Hunan and his family were forced to flee their home in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023. Along with his wife and two sons, one of whom has a disability, Hunan left behind everything they knew to seek safety. They arrived in Vayk, Armenia, they first encounter with the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) , and registered as displaced persons.
During uncertainty, Hunan was provided with the ARCS’s hotline number to reach out for assistance if needed. Their
journey took them to Armenia’s Armavir region, where they began to settle into their new life, yet the challenges of displacement were still overwhelming. The family’s only source of income was their son, who worked to support them all.
Seeking Hope Through Support
The burden of providing for his family weighed heavily on Hunan, especially given the challenges of finding work in a new place. His search for stability led him to reach out to the Armenian Red Cross for help with employment opportunities. This marked the beginning of his journey toward a brighter future.
Hunan was introduced to a case manager through ARCS’s RENEW program funded by the European Union, who took the time to understand his situation. Through these consultations, new doors began to open for him. The case manager helped Hunan to understand his strengths and the skills he could offer to the community, providing the encouragement he needed to step forward.
A New Career Path: Teaching and Livelihoods Support
Hunan had been a teacher in Nagorno-Karabakh, and with the guidance of the case manager, he was directed to the Unified Social Service in Vagharshapat’s regional center. Thanks to this referral and the case manager’s continued support, Hunan was able to secure a teaching position at the Ejmiadzin Vocational School, an opportunity that not only aligned with his experience but also allowed him to contribute to his new community in Armenia.
This job was more than just an income for Hunan; it was a new chapter of empowerment, allowing him to support his family once again and regain his sense of purpose.
But the support didn’t stop there.
Turning to Entrepreneurship: Bee Keeping
Recognizing the importance of diversifying income sources, Hunan was also introduced to IFRC-funded Livelihoods Support Project, implemented by ARCS. Through this initiative, he received financial assistance in the form of cash support to start his own bee-keeping business. With this new venture, Hunan was able to tap into Armenia’s agricultural resources, marking another step in his recovery and self-reliance.
The case manager’s referral and continued support allowed Hunan to start the beekeeping project, which has not only provided his family with an additional source of income but also brought a new sense of independence and growth.
Building a Better Future
Hunan’s journey has been one of overcoming immense challenges and embracing new opportunities.
He transitioned from being unemployed and uncertain to finding stable work as a teacher.
With support, he launched a beekeeping business, providing his family with another reliable income stream.
The steady assistance from the Armenian Red Cross case manager enabled him to rebuild his life with purpose and optimism.
Hunan’s story is a testament to the power of personalized support and how, with the right guidance, one can overcome even the greatest of challenges.
From Survival to Thriving
Hunan’s transformation shows that no matter the obstacles, it is possible to find stability and build a better future. With the guidance of the Armenian Red Cross and the practical support he received through the RENEW and IFRC-funded Livelihoods projects, Hunan and his family are on the path toward long-term integration and success. Today, he is not just surviving but thriving, and the future now feels full of possibilities.
The RENEW project, implemented with the support of European Union Humanitarian Aid, aims to improve the living conditions and psychosocial well-being of 16,020 women, men, girls, and boys displaced by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which escalated in 2023 and led to a massive influx of over 100,000 individuals seeking refuge in Armenia. Implemented in the regions of Ararat, Armavir, and Kotayk, the project focuses on supporting displaced persons in rebuilding their lives and fostering stability and resilience within their new communities.
