Background

According to official statistics, poverty in Armenia in 2017 amounted to 25.7% (this number includes moderate (9.2%) and extreme poverty (1.4%)). This means that the monthly consumption of 766,000 people in Armenia (every fourth resident in the country) is lower than the average per capita poverty of $85. In 2017 the number of households receiving family benefits was 100, 288; the average monthly allowance was $64.

The above-mentioned data demonstrates that poverty in our country is still a major concern and there is a need for systematic intervention, requiring not only additional resources, but also increasing the cost-effectiveness of investments.

The goal of the project is to contribute to overcoming poverty in Armenia by applying the "Graduation Approach" model and supporting the development of capacities of socially vulnerable families, increasing their self-sufficiency and economic sustainability.

What is the “Graduation Approach”?

The Graduation Approach is a model to overcome extreme poverty. The model is currently used for working with the most vulnerable groups in many countries with high poverty rates by organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Bank, Ford Foundation etc. More than 15 countries have incorporated this model into their social security schemes.

The selection of beneficiary families in the "Graduation Approach" is done in accordance with a methodology that requires certain potential in the family. In particular, within the framework of the approach, after the family needs assessment is done, an individual development plan is developed and training/skills are provided to employable family member(s), which opens up tangible opportunities for family self-sufficiency.

In Armenia, the model of "Graduation Approach" was introduced by World Vision Armenia in 2016. World Vision will be the main partner of My Step Foundation in implementing this project based on a Memorandum of Understanding.

Project Activities

• Family needs assessment;

• Preparation of individual family sustainability plans;

• Provide trainings/skills to employable family members;

• Provide life and technical skills to family members;

• Help employable family members to find a job or create a source of sustainable income.

As a result of these actions the family is expected to "graduate" the project in 1-2 years, to overcome poverty and stand on their own feet by integrating into community life and becoming a vibrant, self-sufficient household.

As of now 25 families are included in the project. New families will replace the "graduating" families.

Note: The project does not intend to:

• provide cash assistance to families,

• help with purchasing a house or a car,

• offering or paying off loans,

• intervention in legal matters.

Expected Outcome/Impact

The project will help reduce the number of socially vulnerable families in Armenia by empowering them with knowledge, skills and the capacity to sustain their own well-being. The project will contribute to the reduction of the overall poverty in Armenia, as well as overcoming the negative consequences of poverty such as child abandonment, malnutrition, poor health, lack of education, social isolation etc.