MENQ & MOONQ
Menq & Moonq Humanitarian Social Program
The “Menq & Moonq” humanitarian social program was implemented from September 2024 to September 2025. This one-year initiative was designed to support people forcibly displaced from Artsakh who resettled in Armenia’s border regions – Gegharkunik, Tavush, and Syunik. The program reached more than 1,600 beneficiaries.
Its main goal was to foster the social integration of displaced families in their new communities by providing psychological support, bringing together youth from Artsakh and local regions, and encouraging dialogue between generations.
These goals were achieved through five program components:
- Two-day educational art workshops
- “Areguni” summer camp
- Craft workshops
- “7 Paths” psycho-educational project
- Support for Artsakh start-up entrepreneurs
The Menq & Moonq program is financed by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) in partnership with Sign of Hope (SoH). The project is implemented by the Development Principles NGO.
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- Educational Two-Day Art Workshops
Within the framework of the program, 8 educational two-day workshops were organized for 297 teenagers (ages 12–18) from Artsakh, Syunik, Gegharkunik, and Tavush.
The workshops aimed to support the integration of displaced youth into new communities, strengthen dialogue with their peers, and encourage the development of creative and social skills.
Through the workshops, participants gained self-confidence, self-expression, and communication skills. They explored collage art and fashion design, discovered the basics of photography and performing arts, and learned to distinguish traditional Armenian songs and melodies through a vocal workshop.
During the oral storytelling workshop, teens reconnected with their heritage by recording local myths, legends, hero stories, and traditional recipes – becoming guardians of their community culture.
The best stories were compiled and published in a booklet titled “Banahavak” (Oral Heritage Collection).
All workshops were led by professional experts in their respective fields.
2. “Areguni” Summer Camp
The final component of the “Menq & Moonq” program was the 7-day “Areguni” Summer Camp, which brought together 120 teenagers (ages 12–18) from Artsakh, Syunik, Tavush, and Gegharkunik.
For many participants, this was a new and unique experience, full of emotions, skills, and new friendships. The camp was built around themes of emotional well-being, teamwork, self-expression, and physical activity, nurturing both body and mind.
The daily agenda included workshops in photography, theater, collage art, and handicrafts, as well as movement therapy, sports and outdoor games, a quest, and even a talent show. Campfires and evening gatherings created a strong sense of community.
The “Areguni” Camp successfully combined educational components with interactive recreational activities.
3. Craft Workshops
The craft workshops were aimed at supporting the social integration of displaced women from Artsakh.
A total of 6 workshops were held with the participation of 61 women and 74 children, each of whom continues to rebuild life while overcoming the challenges of new communities.
During the sessions, participants worked together on sewing and crochet projects, giving women both a chance to learn new skills and an opportunity to relax, connect, and bond with others.
At the end of the workshops, sewing machines were provided to all participants as a practical tool to help ease their daily household burdens. The gatherings were accompanied by live music, creating a warm and inspiring environment.
4. “7 Paths” Psycho-Educational Project
The “7 Paths” project is the psychoeducational component of the “Menq & Moonq” humanitarian program. It includes a ten-episode YouTube podcast of the same name and a free interactive self-care workbook.
The project’s goal is to support displaced people from Artsakh and overall Armenians in navigating challenging life stages, overcoming crises, adapting to new realities, and discovering new paths to continue living and creating.
More about the project read here.
5. Support for Artsakh Businesses
Through this initiative, displaced start-up entrepreneurs from Artsakh, resettled in Gegharkunik, Tavush, and Syunik, were given the opportunity to develop business skills and present their products at Christmas fairs in Dilijan and Goris.
They participated in online training courses covering marketing, branding, market presentation, and business strategy development. Trainers provided individual consultations, reviewing each entrepreneur’s project, highlighting strengths, and addressing weaknesses.
As a result, 13 entrepreneurs presented their products at Christmas fairs in Dilijan and Goris, with updated branding and improved business positioning. Their products ranged from fruit chips and baklava to handcrafted leather bags and bedding items.
