UNISEF must keep pace with dynamic rates of Armenia’s development
26.03.2008,
21:16
Below is an exclusive interview by UNISEF Representative in Armenia Sheldon Yett to the ARKA News Agency.
Below is an exclusive interview by UNISEF Representative in Armenia Sheldon Yett to the ARKA News Agency.
ARKA: What is your appraisal of UNISEF’s activities in Armenia in 2007?
Yett: The year 2007 saw rather effective cooperation between UNISEF and Armenia’s Government and civil society, with which we are implementing joint programs. I would like to note that without cooperating with Armenia’s Government and nongovernmental organizations UNISEF would not have been able to carry out effective work and ensure progress.
Among the achievements I can first of all single out a program of improving the immunization situation in the country in 2007 implemented jointly with the Ministry of Health of Armenia. In 2007, we carried out a mass immunization of the population against measles and rubella. We were satisfied with the result – 96% of the population aged 6-27 were vaccinated.
Another project we implemented jointly with the Ministry of Education and Science and National Institute of Education was aimed at increasing the number of children attending preschool educational institutions. A survey conducted in 2007 showed that only 20% Armenian preschool children attended the institutions. This is a very low percentage, and children actually go to school unprepared. At present, in cooperation with the ministry, we are trying to introduce alternative flexible models – short-term services - for parents unable to send their children to preschool institutions.
Besides, we are trying to leave the Soviet model of preschool institutions behind and introduce interactive methods of education. Children that have attended preschool institutions are known to show better results in school, and the possibility of such a child being left out of the school system or refusing to attend school is reduced. Investments in preschool education are of extreme importance as high efficiency can be expected later, and the investment proves its worth. Thais is the reason why children’s early development is UNISEF’s priority in over 150 countries.
ARKA: What other programs is the organization implementing in Armenia?
Yett: One of UNISEF’s priority tasks is to ensure a child’s development in the family. We have worked with and will continue our cooperation with Armenia’s relevant authorities to prevent children from socially vulnerable families from finding themselves in orphanages, but to ensure their growth in families.
In 2007, a patron family model was introduced in the country for children unable to live in their own families for certain reasons to be received by other families, where they will grow in a family atmosphere. Naturally, we are not going to stop at what has been achieved and will continue out work in 2008. Our work is aimed at long-lasting effects. UNISEF is not a charitable organization, and we try to work for the system to start operating independently in the future.
I would like to stress that UNISEF is in Armenia to help the country’s government. It is clear that an international organization cannot replace the country’s authorities. It is the Government that is responsible for children’s future, living conditions, education and health. Making statements and adopting documents is not enough for that. It is important that the elaborated policy envisage necessary funding.
Budget allocations to education and health care must be adequate. The funding of sectors involving children is of strategic importance for the country’s security. By making such investments we invest in the country’s future. In 2008, we will continue cooperation with our partners and we hope that our work will be as effective.
ARKA: What was the scope of programs UNISEF implemented in 2007, and what is the amount intended for this year?
Yett: In 2007, UNISEF implemented $3mln worth programs in Armenia. It is difficult to say what amount will be intended for programs this year, as we form our budget of donations from other donor organizations.
ARKA: Does UNISEF plan to expand its activities in the country in 2008?
Yett: UNISEF is working in Armenia under a 5-year fundamental agreement with the Government. The agreement is renewed every five years. We still have two years, until 2009, when the five-year program series comes to its end. UNISEF’s priorities in Armenia will remain the same in 2009: health care, education and protection of children’s rights. However, specific activities envisaged by the program will be modified.
We hold monthly discussions with our partners at the Government and nongovernmental organizations, and, in conformity with the results, take necessary steps under the five-year program. Naturally, attention is focused on the allocation, distribution and utilization of funds and on the Government-implemented strategy being aimed at the protection children as much as possible. UNISEF’s activities are not strictly limited.
We are always open for new ideas, and if they can improve children’s life in the country, we are ready to take steps to put them into practice. Armenia is a most dynamically developing country, and our organization must keep pace with the rates of development. We need new ideas and models for more effective aid to families and children living in this country.
ARKA: What is your appraisal of UNISEF’s cooperation with the local authorities in charge of problems?
Yett: The NGOs UNISEF is cooperating with in Armenia number 30. But I would like to say that this figure changes year by year due to new organizations. I consider our cooperation with Armenian NGOs excellent.
I cannot single out one or a few organizations as all of them are of equal value and necessary for us. All of them are working at the local level and serve as our “eyes” and “ears” in the country’s communities and regions. Besides, NGOs make interesting proposals we study and often apply in our activities.
ARKA: What new surveys and monitoring does UNISEF plan in Armenia?
Yett: Surveys and monitoring is UNISEF’s fundamental activities throughout the world, as we are unable to plan our work without this information. Specifically, I would like to point out a number of surveys UNISEF conducted in Armenia in 2007. One of them dealt with the disorders caused b y iodine deficiency in children’s organism. Iodine deficiency is known to affect children’s intellectual growth and development.
A survey UNISEF has conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Health this year showed that 90% of children in the country receive the necessary quantity of iodine with iodized salt. Jointly with the Ministry of Health we are cooperating with the Avan salt mine. Specifically, we provided the salt mine with necessary equipment and potassium iodide for iodizing the salt mined there. Another survey was conducted in the children’s health protection field and dealt with timely immunization. We revealed some vaccination-related problems.
The point is that 60% of children were vaccinated behind schedule. Now, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, we are going to remedy the situation. Another survey dealt with the education sector, particularly with school attendance. In general, we determined a number of reasons for poor attendance, including coaching and low income of a number of families. This year, UNISEF plans to conduct a deeper study of the non-attendance problem and elaborate mechanisms to improve the situation. We also intend to study cases of child labor in Armenia.
ARKA: What is your opinion of the results of vaccination against measles and rubella?
Yett: In 2007, in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Health, we carried our a mass immunization against measles and rubella. The result was very good - 96% of people aged 6-27 were vaccinated. The prevalence of these principal “infanticide” diseases is known to have considerably decreased worldwide. Since 1990, an approximate 60% decrease in the number of deaths from measles and German measles has been recorded. Armenia has joined the countries trying to eradicate the disease.
The vaccination was organized for those who were not vaccinated when Armenia experienced the years of darkness and cold. It should be stressed that the campaign caused much tension. The importance of the action is that measles has no age limits, any person may be infected. The disease poses gave danger to children. The people not vaccinated in time pose a threat to others, as they are potential carriers and transmitters of the virus amid the population. The latest outbreak of measles was recorded in Armenia not long ago, in 2004-2005.
However, vaccination campaigns are not enough for good results to be achieved. Routine and timely immunization is necessary as well.
ARKA: Does UNISEF intend to appoint a new good-will ambassador to Armenia?
Yett: UNISEF Good-Will Ambassador to Armenia Alla Levonyan is very good at performing her duties though this is her first year. At her concerts and appearances the popular singer advocates family values and protection of children’s rights. In a recent vaccination campaign Levonyan was involved as a participant in advocacy advertising. We are satisfied with her work and have no intention to appoint a new ambassador.
In 2008, we also plan a l;arge-scale campaign for children’s right to live in families, and Alla Levonyan will participate as well.
ARKA: What is your opinion of the Armenian Government’s activities in dealing with children’s problems?
Yett: As compared with the other countries of the region and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) budget allocations to health care, education and social protection of children are rather small in Armenia, though the Armenian Government increases allocations year by year. Since UNISEF is an organization supposed to protect children’s rights, we would, of course, like to see more budgetary funds allocated for these purposes. –0--
ARKA: What is your appraisal of UNISEF’s activities in Armenia in 2007?
Yett: The year 2007 saw rather effective cooperation between UNISEF and Armenia’s Government and civil society, with which we are implementing joint programs. I would like to note that without cooperating with Armenia’s Government and nongovernmental organizations UNISEF would not have been able to carry out effective work and ensure progress.
Among the achievements I can first of all single out a program of improving the immunization situation in the country in 2007 implemented jointly with the Ministry of Health of Armenia. In 2007, we carried out a mass immunization of the population against measles and rubella. We were satisfied with the result – 96% of the population aged 6-27 were vaccinated.
Another project we implemented jointly with the Ministry of Education and Science and National Institute of Education was aimed at increasing the number of children attending preschool educational institutions. A survey conducted in 2007 showed that only 20% Armenian preschool children attended the institutions. This is a very low percentage, and children actually go to school unprepared. At present, in cooperation with the ministry, we are trying to introduce alternative flexible models – short-term services - for parents unable to send their children to preschool institutions.
Besides, we are trying to leave the Soviet model of preschool institutions behind and introduce interactive methods of education. Children that have attended preschool institutions are known to show better results in school, and the possibility of such a child being left out of the school system or refusing to attend school is reduced. Investments in preschool education are of extreme importance as high efficiency can be expected later, and the investment proves its worth. Thais is the reason why children’s early development is UNISEF’s priority in over 150 countries.
ARKA: What other programs is the organization implementing in Armenia?
Yett: One of UNISEF’s priority tasks is to ensure a child’s development in the family. We have worked with and will continue our cooperation with Armenia’s relevant authorities to prevent children from socially vulnerable families from finding themselves in orphanages, but to ensure their growth in families.
In 2007, a patron family model was introduced in the country for children unable to live in their own families for certain reasons to be received by other families, where they will grow in a family atmosphere. Naturally, we are not going to stop at what has been achieved and will continue out work in 2008. Our work is aimed at long-lasting effects. UNISEF is not a charitable organization, and we try to work for the system to start operating independently in the future.
I would like to stress that UNISEF is in Armenia to help the country’s government. It is clear that an international organization cannot replace the country’s authorities. It is the Government that is responsible for children’s future, living conditions, education and health. Making statements and adopting documents is not enough for that. It is important that the elaborated policy envisage necessary funding.
Budget allocations to education and health care must be adequate. The funding of sectors involving children is of strategic importance for the country’s security. By making such investments we invest in the country’s future. In 2008, we will continue cooperation with our partners and we hope that our work will be as effective.
ARKA: What was the scope of programs UNISEF implemented in 2007, and what is the amount intended for this year?
Yett: In 2007, UNISEF implemented $3mln worth programs in Armenia. It is difficult to say what amount will be intended for programs this year, as we form our budget of donations from other donor organizations.
ARKA: Does UNISEF plan to expand its activities in the country in 2008?
Yett: UNISEF is working in Armenia under a 5-year fundamental agreement with the Government. The agreement is renewed every five years. We still have two years, until 2009, when the five-year program series comes to its end. UNISEF’s priorities in Armenia will remain the same in 2009: health care, education and protection of children’s rights. However, specific activities envisaged by the program will be modified.
We hold monthly discussions with our partners at the Government and nongovernmental organizations, and, in conformity with the results, take necessary steps under the five-year program. Naturally, attention is focused on the allocation, distribution and utilization of funds and on the Government-implemented strategy being aimed at the protection children as much as possible. UNISEF’s activities are not strictly limited.
We are always open for new ideas, and if they can improve children’s life in the country, we are ready to take steps to put them into practice. Armenia is a most dynamically developing country, and our organization must keep pace with the rates of development. We need new ideas and models for more effective aid to families and children living in this country.
ARKA: What is your appraisal of UNISEF’s cooperation with the local authorities in charge of problems?
Yett: The NGOs UNISEF is cooperating with in Armenia number 30. But I would like to say that this figure changes year by year due to new organizations. I consider our cooperation with Armenian NGOs excellent.
I cannot single out one or a few organizations as all of them are of equal value and necessary for us. All of them are working at the local level and serve as our “eyes” and “ears” in the country’s communities and regions. Besides, NGOs make interesting proposals we study and often apply in our activities.
ARKA: What new surveys and monitoring does UNISEF plan in Armenia?
Yett: Surveys and monitoring is UNISEF’s fundamental activities throughout the world, as we are unable to plan our work without this information. Specifically, I would like to point out a number of surveys UNISEF conducted in Armenia in 2007. One of them dealt with the disorders caused b y iodine deficiency in children’s organism. Iodine deficiency is known to affect children’s intellectual growth and development.
A survey UNISEF has conducted in cooperation with the Ministry of Health this year showed that 90% of children in the country receive the necessary quantity of iodine with iodized salt. Jointly with the Ministry of Health we are cooperating with the Avan salt mine. Specifically, we provided the salt mine with necessary equipment and potassium iodide for iodizing the salt mined there. Another survey was conducted in the children’s health protection field and dealt with timely immunization. We revealed some vaccination-related problems.
The point is that 60% of children were vaccinated behind schedule. Now, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, we are going to remedy the situation. Another survey dealt with the education sector, particularly with school attendance. In general, we determined a number of reasons for poor attendance, including coaching and low income of a number of families. This year, UNISEF plans to conduct a deeper study of the non-attendance problem and elaborate mechanisms to improve the situation. We also intend to study cases of child labor in Armenia.
ARKA: What is your opinion of the results of vaccination against measles and rubella?
Yett: In 2007, in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Health, we carried our a mass immunization against measles and rubella. The result was very good - 96% of people aged 6-27 were vaccinated. The prevalence of these principal “infanticide” diseases is known to have considerably decreased worldwide. Since 1990, an approximate 60% decrease in the number of deaths from measles and German measles has been recorded. Armenia has joined the countries trying to eradicate the disease.
The vaccination was organized for those who were not vaccinated when Armenia experienced the years of darkness and cold. It should be stressed that the campaign caused much tension. The importance of the action is that measles has no age limits, any person may be infected. The disease poses gave danger to children. The people not vaccinated in time pose a threat to others, as they are potential carriers and transmitters of the virus amid the population. The latest outbreak of measles was recorded in Armenia not long ago, in 2004-2005.
However, vaccination campaigns are not enough for good results to be achieved. Routine and timely immunization is necessary as well.
ARKA: Does UNISEF intend to appoint a new good-will ambassador to Armenia?
Yett: UNISEF Good-Will Ambassador to Armenia Alla Levonyan is very good at performing her duties though this is her first year. At her concerts and appearances the popular singer advocates family values and protection of children’s rights. In a recent vaccination campaign Levonyan was involved as a participant in advocacy advertising. We are satisfied with her work and have no intention to appoint a new ambassador.
In 2008, we also plan a l;arge-scale campaign for children’s right to live in families, and Alla Levonyan will participate as well.
ARKA: What is your opinion of the Armenian Government’s activities in dealing with children’s problems?
Yett: As compared with the other countries of the region and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) budget allocations to health care, education and social protection of children are rather small in Armenia, though the Armenian Government increases allocations year by year. Since UNISEF is an organization supposed to protect children’s rights, we would, of course, like to see more budgetary funds allocated for these purposes. –0--
