Lilit, 8, and Milena, 5, barely remember their father who tragically passed away four years ago while ploughing a field in their hometown of Movses, Berd region. Artur Papyan was 36 years old at the time, leaving behind his wife, Yerazik alone to take care of their girls.
While time hasn’t eased her grief, Yerazik finds solace in her daughters, who have become the light of her life. She works herself to the bone to secure their future. Yerazik’s days start with the gentle routine of waking her daughters, seeing Lilit off to school, and getting Milena ready for kindergarten. Despite the challenges, she cherishes these morning moments.
Her afternoons are filled with hard work in the garden, where she grows potatoes, onions, garlic, beans, and cucumbers. “I aim to care for my children just as my husband did,” she says. Lilit dreams of becoming a psychologist, while Milena wants to be a doctor so that “no one in the world gets sick.”
Since their father’s death, Lilit and Milena have been enrolled in the Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP), a project of the Women’s Guild Central Council of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), which is implemented by FAR in Armenia. The program provides them with a financial stipend of $250 each a year plus additional gifts from their sponsor. 100% of the sponsor's donation is given to the child. Children are in the program until they reach 18 years old.
This support has been crucial for Yerazik, allowing her to afford essentials like firewood for the winter. "If it weren't for FAR's help, I would have struggled to gather enough money for firewood to survive the harsh winter. With this support, I can ensure our warmth and comfort all winter long," Yerazik says with a genuine smile.
The family lives in a modest one-room house that serves as both bedroom, living-room and kitchen, Fortunately, the landlord has generously waived the rent on the condition that Yerazik maintains the small garden adjacent to the property, a task she embraces with pleasure. Through Breaking the Cycle of Poverty program (BCPP), FAR has also provided the family with essential household items, including a washing machine, a bed, chairs, an oven, and a clothing rack.
Yerazik frankly notes that losing a parent and the only breadfeed hand is one of the most devastating things that can happen to any child. "The world goes topsy-turvy, but life goes on. I try to stay strong and resolute because I know that someone out there is guarding and sponsoring my daughters, and that gives us strength," she concludes.
Through the CASP program, many children, like Lilit and Milena, Milena receive the support they need. You can make a significant difference in their lives by donating to FAR today.
Commentaires