ArmeniaCorps Launches the “Increasing Literacy through Access” Program

In rural Armenia, libraries are some of the last accessible spaces where people of all ages can engage in lifelong learning. Yet despite their potential, these community anchors often operate with limited resources, making it difficult to meet the evolving educational needs of the people they serve.

Recognizing this gap, ArmeniaCorps launched the “Increasing Literacy through Access” a library enhancement program designed to expand access to knowledge and promote lifelong learning in under-resourced communities.

The initiative began with support from Karen Aroian, book and business content editor, and the active participation of librarians and young readers from Norabats and Ghukasavan villages (Masis Consolidated Community, Ararat region). Together, they submitted book wish lists, tailored to their educational and recreational needs, including fiction, non-fiction, self-development, and business books.

The first book donations came from Hasmig Aroian and Ashkhen Mirzoyan in Texas, USA, who purchased 28 new books in just one week. The selections reflected a broad range—from children’s literature to classic novels and professional development titles—reflecting the initiative’s inclusive and future-focused vision.

On June 27, 2024, Karen Aroian and Ashkhen Mirzoyan joined ArmeniaCorps to deliver the books to the Norabats village library. The event, hosted by librarian Hermine Martirosyan, celebrated not just the arrival of new books but the launch of English reading clubs for children and teens. Local facilitators and future club members were introduced, marking the beginning of a sustainable, community-led educational experience.

This initiative is more than a book donation—it’s a story of shared purpose and hope, woven into ArmeniaCorps’ broader commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. By placing books on the shelves of rural libraries, we’re advancing SDG 4: Quality Education, offering young readers the tools to learn, dream, and grow. By responding directly to the needs of underserved communities, we’re promoting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, ensuring access to educational resources regardless of geography. And through the collaboration of local leaders and global supporters, we’re living out SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, proving that sustainable, inclusive development happens when people unite to act with purpose.