About Us

World Vision started operations in Armenia in 1988, providing emergency aid to people affected by the devastating earthquake on December 7. Within the first few months of the response, nearly US$3 million of medical supplies and relief was delivered to affected families. Following its initial relief response, World Vision began Child Sponsorship in Gyumri in October 2000 to address longer-term development issues and today supports more than 29,000 children through sponsorship in 11 Area Development Programmes.

World Vision works alongside individuals and families to promote the physical and transformation of 209 communities in 7 regions (marzes) of Armenia by empowering them to build a sustainable future for all people, especially children. Area Development Programmes (ADPs) operate out of Alaverdi, Aparan, Gavar, Gyumri, Kapan, Ijevan, Sisian, Stepanavan, Talin, Vardenis and Yerevan.

Armenia’s largest borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey remain closed for political reasons, stifling trade and economic development. Overcoming structural problems makes poverty reduction challenges more complicated. Moreover, winters in Armenia are long and severe with temperatures dropping to -30 °C. Most houses lack central heating and often families struggle to provide adequate warm clothing and shoes for their children.