More than 30 teenagers, aged 12 to 17, took part in workshops focused on acting, storytelling, handicrafts, and vocal arts. Through interactive group activities, local youth and forcibly displaced children from Artsakh—now residing in Sevan and nearby areas—quickly bonded, discovering shared experiences and forming new friendships.
The “7 Paths” project focuses on mental health and aims to support displaced individuals from Artsakh and Armenians in general as they navigate difficult life transitions, overcome crises, adapt to new realities, and find new ways to move forward. The initiative consists of a ten-episode YouTube podcast of the same name and a free interactive self-care workbook.
On February 15-16, more than 40 teenagers from the Tavush region and Artsakh took part in two days of creative workshops organized within the Menq & Moonq program. The goal was simple: to bring together, connect, and help teenagers from Noyemberyan and Artsakh build friendships.
As the therapeutic evening unfolded, they reminisced about their lives in Artsakh—their homeland, water, gardens, and cities—while also discussing their current struggles and experiences.
In an ever-changing reality, maintaining mental health has become a serious issue for many. The “7 Paths” project, launched within the framework of the Menq & Moonq humanitarian program, aims to support people in crisis, helping them maintain their mental well-being and stability.
Anna Shalunts, a beneficiary of the “Menq & Moonq” humanitarian program is originally from Goris. In 2011, she got married and moved to Artsakh. Her family owned large orchards of kinglets, figs, and pomegranates in the village of Martunashen, yielding abundant harvests every year. Alongside sorting and selling the fruit, she began making fruit chips. To her surprise, they became so popular that they turned into a full-fledged business.
Nigar Sinanyan, a beneficiary of the humanitarian program of the “Support to Artsakh Businesses” initiative of the “Menq & Moonq” program, worked as an accountant in one of the schools in Kashatagh before the Second Artsakh War. The war forced the family to leave everything behind and start anew. Relocating to Goris, Nigar learned sewing and decided to launch her own production.
Inna recalls that in Artsakh, her customers were already familiar with the exceptional taste of her creations. However, in Goris, she faces challenges in building a new customer base. Despite this, Inna doesn’t give up. In her small, bright kitchen, she continues to make her famous baklava and walnut cakes, hoping to regain the popularity she once enjoyed in Stepanakert.
Eight start-up entrepreneurs from Artsakh showcased their unique products at the Goris New Year Fair on December 21, held at the Impact Hub Center in Syunik. This opportunity was part of the Menq & Moonq program’s “Support to Artsakh Businesses” initiative. Before the fair, participants completed online marketing and entrepreneurship training, where they worked on improving their projects and highlighting their strengths.