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Orange Foundation continues its activity in the regions of Armenia. Following the projects implemented in Tavush region, a number of initiatives are now taken in Gegharkunik, which representatives of the Foundation have visited to conclude the results of “Lunettes pour l’Armenie” program dedicated to children, open an Integrated Development and Rehabilitation Center in Vardenis town and a computer center in Akounk village, the press service of Orange Foundation reports.

As part of “Lunettes pour l’Armenie” program, free of charge eye screenings have been performed for 6,200 children of Gegharkunik region, including Vardenis town and 32 communities. The program, founded by “Union Médicale Arménienne de France de Paris” (UMAF) and by Orange Foundation, aims at early identification and prevention of sight issues of the children.

In the frame of the project, special eye screening trainings for local nurses were organized and performed by the specialists of UMAF. After examinations, 407 specialized examinations have been performed and 241 individualized glasses made and distributed by ophthalmologists of UMAF.

“Orange Foundation puts a lot of importance to supporting children and people with disabilities. Already for 4 years, together with our partners, we implement the mobile hospital eye care project, in the frame of which more than 50,000 inhabitants of 9 regions have received free of charge eye care services and treatment. Now we are very glad to support “Lunettes pour l’Armenie” program of UMAF as we believe that treating sight issues at an early stage will enable to prevent further development and contribute to the quality of life and future success of these children,” said Francis Gelibter, Chairman of the Board of Orange Armenia Foundation.

““Union Médicale Arménienne de France de Paris” has implemented “Lunettes pour l’Armenie” project since 2004. This year we have joined our efforts with Orange Foundation concentrating on Vardenis and 32 communities of Gegharkunik region. Apart from examining the children and providing individualized eyeglasses produced on place by our specialists, we have as well trained the local personnel so they can carry on with the periodic checkups and eye screenings of the inhabitants of Gegharkunik region,” said Dr Léon Artinian, project manager of “Lunettes pour l’Armenie.”

During their visit to Vardenis representatives of the Orange Foundation have inaugurated an Integrated Development and Rehabilitation Center, equipped with special sports facilities, teaching tools, games as well as computers and Orange internet connection. The Center will enable local population, including around 180 children and young adults with disabilities, to have individual training with the help of field specialists, to improve their health and support the education process as well as get professional/vocational education. The center has been opened in partnership with “Astghavard” disabled children parents NGO.

“This project has been implemented in the scope of the special program launched by the Orange Foundation, which supports philanthropic initiatives of our employees. This time the grant has been awarded to Azganush Davdyan and it is the 7th project in a row financed based on proposals of Orange employees. We believe, this Development and Rehabilitation Center will provide the necessary environment and conditions to contribute to the integration of local disabled children and young adults into the society,” said Francis Gelibter, Chairman of the Board of Orange Armenia Foundation.

“We are very glad to open this newly equipped Development and Rehabilitation center in partnership with Orange Foundation and believe it will have a significant impact on the lives of these children and their families. On behalf of the community we are thankful to the Orange Foundation for the support and their activity aimed at creating conditions for members of different vulnerable groups to integrate into the society,” noted Melanya Yepremyan, the Chairwoman of the “Astghavard” disabled children parents NGO.

During the day representatives of Orange Foundation visited as well Akounk village, where a community computer room has been equipped in partnership with Shen NGO. The newly opened center is equipped with Orange MyFi 3G router, which allows up to 21.6Mbps download speed, as well as computers, printer and furniture. Special educational computer courses will be provided to further promote the use of Internet and make Internet services more available for the inhabitants of the village. It is already the 23rd computer room established in different rural communities.