Beyond First Aid: The Aznavour Foundation’s Grant to Wounded Soldiers Program

Sargsyan noted that the foundation realized the social and economic rehabilitation of Armenian veterans was as important as their physical and mental well-being. She said that “through months of cooperation, we realized that by the end of their rehabilitation cycle many young men become extremely anxious about their future and the future of their families. For many, war led to various disabilities, which did not permit them to go back to the work they used to perform before the war.” Furthermore, while in rehabilitation, many young men shared their hopes, dreams, and vision for their future post-recovery. “Basically, the veterans themselves inspired this project and nudged us in the right direction!”, Sargsyan explained.

Grant specialists from the Aznavour Foundation, in partnership with the Support to Wounded Soldiers NGO, are directly involved in the consultations with soldiers interested in the initiative. Both guide veterans through the application process and provide further support in all steps of project implementation. Furthermore, external business consultants are involved, depending on the specificities of a given project, to help shape the idea and secure long-term sustainability.

The call for applications was open for approximately a month and resulted in the submission of over 400 applications. Sargsyan said she believes this exemplifies the “true potential of the initiative” and showcases the young men’s desire to take back control of their lives after the war.

So far, seven grants have been awarded, while several more will be provided in the future. However, the call for applications is closed and there is a substantial waiting list of high-quality projects eligible for financing. To secure financing for the remaining applications, the Aznavour Foundation has partnered up with fundraising platform AYO! to give agency to those who seek to contribute to this initiative. The stories of beneficiaries are available on their website, www.weareayo.org, where donors can contribute directly.

One of the grant receipts was 20-year-old Leo Baghdasaryan. Originally born in Stepanakert, Artsakh, Leo moved to Yerevan at the age 10, and dreams of becoming a well-known composer. In his own words, Leo says that “Music is the only thing through which I can express myself.”

When the war began, he was already serving in the military for his mandatory service, and on the second day of the war was moved to the frontline near Hadrut. Later he was moved to Martuni, where he was wounded on November 4. He received injuries to his hand from shrapnel.