On March 13, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in Yerevan and the American University of Armenia (AUA) signed an agreement to launch the first university program for training of non-profit management professionals in Armenia.
University-level courses for employees of civil society organizations (CSO) and for those who want to acquire professional education in the non-profit sector in Armenia is an essential component of the Bridge for CSOs program, which is financed by the European Union and overseen by AGBU, in cooperation with the Eurasia Partnership Foundation.
The opportunities to acquire professional knowledge in non-profit management are limited in Armenia. This certificate program, to be developed and implemented by the American University of Armenia, will equip its beneficiaries with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in CSO management.
The goal of introducing such a program at a local higher educational institution is two-fold: the program is expected to become self-sustainable and continuous, adding to the range of important educational programs offered by local universities.
“Employees’ professionalism and leadership is key to a strong civil society and social innovation. It will ensure sustainability of organizations, as well as better quality of services for the beneficiaries,” said Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Armenia President, AGBU Central Board member.
“AUA Extension’s successful track record can ensure that CSO professionals, as well as future non-profit leaders, have continuous access to learning non-profit governance, strategic management, effective program evaluation, advocacy and communication, and use of technology in civil society organizations,” noted Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, AUA President.
Founded in 1991, AUA provides a high-quality, graduate and undergraduate education that encourages civic engagement and promotes democratic values, fostering scholarship in a setting that values and develops academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, scholarship, leadership, and service to society.
The BRIDGE for CSOs program was launched in June 2017, the three-year, 2.2-million-euro program aims to help Armenian civil society organizations (CSOs) enhance their skills and deepen their knowledge by tapping into the expertise of the diaspora.
“Armenian CSOs will have the opportunity to participate in thematic training and a university-based, non-profit management certificate program; benefit from free consultations, and apply for small grants. “Bringing the expertise of diaspora Armenians to Armenian CSOs is a win-win situation for all,” said Ambassador Piotr Świtalski, of the EU Delegation in Armenia.
For more information on BRIDGE for CSOs, please visit http://www.agbu.am/en/bridge-
Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 500,000 Armenians around the world.
For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit www.agbu.org.
