Transforming Libraries into Community Learning Hubs for Rural Youth

In the villages of Ghukasavan and Norabats, 40 rural teenagers gained free access to non-formal education in financial literacy, media literacy, career orientation, and personal development, thanks to the vision and collaboration of two local librarians: Hermine Martirosyan (Norabats) and Shoghik Melqonyan (Ghukasavan).

This initiative grew out of their shared participation in community development workshops under the ArmeniaCorps Development Initiative. There, they identified a common goal: to reimagine the role of rural libraries as centers of youth empowerment and lifelong learning.

Using the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, the librarians built on their own leadership, the existing infrastructure of libraries, and local partnerships to design the “Expanding Educational Opportunities for Young People in Ghukasavan and Norabats” project. This effort was brought to life with support from the Cultural Vistas Muskie Alumni Small Grants Program.

Through collaboration with local administrations and the Innovation & Technology School in Ghukasavan, the project reached youth in both villages. The school contributed by offering its facilities for free—demonstrating how community assets, when aligned with a shared vision, can generate inclusive educational opportunities.

The first session featured Hayasa Tahmazyan, head of the ArmeniaCorps Development Initiative, who shared practical insights on goal setting and project design—a vital skill for youth development and community leadership.

This project contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

By tapping into local knowledge and institutions, this initiative shows how libraries can become engines of community resilience, youth opportunity, and sustainable development.