HSBC Bank Armenia CJSC (hereinafter HSBC Armenia / Bank) has announced a new collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages, based on which the bank will provide financial support to the Foundation to implement the “Family Strengthening Project” in Kotayk region, Dilijan and Ijevan enlarged communities.

The bank said that the aim of the project is to help socially disadvantaged rural families develop employability through improvement of skills required for finding a job more easily. Vocational and soft skills training courses will be organized for people in difficult life circumstances, opening up future employment opportunities. Besides the courses, appropriate tools and accessories necessary for professional activities will be provided to the beneficiaries of the project to help them to become more competitive in the labour market.

Irina Seylanyan, the Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Armenia, said that it is necessary to possess specific skills to apply for a job:

“Currently there are many courses that can help you acquire or expand your professional skill set. However, these courses may hardly be available to regional people in difficult life circumstances. With this project we aim to create an opportunity for them to get expertise required for being hired. I believe that implementing community development projects we can inspire young people living in the regions to achieve their potential and bring life-changing opportunities.”

She noted that HSBC Armenia has a long-standing commitment to support the communities in which it operates. “We understand that to achieve success in the long term, economic growth must also be sustainable. Therefore, we are helping to build resilience in areas where we can make a difference and support sustainable economic growth.”

It is noted that the initiative will contribute to the financial well-being of 30 families with minor children, thus creating opportunities to address a number of needs, including access to healthcare and education, ensuring stable accommodation and food security.