Message from Chief of Party  As BRIDGE starts its fifth and final year I wanted to draw upon a particular success story to tie it to wider issues in the employment market. In 2009, BRIDGE and the Yerevan State Industrial College created a three and a half month intensive welding program. Six weeks into the training – during the most severe economic downturn over the past fifteen years -- 9 of the 17 students have already found part time welding work. more Picture of the Week Overview The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded CHF International a contract to implement the Building and Rehabilitating Infrastructure for Development and Growth in Employment (BRIDGE) Program in Armenia. The BRIDGE program assists vulnerable communities in achieving greater self-sufficiency by providing them with vocational training in construction skills and employment opportunities on public works projects that rehabilitate community-prioritized infrastructure. more

Recent News   New Kindergarten for Margahovit Children Margahovit, Lori region.   The BRIDGE Public Works Program implemented by CHF (Cooperative Housing Foundation) International and funded by USAID has completed the renovation of the Margahovit Kindergarten in October. The official opening of the project took place on November 5 and was attended by John H. Seong, USAID D more   USAID BRIDGE Public Works Program Opening Ceremony in Dilijan on September 16, 2009 USAID provided funding for the renovation works of Dilijan Kindergarten # 1 Kitchen Area. The project was recently completed and the official opening ceremony took place in Dilijan on September 16, 2009.    During general community meetings the CDC, mayor, and city council representatives all prioritized th more   Start of Vocational Training in Talin and Graduation in Gyumri  On May 20, the BRIDGE Public Works program started its painting and plastering vocational training at the Talin Vocational School. The school’s staff will deliver the training, using training materials and methodology developed by the BRIDGE pr more   Vocational Training in Welding at Yerevan State Industrial College On April 16, BRIDGE public works program launched a vocational training program at the Yerevan State Industrial College. It is the first time that BRIDGE provides training in welding. The training was developed as a response to the strong need for welders in Armenia. BRIDGE and the College administration jointly develope more