The Tufenkian Foundation’s “Come to Svarants” (Yek Svarants) pilot program kicked off earlier this year to resettle forcibly displaced Artsakh Armenians in the village of Svarants, helping to transform lives while revitalizing this village in Armenia’s Syunik region.
This pilot program is unique in that it aims to collectively resettle families originating from the same cluster of villages in Artsakh into a single village in Syunik, fostering a close-knit community where Artsakh’s culture and social cohesion can thrive. “Come to Svarants” is part of Tufenkian Foundation’s larger plan to bolster Syunik’s rural communities by investing in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and economic development.
The project is set to deliver 20 new homes in Svarants, located in the Tatev municipality. These homes, available in two- and three-bedroom configurations, will each have an adjacent garden and a small barn. The Foundation’s holistic approach extends beyond housing, as each resettled family will also receive a grant for home furnishings, tailored agricultural support, and other assistance, helping to ensure a smooth transition into their new community. By stressing community development and livelihood support, the initiative will enable these Artsakhtsis to become self-sufficient while keeping their heritage alive.
At the same time, the Foundation’s efforts are designed to revitalize communities in Syunik. Through investments such as a new drinking water network and modern farming equipment, they will revitalize the infrastructure and capabilities of the entire village, creating new opportunities and a “wn-win” situation for Svarants’ current and new residents alike. Plans include refurbishing the village clinic, renovating the community center, building a playground and creating a youth center.
The initiative also aims to unlock Svarants’ touristic potential by integrating it into the wider Tatev touristic cluster and enhancing hiking trails to improve access to the village’s many historic sites and natural attractions. Tufenkian is partnering with several organizations, including the UN’s World Food Program, the Near East Foundation, the Caucasus Nature Fund and others, to provide training and livelihood support to the community, further boosting local capabilities and resilience.
“Come To Svarants” has received wide coverage in Armenian media such as Artsakh TV and Syunik TV, and is being followed by many on various social media platforms. The Foundation is also directly engaging with displaced villagers from Artsakh via community and town hall meetings across Armenia’s Syunik, Armavir and Shirak regions, with more planned in the near future in other parts of the country.
To support the “Come To Svarants” initiative, visit the website. The initiative will help transform Svarants into more than just a prosperous place to live; it can become a vibrant hub of cultural continuity and communal resilience, offering a fresh start where the heritage of Artsakh may live on.
