| With
spring on its way, the
Yeghegnadzor sports and community service project is expanding its
programs, engaging young men and women in sports training and community
clean-up. The program aims to serve youth by
offering athletic training in return for service to the community. As most
youth in the Yeghegnadzor community (about two hours south of Yerevan)
cannot afford after-school activities, many have much idle
time. An after-school sports program in exchange for community service
improves not only participants' personal health, but also their moral
character, discipline, patriotism, and motivation towards employment.
The program is so successful that many young men join to prepare for
military service, reporting that since they are stronger and better
disciplined, they have a better experience as new recruits.
Thanks to the
support of 2001 Wish List contributors, the project grew six-fold last
year, from 20 members in one site to 120 members in six villages
throughout the Yeghegnadzor region. To continue this growth, the
project needs additional equipment and heating for village sites, an
additional trainer, and transportation. The current budget is $400
per month, for trainers, equipment, rent, and heating. The training
will also enable students to compete in national and international
competitions, giving further incentive to work hard, learn, and contribute
to the community. |
