Vehicle for Social Change: Evolving role of IMPACT clubs in rural Armenia
Long waiting time for a bus at a stop in Khashtarak village, in Tavush province is much more than a boring daily routine. Villagers waiting to catch a bus at the so called 'Smart Station' have the opportunity to learn something new right then and right there.
The bus stop has rapidly turned into a sightseeing spot of Khashtarak, since it does not only act as a public library furnished with bookshelves, but also displays posters, maps and images featuring the diverse landscape of the village. It even highlights locations where “We and Our Mountains”, a well-known Armenian comedy was filmed.
This innovative approach has transformed the bus stop into a symbolic point, bridging the past and the future, recollections of the elderly and appreciation of the younger generation.
The renovation works were carried out by the Khashtarak school students, members of World Vision Armenia’s IMPACT club, with the support of the local municipality. Apart from promoting social empowerment and youth involvement, this initiative comes to enhance the culture of engagement at the community administration level.
'We are open to support any project aimed at community development and we will have a personal contribution to them', village Mayor A. Virabyan, co-sponsor of the project. He is grateful to World Vision Armenia for the support provided and he expresses his delight over the students’ enthusiasm.
The “Smart Station” project is just one initiative of the IMPACT club operating in Kashtarak. A total of 50 clubs are functioning in Armenia’s seven provinces involving more than 800 members.
Whether it is leadership training in Sisian or community mapping in Ijevan, the clubs bring together 12-17 years old teenagers to educate them about active citizenship, employment, social entrepreneurship and leadership by using non-formal, experimental learning methods.
Attending the club, youth learn to identify community problems, brainstorm and work together, design and implement strategic community service projects. The clubs help youth develop positive self-image and acquire life skills, complementary to the knowledge learnt in schools.
'All of us are inspired by being part of IMPACT. We look forward for the next project,” says Michael, 17-year-old club member.
While World Vision Armenia envisages the project to be self-sustaining in the future, more means would considerably ensure the uninterrupted functioning and enhancement of the clubs throughout Armenia.
As practice shows, young adults are eager to learn new skills and positively shape behaviours and attitudes in their community and beyond.