: In the past decade USAID has made strides towards progress. Now, USAID and the Armenian people will take the next steps to build a more prosperous, democratic and healthy Armenia.
Ellie Valentine: It's really evident that USAID assistance is making a difference in Armenia.
John Ordway: One of the great things for me has been not only to get to know Armenia, its people and its traditions, but also many wonderful people in the diaspora in the United States who are very engaged in Armenia and supporting the kinds of things that we and USAID are trying to do here.
Angela Aslanyan-Sax: We could have never achieved all those objectives, which we have done now, without the USAID help.
Hasmik Davtian: Sometimes aid is very abstract, but the help we've received from USAID is very real.
Ellie Valentine: Armenia is so close because Armenians want to see a better life for themselves. They want to be a part of a functioning and responsible community.
Keith Simmons: I see people walking with a purpose in life, I see people that are happy, they are optimistic about their future. Here in Yerevan, I see it in Gyumri, I see it in Vanadzor, and I think this is partially the result of the partnership and the good efforts we've made together over the past few years.
John Hughes: I had very little idea of what USAID was before I came to Armenia. In fact, I probably didn't know what it stood for. I can everyday look around me though and see the impact of it. My wish is that that will continue. But my greater wish is that one day it will not be necessary. So I wish for USAID that they can put themselves out of business.
[Closing montage, music and roll credits]
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