VA 05-01 Renovation of School #6 Sports Hall

Town demography: Vanadzor is the capital of Lori Marz, and is Armenia's third largest city, with a population of 106 000 people. During the Soviet period, it was known for its industrial base, in particular the giant chemical plant. During the 1988 earthquake, 564 residents died.

Community description: Tsalkut is located in the center of Vanadzor, and has approximately 3,250 inhabitants. The biggest market in Vanadzor is located in this district, which provides some people in the community with jobs; though high level of unemployment is still present. Many of the inhabitants are leaving for Yerevan or abroad in search of better educational and economic opportunities due to the poor economic situation of their community. Tsalkut district is underserved -- apart from a children’s playground constructed in by the Vanadzor municipality, there have been no other major projects by the municipality or international organizations.

Infrastructure description: School #6 was built thirty years ago. The sports hall was damaged during the 1988 earthquake and the community and students were not able to use the indoor facilities. Residents and students are using the backyard of the school for sports, though it has no facilities and cannot be used in the winter. Community members replaced the roof, but due to limited financial resources, could not complete all the necessary renovations.

Works to be done under the project: replacing windows, installing insulation under the roof, plastering and painting walls, installation of new wood floor, and renovating the changing rooms.

Jobs Created: Thirty-two persons – 4 community unskilled laborers and 28 trainees – received temporary jobs under this project.

Current Status:
V. Aghababyan Ltd carried out the renovation works, from November 3, 2005 to March 24, 2006.
Vocational Training: Forty five persons participated in the Wood flooring, and Painting and Plastering trainings in October 2005; 28 trainees finished their internship on the project site in February 2006.

Cooperation: This program is being implemented in conjunction with the Vanadzor municipality, Lori Marz authorities, School #6 administration and Tsalkut Community Development Council.

Potential Economic Impact: Seventeen new jobs will be created, and a further 8 jobs sustained as a result of the works. After the renovation of the school sports hall the school will employ 17 new trainers, 3 teachers, 1 doctor, 2 cleaners, one administrator and one security guard. Because of a lack of job spaces, many sports trainers in Vanadzor are currently unemployed. The establishment of fee-based sports activities will provide incomes to these trainers as well as generate revenues for the school to help maintain the facility.