Armenia – 30 years after the earthquake
Published: Oct 22, 2018 Reading time: 2 minutes
In 1988, northwest Armenia was hit by a devastating earthquake which caused tens of thousands of casualties. In response to the earthquake, a group of students from Prague started a fundraiser that strongly resonated with the public and resulted in 50 tons of material being delivered to Armenia.
This was the beginning of international humanitarian aid from the Czech Republic and the beginning for non-governmental organization People in Need, which has since grown to become one of the major non-profit organizations in Central Europe. Even today, People in Need is still working in Armenia.
In 2003, People in Need established a permanent mission in the country and focused primarily on the issues of migration and repatriation of Armenians returning to the country. Today, after 15 years in Armenia, People in Need is working to strengthen the economy and access to job opportunities through the renovation of hiking trails in Syunik province and the revival of wool-processing trade in Shirak province.
Join us for a discussion on the past, present and future of Armenia and learn more about the beginning of humanitarian assistance from the Czech Republic and about People in Need’s development programs in beautiful Armenia. As part of the event, we will be screening the documentary The Country below Ararat.
When and where: Thursday December 6th 2018, 6pm –8pm. Bio OKO Prague 7 - Holešovice, Františka Křížka 460/15. Free entrance. Program will be in Czech.
Film: The Country below Ararat, 1989, Directed by: Milan Maryška, 25 minutes, in Czech (ČSFD)
Guests of discussion:
- Šimon Pánek, Co-founder and Executive Director of People in Need
- J.E. Tigran Seiranian, Ambassador of Armenia to the Czech Republic
- Jaromír Štětina, Journalist, writer and politician
- Vladislav Vik, Desk officer for Balkan countries, Armenia and Georgia
