Phase I
Investigative Journalists NGO
Project title: Civilpedia: Enriching Wikipedia with Articles on Civil Society
Duriation: December 2023 – August 2024
Budget: 7,600,000 AMD
The “Civilpedia: Enriching Wikipedia with Articles on Civil Society” initiative had the objective of generating and enhancing articles concerning civil society, encompassing its various forms and values, within the Armenian Wikipedia. This initiative aims to enhance awareness of civil society among the Armenian population.
The project successfully engaged around 20 participants, including both Hetq Media Factory students and new participants, who learned the fundamentals of Wikipedia editing while receiving training on civil society. Through questionnaires, writers identified their topics of interest, with many focusing on various civil society issues. The project enriched the Armenian Wikipedia with 75 articles on topics such as activism, human rights, journalism, environment, civil society, etc. Additionally, 50 of these articles were voiced over, making them accessible to people with visual impairments. Armenian-language content on civil society, activism, open-source data, civic freedom, and environmental protection was added, and several pages of prominent civil society organizations were created or updated.
Nexus Intellect Research NGO
Project Title: Uploading Armenian Content in Wikipedia Platform
Duration: December 2023 – July 2024
Budget: 2,800,000 AMD
The primary aim of this project was to strengthen Armenian CSOs by developing a comprehensive collection of articles that shed light on how they can effectively participate in prominent international forums, including notable events such as the UN Climate Change Conferences, OSCE HDIM, and the UN Women’s Conferences.
The project successfully created 24 Wikipedia articles, providing Armenian-language content on international institutions, platforms, and civil society engagement opportunities for the first time. Previously, there was a lack of information in Armenian about these organizations, which limited knowledge and skills for civil society’s effective engagement. Now, new content on key institutions like the UN, WTO, CoE, OSCE, and more is available, also in the format of one-pagers, which can be used as materials to build civil society’s capacities in advocacy. Notably, some of the content produced is not only new in Armenian but also new to Wikipedia globally. For example, an article on the ICC Assembly of States Parties explains the Amicus Curiae procedure, demonstrating how civil society organizations can contribute legal expertise to ongoing ICC cases. The project contributed to enriching Armenian online platforms with articles that civil society can use to actively participate in international forums and conferences. Institutions like the ILO, WHO, ECOSOC, and others are now covered in more detail, broadening the scope of civil society engagement with these global platforms.
“National Archives of Armenia” SNPO
Project Title: Compiling and Digitizing a Scientific Reference Database of Archival Materials Pertaining to Yerevan’s Structures of Historical and Cultural Significance
Duration: December 2023 – October 2024
Budget: 7,600,000 AMD
Recognizing the significance of disseminating archival records concerning Yerevan’s historical and cultural structures, societal advancement, and homeland knowledge, establishing an online platform (website) becomes imperative. This platform will serve as a scientific database, offering access to uncovered, researched, cataloged, and digitized documents to the public.
Additionally, the project encompasses the establishment of an insurance fund aimed at safeguarding the physical condition of these documents. To comprehensively enhance the progress and understanding of civil society, there are plans to publish and circulate research articles and reports on the specified subject, culminating in pamphlets and collections within the scientific and educational realm. Furthermore, periodic exhibitions featuring archival documents will be hosted in the exhibition hall of the “National Archive of Armenia” State Non-Profit Organization (SNPO), both physically and in an online format.
The digitized archives created through this project offer civil society and researchers easy access to important historical documents, contributing to transparency and informed civic engagement in Armenia. By providing comprehensive digitization and proper classification of Yerevan’s official documents - many of which were previously difficult to access - this project strengthens democracy by enabling policymakers, urban planners, and civil society to base their decisions on solid evidence. These resources will empower stakeholders to develop data-driven policies, improving urban planning and governance while fostering a more inclusive and participatory democratic process. Projects like this play a key role in promoting accountability and informed civic involvement.
Mission Armenia Charitable NGO
Project Title: Digitization of Archival Documents of Forcibly Displaced People from Azerbaijan in 1988-1992
Duration: December 2023 – June 2024
Budget: 4,800,000 AMD
The objective of the project was to finalize the digitization process of approximately 26,000 cases of archival documents related to displaced individuals from Azerbaijan during the years 1988-1992. This initiative completed the electronic database for the Migration and Citizenship Service of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs, ensuring that it is thoroughly digitized. This project represents a continuation of a previous initiative funded by EPF/SIDA, which initially commenced the digitization of cases for the Migration Service's electronic database.
In the first phase of the project, from September 2021 to May 2022, Mission Armenia successfully digitized and processed 42,630 cases of individuals displaced from Azerbaijan during the 1988-1992 period into the Migration Service’s electronic database. The second phase, running from December 2023 to June 2024, added another 26,000 cases to the database. Together, these efforts represent a significant portion of the total 103,000 families, or approximately 330,000 individuals, who had cases within the Migration Service.
Armenian Research Center in Humanities (ARCH) NGO
Project Title: Creating Digital Database of Civic Movements of Armenian Civil Society
Duration: December 2023 – December 2024
Budget: 4.800.000 AMD
The Armenian Research Center in Humanities places significant emphasis on investigating the structure of Armenian society through both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research. A primary focus is delving into civic initiatives and movements, which have held a pivotal position in Armenia’s public life since 2007. These initiatives require comprehensive and in-depth examination. On one hand, these movements have arisen with the goal of addressing pressing social issues crucial to Armenia, such as environmental protection, efficient transportation, and preservation of public spaces. They stand in opposition to the vested interests of oligarchic political agendas. On the other hand, they are instrumental in shaping new civil agendas that challenge the programs set forth by traditional political forces.
The proposed “Electronic Database of Civic Movements for Armenian Society” project is structured into two main components. The first part is dedicated to establishing an electronic repository encompassing primary and secondary sources related to civil initiatives. These resources will be made accessible through the ARCH’s website, enhancing public dissemination of crucial information. The second part comprises three comprehensive studies focusing on fundamental aspects of civic movements and their role in the evolving civil society of contemporary Armenia.
Goris Press Club NGO
Project Title: Browsing Through the History of Syunik
Duration: December 2023 – August 2024
Budget: 4,800,000 AMD
As part of the project, the newspaper archives have been digitized and made available on the online platform https://zangezurtert.am/ (currently being updated). This has created an opportunity not only to preserve important information related to the history of Goris in the public domain, but also to retain materials of cultural, economic, demographic, and historical significance, including photographs. The platform allows users to search for specific information using a search engine.
The archive contains numerous facts, events, and a large database of statistical information that could be useful for experts working on conflict transformation and also civil society. There is a wealth of written documents that could aid in proving, confirming, or refuting various issues. These materials are also of interest for research, as they show how the communities in the rear, especially border villages of Goris, endured the double burden of bombardment while also sheltering the displaced.
The digitized materials also provide valuable information from a human rights perspective, such as issues related to freedom of speech. For example, the so-called “punishment” of silencing individuals was a violation of their right to freedom of expression. Of special importance are the materials about Stalin’s repressions, which not only present statistical facts but also illustrate how people were publicly shamed, labeled, and subjected to intolerance.
Phase II
Disability Rights Agenda
Project Title: Transforming perceptions of disability through Social Studies
Duration: August 2023 – March 2025
Budget: 5,820,000 AMD
This project aims to transform the approach to disability rights education in Armenian schools from a medical to a human rights model. By developing and distributing a comprehensive guidebook, conducting targeted teacher training, and facilitating dynamic sessions led by persons with disabilities, Disability Rights Agenda seeks to foster a more inclusive and respectful understanding of disability among educators and students alike. Key outcomes include providing educators with essential resources to seamlessly incorporate disability rights into their daily teaching practices, enhancing student knowledge through real-world interactions and project-based learning, and securing official recognition and certification of the guidebook by Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.
Law Development and Protection Foundation
Project Title: Increasing the Effectiveness of Protection measures for a person subjected to Domestic Violence
Duration: August 2024 – March 2025
Budget: 5,680,000 AMD
The project aims to improve the protection of domestic violence victims by identifying and addressing systemic issues in the application of immediate intervention measures. It is structured around three interconnected objectives: first, analyzing judicial practices related to the application of immediate intervention measures in domestic violence cases to uncover systemic issues that lead to the termination of these measures by courts. Second, identifying international standards and best practices. Finally, formulating a set of recommendations for policymakers and relevant stakeholders based on the research findings and analysis from the first two objectives.
Point 33 Informative Advocacy NGO
Project Title: Dignified Motherhood: No to Obstetric Violence
Duration: August 2023 – January 2025
Budget: 4,506,000 AMD
The “Dignified Motherhood: No to Obstetric Violence” project is dedicated to promoting the concept of dignified motherhood. The project has three main objectives: first, to identify the most prevalent types of obstetric violence and their consequences; second, to raise women’s awareness about preventing obstetric violence, protecting their reproductive rights, and achieving dignified motherhood; and third, to enhance the knowledge and skills of media representatives and artists on issues related to dignified motherhood and obstetric violence, encouraging broader coverage of these topics. These objectives will be achieved through research on obstetric violence, podcast episodes featuring specialists, officials, and women, as well as a creative and media competition for journalists and artists.
Rights Centre NGO
Project Title: Anonymous Whistleblowing in Psychiatric Hospitals
Duration: August 2024 – March 2025
Budget: 5,000,000 AMD
The global human rights community has long recognized the critical role of whistleblowing, especially within closed institutions. The Council of Europe’s Recommendation CM/Rec (2014)7 urged States to establish robust frameworks supporting the whistleblowing reporting of human rights violations. Aligning with this, Armenia’s government Action Plan (2023-2025) aims to implement effective reporting mechanisms by 2025․
According to the RA Ombudsman reports, systemic challenges persist in mental health legislation, with numerous instances of violence recorded in mental health institutions.
Acknowledging the necessity for reform, this project seeks to research and analyze legal frameworks specific to mental health institutions, proposing legislation revisions to integrate whistleblowing reporting mechanisms and ensure effective responses to whistleblowing reports. Through engagement with stakeholders and advocacy for legislative adjustments, the project aims to safeguard individuals in mental health facilities from violence․
“Girls of Armenia Leadership Sports” (GOALS) Educational Foundation
Project Title: Sport for Everyone
Duration: August – November, 2024
Budget: 4,596,569 AMD
This project is dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering girls in rural communities across Armenia. By harnessing the transformative power of sports, the project aims to provide girls with a platform to amplify their voices, challenge social norms, and explore alternative pathways in life. Through targeted recruitment and comprehensive coach training, GOALS will create inclusive sports teams where girls can develop essential life skills and leadership qualities. Distributing gender-appropriate sports gear, including sports bras, ensures that girls have equal access to sporting activities. Organizing regional games and tournaments not only promotes teamwork and healthy competition but also instills a sense of confidence and agency in girls. Alongside sports events, educational workshops will address critical topics such as gender equality, health, and hygiene, empowering girls to make informed choices about their futures. Through the holistic approach, GOALS aims to transform the lives of girls, shifting them from a life dictated by chance to one driven by choice, all through the magic of sports
Global to Local Armenia NGO
Project Title: Promoting a Safe Environment in Schools
Duration: October 2024 – May 2025
Budget: 5,200,000 AMD
Bullying, as a form of violence, remains a significant issue in public schools in Armenia affecting the learners’ wellbeing. While there is no comprehensive official data on the prevalence of bullying in the country, it is widespread among schoolchildren.
With this project, Yerevan-based Global to local NGO co-funds for a project aimed at protecting the right to education through making schools safer places for children․ In frames of the project, it will develop two educational modules for teachers based on the best known Swedish Olweus bullying prevention program, which has non-violent communication and conflict resolution at its core.
In total the program has 4 modules. Two modules were developed with funding from Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in 2023 and were tested during a two-day workshop in Gyumri in February 2024 at Bullying Prevention Seminar, which was funded by Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives. This project will develop two additional modules, publishing and presenting them, and will later seek approval for use by the Ministry of Science, Education, Culture and Sports.
This project is the continuation of the "Civil Society Support for Ensuring Reforms" project
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“Enhancing the Impact of Civil Society Development” project is implemented by Eurasia Partnership Foundation with the support of Swedish Government.