YEREVAN (Armenpress)–Chairman of a prime minister-affiliated council for youth issues Manvel Badalian praised the government for "beginning to understand the role of the youth in the public life." While speaking to reporters–Badalian said the cooperation between the youth and non-governmental organizations has become more active in the last 2-3 years.
The council–according to Badalian–outlined several priority areas and has already begun implementing programs. Thus–members of youth organizations have been included in government working groups.
Among other successful projects Badalian mentioned establishment of the Pan-Armenian Youth Fund–which provides assistance to young men and women in education–medical treatment and exchange programs. The Fund plans to open more chapters in Armenia’s provincial communities this year. The only chapter outside of Yerevan thus far is in the province of Ararat.
Vazgen Khachikian–the youngest member of the Armenian parliament told reporters that a bill on Youth Issues was drafted by the parliament–and is expected to be approved this spring.
He also said that the government earmarked more than $90,000 for the establishment of a Pan-Armenian Youth Center–and $2 million will be donated by the Lincy Foundation.