Smiley Club- what is it, and why is it important?

Bathroom shared by one floor in Aratsia dormitory in Yerevan.

If you take a close look at the recent history of the Armenians, you will see that they have had their fair share of difficulties. Among other factors, the economic crisis due to the fall of the Soviet Union, a big earth quake and war with Azerbaijan made life hard for many people. About 300 000 refugees came to Armenia as a result of the war, and were placed in apartment buildings of different standards. Over ten years after, many of the refugees still live under very bad housing conditions. Although the economic situation is improving every year, it is estimated that about 50 % of the population lives below the poverty line.

Red Cross Youth volunteer reading for the children

The youth department in Armenia helps some of these people through the Smiley Club project. The aim of Smiley Club is to integrate poor children, and children with refugee origins, into the Armenian society. This is done by helping the children in their home environment, by providing them with home work help, lessons, excursions to the theatre and amusement parks as well as arranging summer camps. The Red Cross has also, with the support from among others Sogn og Fjordane Red Cross, build two playgrounds. Through the Smiley Club project Red Cross is helping almost 120 children.

Making friends and having fun