From Artsakh to Lori: starting life from zero
April 2, 2021
Twenty-two years ago, Vanyans left Yerevan for Tsaghkaberd village of the Kashatagh region in Artsakh, without anything, empty-handed.
Twenty-two years ago, Vanyans left Yerevan for Tsaghkaberd village of the Kashatagh region in Artsakh, without anything, empty-handed.
Learning to play musical instruments by herself, betting on stretching on a pole, working with a weaving hook, doing splits on a homemade rope, playing in the theater.
Once famous for its vineyards, the grape fields of Vazashen were left across the border after the 1990s war.
Once you overcome the winding trails taking to Odzun village of the Lori region, it seems like you are about to touch the clouds.
They have the most delicious barbecue, but pig breeding has slumped after the last cholera pandemic.
As soon as you step through the gate of one’s house in Yeghegnut village of the Lori region, the landlord rushes to invite you for a bite or a drink.
Ask Zardanashen village kids of Artsakh where they are from, and they’ll unanimously reply with a delightful smile on their face -“We’re from the prettiest village in the world!”
The COAF SMART Center, well-known by many as our business card, is home to over 1500 youngsters and adults from 27 communities of the Lori region.
COAF’s team reflects the geography of Armenia and the diaspora. We have someone from everywhere. Knar is our Artsakh.
“Are there people who still bake bread in the tonir?”
“There are but very few. Let’s walk a bit. As soon as we smell a scent of freshly baked lavash, we will go towards it.”
Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that employs community-led approaches aimed at improving the quality of life in rural Armenia, with particular focus on children and youth.
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Not-for-profit organization (#11-3579187). © 2005-2025 Children of Armenia Charitable Fund. All rights reserved.
