The closing workshop of the staff of “Protected Beneficiary Family and Informed Citizen” small sub-grant project was held in the office of the “Local Democracy Development and Research Centre” NGO. The small sub-grant project was implemented in the scope of the EU funded Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” Project implemented by a consortium of CSOs led by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO.
The main objectives of the project were:
- assessment of the role of employers, social sector representatives in protecting the rights of beneficiary families, their members’ rights, and overcoming the problems related to the employment of beneficiary family members,
- elaboration of basic proposals to raise the awareness of beneficiary families’ interests and the rights of beneficiary citizens;
- elaboration of targeted proposals to improve the benefits system and presentation to relevant authorities.
Within the framework of the project the following main activities were carried out:
- Organizing and conducting a survey entitled “Advocacy for Beneficiary Families and Beneficiaries’ Awareness”, (in-depth interviews with representatives and employers of the social sector and focus group discussions with beneficiary families).
- Preparation of a comprehensive analytical report (Report) on the research results.
- Launching of the web site aimed at the implementation of the main goals and objectives of the project.
- Conducting a two-day, outreach workshop on “Advocacy for Beneficiary Families and Beneficiaries’ Awareness” with participation of MPs, representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, social support officers, civil society organizations and social workers.
- Implementation of targeted cooperation efforts within the framework of commitment to constructive dialogue.
The participants of the workshop noted that the main outcomes of the project were ensured, and the project activities were performed at a proper level.
Mr. H. Keshishyan, Project Manager attached great importance to the results of the research on the main component of the project “Advocacy for Beneficiary Families and Beneficiaries’ Awareness” and noted that they will definitely be of great practical significance. The conclusions and recommendations contained in the comprehensive review report based on the research findings are valuable and may become one of the major guidelines for reforming the benefits system.
After the end of the project, the “Local Democracy Development and Research Centre” will continue its activities in this area. It is envisaged to carry out this activity in three main directions: participation in the development of the concept of benefits system (1), organization of targeted public awareness activities (2), cooperation with the RA National Assembly and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in the context of legislative amendments (3).
