David lives with his parents and a younger sister in a rented apartment in poor condition. The center offers him an escape, and a sense of hope. “After school we come here,” he says. “We have dinner, then we play games, draw, do our homework. It is very good.” He stops talking so he can focus on bringing his sketched construction site to life.
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he center serves a wide range of families, and not just those in financial need. Children with a single parent find a safe haven at the center, and many receive counseling and psychological support. One psychologist and two social workers attend to the children. Psychologist Arpine Sargsyan says they tailor their help to the child, whether they are coping with stress, fears, shyness or grief. “These are children from difficult families with different fears,” she says. In some cases, children may live with one parent after a divorce. Others may endure violence. “Many have seen their fathers beat their mothers, some have been victims of violence themselves. We have a girl who is very withdrawn. She is always afraid to see her father drunk. She says that when he drinks, they cannot leave the house, and he beats them all.” Some children have even encountered death. “We have a 10-year-old boy who last year saw his father commit suicide,” she explains. “He was in terrible stress. I worked with him and now I notice positive changes.” The center’s staff keeps constant contact with the children’s schools, coordinating to monitor changes in the children. Tangush, 11, attends the Little Prince Center. Her aunt, suffering from mental health issues, has repeatedly attacked and beaten the children of the household — especially Tangush.
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“We are in a difficult situation,” says her mother, named Anahit. “There were cases when she attacked Tangush, wanted to smother her. Imagine what state of mind the child must have been in. Believe me, this center is a salvation.” Since coming to the center, she says, her daughter has become calmer, more relaxed and happier. “I don’t know where we would be now if this all didn’t exist. I could never afford to take my child to a psychologist; we hardly have money for food. Here, we get everything. This is really salvation for all of us,” she says. “It would be very good if there were more places available. I’d also like my son to attend, but the number of places is limited yet. If they expanded, it would be a salvation for so many children.” Fortunately, there are prospects for the expansion of this children’s center. Archbishop Rafael envisions establishing a “children’s town,” where youngsters from the province will have an opportunity to learn and grow and see a better, brighter future. “We are also cooperating with the municipality of Artashat, numerous
local and international organizations,” the archbishop says, his enthusiasm infectious. “This is a major contribution, through which generations will be raised. Programs that help children will also help the province.” He speaks with certainty — and with faith in the future of his homeland and its children. “Soon,” he beams, “this project will become a reality.” Gayane Abrahamyan’s reporting has appeared in The Atlantic, EurasiaNet and ArmeniaNow.
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