The Armenian Church Orphan Sponsorship Program commenced after the devastating earthquake in Armenia in 1988 when thousands became homeless, were displaced and families shattered when loved ones were lost. The compounded effect of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict in the 1990’s escalated the need for financial relief and sadly, orphan sponsorship.
Some 20 years hence, child sponsorship continues to be a real need in Armenia. The effects of economic pressures and broken families place responsibility on fellow Armenians to care for the welfare needs of the children in the Motherland.
The cost of helping a child in need is $240 (AUD) per annum. As a sponsor you will receive a profile of your sponsored child. It is general practice for children or their lone parent to keep contact with caring benefactors at Christmas time by sending messages of well wishes.
The Program is managed in Armenia by the Araratian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church under the auspices of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The beneficiaries of the Program are the children of needy single-parent families. The spouses of these families are generally widowed or abandoned with little prospect of gainful employment. Your contribution supplements whatever small income they are able to derive to help them live with dignity.
Sponsorship of a child is ongoing until the age of 18 years.
For further information or to sponsor a child please contact the Church office on 9419-8056.