Rural Youth Explore Career Paths in a Changing World

Ghukasavan Village, Ararat Region: As part of the “Expanding Educational Opportunities for Young People in Ghukasavan and Norabats” project, a Professional Orientation Seminar was held in the village of Ghukasavan, offering rural youth the chance to explore diverse career paths and better prepare for their futures.

Led by Alla Grigoryan, Hirschman scholarship recipient of the Kaza Swiss Humanitarian Foundation, and Astghik Gevorgyan and Lida Arustamyan, students from the Armenian State University of Economics, the seminar introduced participants to university subjects, admission processes, and emerging professional fields.

At the heart of the seminar was a session on how to choose a profession thoughtfully—encouraging youth to reflect on their skills, interests, and ambitions. This practical, reflective exercise aimed to equip them with the mindset and information needed to make informed and purposeful career choices.

The seminar reflects a broader goal: expanding access to non-formal education for youth in rural areas. By connecting them with real-life student mentors and relevant career information, the project strengthens young people’s capacity to pursue higher education and adapt to a changing labor market—a critical step in reducing rural-urban opportunity gaps.

This initiative was co-created by ArmeniaCorps participants from Ghukasavan and Norabats and funded through the Cultural Vistas Muskie Alumni Small Grants Program, under the ArmeniaCorps Development Initiative.