Tatevik and his son, Aram, were displaced and found asylum in Gyumri city, Armenia.
Representatives of UNHCR Armenia and its partner – Mission Armenia NGO, met them during a distribution of humanitarian aid among displaced families. Tatevik has just received UNHCR’s assistance – Essity diapers for Aramik, and Nike sport clothes for the whole family. During a warm and friendly talk with Tatevik, representatives of the humanitarian organizations listened to her to have a better understanding of her and her son’s well-being and needs, hopes and aspirations.
“Armenia has become our home. We feel gratified, enjoying safety and tranquility and the kindness of our neighbours,” Tatevik told us.
“It’s of course difficult to start from scratch and build a new life in a new place. Without the support from government and Gyumri authorities and the international organiզations, we would not be able to make ends meet, pay the rent and buy food for our children… and we still need that support,” she added.
Tatevik is an economist and an experienced university lecturer. “I am eager to return to teaching and continue my research,” her determination remained unwavering. “The encouragement from the Gyumri community inspires me to persevere and thrive to rebuild my life and contribute meaningfully to my host country, Armenia,” said Tatevik with confidence.
“Little by little, we are learning to navigate our new life here, exploring the opportunities available in the community. It’s hard to plan and endeavour as we are still struggling to meet our immediate needs. While the support we have received has been invaluable, we still face critical issues like housing and employment. The community’s acceptance and the help we receive is crucial, but more sustained assistance is needed to truly thrive,” she noted.
Tatevik’s family, now part of Gyumri’s vibrant community, embodies resilience and hope. “Peace and sense of belonging we’ve found in Armenia, is invaluable. With the help of good people, we will manage and continue to build our new life here,” noted Tatevik, with hope in her eyes.
* * *
UNHCR Armenia is thankful to its corporate partners for their support enabling UNHCR to meet the basic needs and ensure the well-being of the refugees.
UNHCR Armenia employee checks the donation received from Nike Co., Yerevan, Armenia. © UNHCR/Karen Minasyan
UNHCR Armenia employee arranges the donation received from Nike Co., Yerevan, Armenia. © UNHCR/Karen Minasyan
UNHCR Armenia employee receives the sports clothes donated by Nike Co., Yerevan, Armenia. © UNHCR/Karen Minasyan
In 2024, contributions from UNHCR’s corporate partners Nike – a leading sport clothing and footwear company in the USA and Essity – a leading hygiene and health company in Sweden, provided essential support to refugees in Armenia. Nike’s donation of 61,406 clothing items and Essity’s delivery of 269,676 diapers to UNHCR Armenia have made a meaningful impact by addressing the needs of vulnerable refugee families living in different host communities of the ten provinces in Armenia.
The partnership between UNHCR, Nike, Essity, as well as Inditex España, H&M and Hestra Gloves, and the private sector in Armenia, underscores the significant impact of the private sector support. Their contributions are playing a direct positive impact, making a difference in the lives of the refugees and support the efforts of the Government and people of Armenia in helping them rebuild their lives and plan their future in host communities.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
