An interview with Armen Ayvazyan, Project Director of the French Armenian Development Foundation Mr. Ayvazyan, when was the French Armenian Development Foundation (FADF) established and for what purpose? What projects is the FADF involved in now?

The FADF was founded in 2004 by the Association Arménienne d’Aide Sociale (AAAS), the first   Armenian welfare organization to be established in France in 1890. The AAAS centers on three directions: retirement homes, social assistance and development projects in Armenia. Our aim is to assist in the long-term and sustainable development of Armenia by formulating a variety of projects, basically in the social sector. Presently, we are focused on the migration issue and assist in the voluntary return to Armenia of those who had left and now find themselves in legal limbo in France. Another project deals with the disabled. In January 2008, with joint financing from the European Union and the AAAS, we launched a project called “Deaf Dialogue is Possible” with the aim to strengthen the development skills of the people with hearing disorders (PWHD), one of the poorest and isolated groups of society. Along these lines we have established a non-profit Social Integration Center. A third program of ours is entitled “Advancing the Rights of Children and Adolescents with Psychological Problems”.

What is the project that deals with the voluntary return to Armenia of individuals residing in France without legal status? How does it work?

This project is called “Return to Sources” and was started in November, 2005. The project is co-financed by the European Refugee Fund (ERF) in partnership with the French National Agency for the Reception of Foreigners and Migration (ANAEM). Within the framework of the project, an Information and Training Center has been opened in Paris. Detailed information on the economic and socio-political environment in Armenia is provided to beneficiaries. The Center prepares their future reintegration in Armenian society by exploring with them possible income generating ventures. In Armenia, French Armenian Development Foundation (FADF) helps concerned beneficiaries to draw up a business plan for setting their micro-business activities.  The FADF is in charge of the follow-up. The staff provides assistance, prepare the feasibility study and assist in the actual launch of the micro-business.

What standards are involved in deciding who should return to Armenia?

That’s a decision of the French National Agency for Migration. If an individual meets those standards they will be offered an opportunity to be included in the repatriation program that includes a variety of assistance measures covering transportation costs and even outright monetary grants to facilitate the return to Armenia.

If a person meets the requirements of the French National Agency for Migration and wishes to return to Armenia, what resources are available to facilitate their reintegration into Armenian society and ensure a somewhat normal life? Do you also offer assistance in this regard?

The individual would get in touch with the Voluntary Repatriation Center run by the AAAS in Paris. The Center will review the options available to the returnee in terms of earning a living in Armenia. The Center formulates an action plan for repatriation that they send to us. Thus we know in advance who is returning and their plans. We meet with these returnees and stay in contact with them We don’t get involved in locating suitable housing for the repatriates but will offer informational assistance if needed. We might offer a list of apartments for rent or help the person find work if they don’t wish to start their own business. We’ll provide information about the job market, what professions are in demand, and even help the person write a professional-style resume. In the past, we offered monetary assistance to all repatriates facing a housing problem. Now, we offer such assistance to beneficiaries under the age of twelve and over seventy at around 600 Euros per year. They can spend the money as they chose. This year, we plan to allocate thirty such housing grants. During the first three months, a period we call “social accompaniment”, we assist with getting the repatriate’s paperwork in order. We accompany the person to the various agencies when needed. If there are medical issues to be addressed, we also direct the person to the correct agencies. In the same three month period, we also formulate a small business plan for the person if they desire to open a private concern. We study the market and grant up to 7,000 Euros in start-up funds. We don’t hand out cash but use the funds to cover the purchase of equipment and materials; whatever is necessary to launch a business. The aim is to ensure that the person returning will have a source of income to cover their living expenses. Within the parameters of the program, some forty business plans have been financed. In April of this year, an additional thirteen business plans have been formulated and work is underway to purchase the necessary equipment and materials. In addition, we also offer retraining assistance so that the beneficiary can become competitive in the job market. Our first priority is to treat the individual with a sense of respect and dignity. Committee sessions regarding the allocation of business start-up monies are convened under the auspices of the French Embassy in Armenia.

To date, how many repatriates have you assisted? How many individuals have returned to Armenia via your organization?

During the period November 15, 2005 – April 30, 2009, 239 individuals have returned to Armenia. 27 in 2005-2006, 43 in 2006-2007 and 107 in 2007-2008. 62 individuals have returned as of November 15, 2008.

Do you have exact figures of the number returning to Armenia monthly?

About 5-15 individuals per month.

What are the repatriation costs, per person, that your organization incurs?

I can’t give you the exact breakdown. The financial side of the equation is dealt with by our French partner organizations.

Based on your observations how are the repatriated families getting on? Do they have adequate housing and work?

Most own their own homes but others rent. Finding work is the main problem.

There have been cases when people returning to Armenia leave for France again.

The follow-up monitoring of the social reintegration process of the repatriates lasts for one year. The FFAD meets with the beneficiaries to review the process and outstanding issues if they so desire. It is entirely possible that a few of the repatriates leave Armenia for foreign shores but most remain.