Volunteer Programs in Armenia

Armenia is a country that has experienced many highs and lows over the course of history. As one of the oldest inhabited countries in the world, Armenia is home to many biblical landmarks, such as Mount Ararat. Armenia has has an interesting, though challenging, past; most Armenian cities exhibit these tribulations, but also show the perseverance and beauty the country holds.

Gyumri. Surrounded by the Pambak Mountains, and located on the Shirak plateau, Gyumri is located in the northwestern part of the country. The history of this Armenian city dates back to over 5,000 years ago. North of the Aragats, the biggest mountain range in Armenia, this city offers stunning views of mountains. After a large earthquake struck in the late 1988, Gyumri and it’s people were deeply impacted, with thousands of people displaced and devastated. While Gyumri has recovered, homelessness and poverty remain serious issues in the city.

Vanadzor. The third largest city in Armenia, Vanadzor is located in a valley next to the beautiful Pambak River. With art museums, archaeological sites, and mountains near by, there is plenty for volunteers to do on their free time. Most of Vanadzor was built while Armenia was part of the Soviet Union, making the architecture very different from cities with much older histories. Despite this variation, Vanadzor still provides a very Armenian experience and is a great place to volunteer in Armenia.

Yerevan. This capital city is the biggest metropolitan area found in Armenia, and is one of the world’s oldest cities. When Armenia was a part of the Soviet Union, Yerevan was not a cultural or artistic center, but economic growth since the early 2000s has allowed Yerevan to flourish. Home to many important landmarks, such as the Mother Armenia statue, and located at the base of Mount Ararat, Yerevan has started to transform into a lively capital city. There is still a lot of work to be done to fully develop Yerevan, and volunteer work is the perfect way to assist local communities and organizations.