On August 19, wife of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Executive Director of the “My Step” Foundation Anna Hakobyan had a meeting with Vice-Chairman of the Central Board of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party-Ramgavar (ADLP) Alexan Karadanaian and ADLP Representative in Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) Boghos Tekeian.

The ADLP representatives shared with Anna Hakobyan the practice of the Netherlands where there are programs for refugees and vulnerable groups through which they gain experience and skills in the service sector, after which mother and children are employed at various restaurants, including at the “Social Restaurant”. According to Boghos Tekeian, among those refugees and vulnerable groups are persons with various features.

In her remarks, Anna Hakobyan stated that the “My Step” Foundation also has an idea for a similar program and plans to establish the “Tshakhruk” social café, which will be run by young people with features of physical and mental health. However, the Executive Director of the “My Step” Foundation emphasized that there are few specialists in Armenia who can teach these young people how to prepare meals or serve them. The ADLP representatives stated that they can help with exchange of experience and the preparation of such specialists as well.

Anna Hakobyan stated the fact that there are many similarities between the two programs and that the practice of the Netherlands will be very helpful for development and implementation of the Foundation’s program. The parties agreed to meet again soon and hold a more substantive and thorough discussion on the opportunities for future partnership.