Organic Farming Training Program Launched by COAF

22 June, 2011

The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) that has been implementing Comprehensive Rural Development Program in Armavir Marz of Armenia since 2004, has recently initiated an Organic Farming Training Program, aimed at encouraging the high school students living in rural communities of the country to specialize in farming and multi-pronged agricultural projects through application of innovative methods and acquisition of practical skills and mechanisms. On June 19, 2011 five members of the Agricultural Clubs from COAF-supported communities of Dalarik, Karakert, Lernagog and Miasnikian left for the United States of America to take part in the eight-week pilot program, which will enable the youngsters to be trained on organic farming in the premises of "Ararat Farms" located in the State of Maine. In addition to the primary goal of the project, the trainees will also strengthen their English language skills and attend a series of social projects and cultural events.

The Agricultural Clubs had been launched as part of the grant provided to COAF by the HSBC Global Education Trust and have been operating in the mentioned villages since 2008. Prior to their departure, the young farmers completed English classes through the support of the Peace Corps, and conducted a number of instructive visits to the fields, gardens and farms of Armavir Marz.

Following the completion of the Organic Farming Training Program in the USA, the trained girls and boys will transfer the newly gained knowledge and skills to their fellow classmates and community members. Another expected contribution of the project focuses on the development of children's professional orientation, which is often lacked in Armenian educational institutions. Anna Mkrtchyan, who is a high-school student in the Dalarik School, is excited about the program and wishes to unite with the members of their team and establish an advanced center of ecological agriculture in Armenia, upon return from the States.

COAF

Last updated on: 24/06/2011 19:00