In April 2022, a decision by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia (#402-A) recognized the program initiated by VAL Charitable Foundation and sponsored by SYUN, “Establishment of the Emergency Response Regional Training Center,” as a charitable program for three years.

This significant step will help us make considerable progress in preparing the population of Syunik and Armenia for emergencies. This program is SYUN’s major project, encompassing several important sub-projects:

• Jump-Start: An unused building in Goris, formerly serving as an ambulant clinic, is now the facility for the training center. It requires some repair work, which is already in progress, including partial remodeling and roof repairs. The center will conduct regular first aid courses and serve as an emergency response hub in the region.
• First Aid Training: The Emergency Response Training Center in Goris is equipped with the necessary rooms, equipment, and supplies for first aid courses, continuing to train the population of Syunik.
• Transportation: Many roads in Syunik are inaccessible, and some villages can only be reached with off-road vehicles. The Emergency Response Center in Goris, needing to access these villages for assistance, raised necessary funds with community help and acquired such a vehicle for VAL.
• Communication: Instructors and trainees at Goris ERTC, along with Syunik locals, are connected through an installed radio-communication system. This independent communication system facilitates evacuation and first aid in the border region when necessary.
• Rapid Response in Action: The rescue team of 22, trained by our senior instructor at the ERTC in Goris, demonstrated their emergency response capabilities during Azerbaijan’s aggressive actions around the Armenian village of Sotk. Team members are on alert 24/7, ready to act immediately when needed.
• New Building: The Emergency Response Training Center moved to a new building in Goris. Previously, an unused building provided by the local government served as the training center facility. However, after the government demanded its vacancy by October 1, 2023, a new building was purchased with private funds and provided to VAL for continued activities.

This program is crucial for enhancing emergency preparedness and resilience in Syunik and Armenia. Join us in supporting these efforts to build a safer and more prepared community.