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.
Sevak Harutyunyan, a participant in the Menq & Moonq program’s “Support to Artsakh Businesses” initiative, has turned his passion for baking into a new beginning in Dilijan after being displaced from Stepanakert, Artsakh. Together with his family, he founded “Dedo, Babo” bread production and embraced the challenges of starting over.
Organization of 7-day summer camps aiming to provide psychosocial support, skill-building, and integration activities for 120 youth aged 12-18, split into two groups of approximately 60 participants each, from local communities and displaced individuals from Artsakh.
For the first time, the New Year’s Fair in Dilijan showcased not only businesses from the Tavush region but also entrepreneurs from Artsakh, who are building new lives in the area. Held on December 8 at the Dilijan Community Center, the fair featured a variety of startup ventures and established business projects displayed across two spacious halls. Each of the five Artsakh businesses that participated in the “Menq & Moonq” program stood out with unique branding elements such as logos, packaging, and visually appealing designs.