By putting people at the heart of its work—through training, listening, and inclusion—this program proves that even in crisis, the future can be rebuilt.
Miassine
April 6, 2025, 12:39 p.m.
The 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan left deep scars, not only among soldiers but also among civilians, especially young people.
Following the participation of Miassine’s president, Astrig Marandjian, in an international conference organized by Swiss psychoanalysts in Armenia, a project was launched to respond to the urgent needs of these traumatized youth.
This project targets the most vulnerable: former soldiers, displaced youth from Nagorno-Karabakh, refugees, and those in social isolation. It offers dual support: regular group therapy to rebuild self-esteem and professional training to help them reintegrate into society.
Care tailored to each young person’s pace
Every month, Miassine’s Apprentice House hosts group therapy sessions led by psychotherapist Yelena Hovhannisyan. Far from formal settings, these meetings offer a safe space where each participant can share their pain without fear of judgment.
The support extends beyond therapy: cultural outings, business visits, and inspirational encounters help youth regain structure, receive support, and envision a future.
It’s a way to move forward, at their own pace, despite the trauma.
A path to employment, with dignity
Since 2019, Miassine has supported young people in difficulty across various regions of Armenia. Through vocational training, internships, and personal development, the organization helps them build a solid foundation for their future.
In 2023, the program expanded in the vulnerable Shirak region, offering practical training in bakery, pastry, hospitality, and agrotourism.
This initiative addresses two key challenges: helping young people reclaim their place in society and alleviating social tensions exacerbated by the influx of refugees and unemployment.
The goal is to support 44 young people by 2025: 24 already involved in Miassine’s psychological support program and 20 new participants.
Thanks to strong partnerships with local businesses, each young person receives hands-on training and personalized follow-up. The aim is clear: give them a real chance to rebuild, regain confidence, and reintegrate into society.
Responding to the needs of a fragile region
Shirak region, still marked by the 1988 earthquake, faces a weakened economy, worsened by the arrival of refugees and rural exodus. Miassine’s project offers a concrete response: creating lasting opportunities for youth, slowing demographic decline, and rebuilding social cohesion.