OSCE Office supports children's summer camp in Armenia

KAPAN, Armenia, 16 August - Some 120 disabled and socially disadvantaged children from different parts of Armenia are taking part in a summer camp in Kapan, the Syunik region of the country.

The two-week camp, which ends next week, was organized by the OSCE Programme Implementation Presence in Syunik region with the support of the Organization's Office in Yerevan and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

"Our goal is to provide an environment that could substitute for a family environment, allowing the child to grow up in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding," said Garik Chilingaryan, Project Co-ordinator of the OSCE Programme Implementation Presence. "This is our first joint project with UNESCO in the region and we hope to further develop our co-operation."

A variety of activities at the camp will help children develop their learning abilities, communication skills, contribute to their emotional well-being and social-development. Counsellors will offer professional help to disabled children.

The local NGO Scientific Youth created the website www.syunik.am/summercamp to support the summer camp programme.