1 in 4
Children live in poverty
Many families lack food
Many children are malnourished in Kotayk. The region is among the Armenian regions experiencing the greatest amount of malnourished and stunted children because families can’t afford nutritious food.
This is mainly because families living here experience high unemployment, underemployment and are underpaid. As a result, more than 21% of children live in poverty.
A poor diet risks damaging a child’s physical and mental health, including affecting their ability to concentrate in school. It also increases the risk of illness, and chidren may miss school because they are unwell.
3 in 5
Young children do not go to preschool
Children missing out on education
In rural areas, education facilities are severely lacking. Where they exist, facilities often lack adequate resources, such as furniture and heating, as well as hygiene and sanitation facilities.
Early year education is particularly important for young children living in poverty, yet more than half of pre-schoolers in the province are not enrolled in kindergartens.
Early childhood education can be particularly beneficial for disadvantaged children, setting them up for success in the further stages of education.
Your support makes a difference for children in Kotayk
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
![]()
Doing some school work outside. SOS Children’s Villages supports children and young people in their schooling and training (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Armenia).
How your support helps in Kotayk
Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.