children in Armenia - Unicef

said that she was dangerous and had to be
taken to hospital."
One month later, after Vartouhi received
treatment, Svetlana and Emma were reunited
with their mother. Without support from the
Shirak International Association, the experience
might have torn the family apart. Like many
other children in the same situation, 13-year-old
Svetlana has already aged beyond her years.
"I am ready to work to look after my mother,"
she says. "My dream is to have a strong family.
I don't want to be a burden to my mother
because I know how difficult it is to find food."
homes originally intended for children with
disabilities or those without parents.
"This initiative is essential for the development
of a state strategy on alternative care to
prevent the institutionalization of children at
risk," adds Naira Avetisyan, UNICEF's Child
Protection Officer.
"The role of the local authorities and
community must be encouraged to ensure the
sustainability of such initiatives as part of a
state policy on children and families at risk."
Gyunashyan says that none of the children in
her care have otherwise been separated from
their families. As a result of poverty there has
been a significant increase in the number of
children from vulnerable families enrolled into
specialized boarding schools and children's
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