Asthma Sufferers Go Underground

One of the most impressive health program projects is asthma screening of children from 7 to 10 years old in all schools of the Shengavit region of Yerevan. Why is it so impressive? Have you been 235 meters underground, where children suffering from bronchial asthma live, surrounded by salt rocks? The salt mine is located in Yerevan where besides salt mining, there is a salt clinic for children and adults. Children who have a chronic form of bronchial asthma stay in the salt caves every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for about 1 month. These children are getting treatment for their asthma there by breathing clean oxygen, taking oxygen "cocktails," etc. The air in the cave contains microelements similar to the elements in blood, and the air is dry and at a constant temperature. All these characteristics make the salt cave environment ideal for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory ailments.

Because of misdiagnosis by doctors, bronchial asthma has become one of the most rapidly increasing diseases among children. The asthma screening project was approved in August 2001. The main goal of the project was early recognition and prevention of bronchial asthma among children. The medical doctors and pediatricians of the "Bnabujutiun" (Natural Cure) charitable organization are implementing this screening project in Armenia. All treatment of children found to have bronchial asthma will be provided by "Bnabujutiun." We hope that after the completion of this project many children will not have to live in the salt clinic.

By Zara Janibekyan
Health Program Officer -- Armenia
Jinishian Memorial Program

Slabodka's Water

Children observe the construction of a water pipeline sponsored by JMP in Armenia. Photo by Bob Ellis.

Stepanavan is a small city located in Lori region, in the northeast of Armenia. There was a very big demand for drinking water in the city because of the bad conditions of the local network of the water supply. The pipeline was constructed during the Soviet period and was partially destroyed by the 1988 earthquake. Very frequently the damage causes water supply failures and it becomes impossible to have drinking water even once or twice a week for a couple of hours. To solve that problem the community of the district of Slabodka, which consists of 24 families, initiated the construction of a new pipeline, which would allow them to arrange a 24-hour water supply for the district. Each family expressed its willingness to invest approximately $80 as an in-kind contribution.

The implementation of the project took almost one month and presently the district of Slabodka has a full water supply. The newly constructed 1600 meter pipeline delivers water to all houses of the district. The water pressure will allow also arrangement for an improved water supply for the neighboring district, consisting of 26 families. This project is a very good example of the initiation and implementation of a project by the community and we hope that the natural environment of Lori region and Stepanavan as a resort town will be restored to its former beauty and fame.

By Gevorg Aboyan
Program Assistant — Armenia
Jinishian Memorial Program

Child Protection Day Celebration

Child Protection Day 2001

On June 1, Jinishian Memorial Program — Armenia staff implemented a project, which made thousands of children happy and cheerful, with the goal of celebrating "International Day of Child Protection." Children from Yerevan and from almost all regions of Armenia came to the Children's Railway Park and to the Zoo and were provided with transportation means, security, and medical service for their visit.

During the whole day, children enjoyed free admission to the Children's Railway Park, including: the children's train, all 10 carousels, a concert program, and free transportation (the park's mini-van). Admission to the Zoo was free of charge for all children and parents. Entertaining programs were organized and included the presence of favorite characters from cartoons and stories, decorations, and children's games with prizes. The national TV station, private TV stations and mass media reporters were invited to attend. Prometevs and Armenia TV stations broadly publicized the event.

More than 40,000 children from orphanages, boarding and special schools, international and local humanitarian organizations, church communities, state social service offices, and children informed via mass media got an opportunity to participate and benefit from the programs. The project was implemented successfully. The excitement and joy of the children left a lasting impression in our minds. Thousands of people conveyed special thanks to the Jinishian Memorial Program for organizing such a successful project, which touched the lives of nearly 40,000 children.

On June 2, the city municipality organized a drawing competition near the Opera House Freedom Park and 200 children (winners) received "Coloring Bibles" published by JMP. Taking into account the requests of thousands of parents and children, the JMP staff is considering celebration of Child Protection Day as an annual JMP Spiritual Uplift Program project.

By Alina Hovhannisyan
Spiritual Uplift Program Officer — Armenia
Jinishian Memorial Program

In Lebanon Charity Starts at Home

An elderly brother and sister in Beirut were sick, unemployed and alone. They had to pay years of rent in arrears to keep their right to their apartment, which they had left during the civil war. The Jinishian Memorial Program (JMP) co-signed for a loan from a local revolving loan fund to allow them to keep their home. The director knew that the brother and sister would rarely have income enough to repay their loan. She wrote a letter to a second cousin of the pair who lives in California and had assisted them years ago. To her astonishment, the cousin responded quickly by sending a check, which covered the entire loan. In addition to paying off the loan, he created a bridge between these siblings and their sister, who lives in Canada. The cousin mentioned that charity starts at home, and they should be the first to assist their relatives. Thus, JMP counseling and services made hope possible for these elderly people!

By Seta Pamboukian
Country Director — Lebanon
Jinishian Memorial Program