Background of the Crisis
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh stems from long-standing ethnic and territorial disputes between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, with roots in the early 20th century. In 2023, the conflict escalated dramatically, forcing over 100,000 people to flee their homes and seek safety in unfamiliar regions. This mass displacement has triggered an urgent humanitarian crisis, as many struggle to adapt to new environments and rebuild their lives.
According to the leading humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger, 1 in 30 people in Armenia, a country with a population of 3 million, is now a refugee. More than half of these refugees are women and girls. About 5% of the Karabakh Armenian refugees have been able to secure employment by spring 2024, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support.
Language Barriers & Employment Challenges
Armenia's official language is Armenian, and Russian is the most widely spoken foreign language. English is growing in popularity, with about 40% of Armenians having basic English knowledge. However, many refugees lack proficiency in any of these languages, creating major barriers to employment.
According to popular local job boards, proficiency in Armenian is essential for most jobs, while English and Russian are also highly valued skills. However, Arev Bridge’s research shows that many refugees, especially women, struggle with language skills:
- 91% of the respondents said they lacked English skills necessary for work.
- 51% need to improve their Russian language abilities.
- 24% want to work on their Armenian.
Notably, 95% of respondents were women, highlighting the unique challenges they face in the job market.
01
Why Language Training is Critical
English proficiency is not only important for securing local employment but also for accessing international resources and support. Many NGOs and humanitarian organizations operate in English, making it essential for refugees to communicate with global relief agencies, apply for assistance, and navigate legal processes.
02
A new focus area
While the existing NGOs provide emergency aid, housing, and psychosocial support, there is a significant gap in long-term solutions that focus on language acquisition and vocational training—both of which are critical to helping refugees rebuild their lives and integrate into their new communities.
03
The Need for Sustainable Solutions
At Arev Bridge, our mission is to fill this gap by providing tailored programs that equip refugees with the English language and professional skills they need to thrive in both local and international job markets. Through these efforts, we aim to create a lasting impact on the lives of displaced individuals and contribute to the overall stability and development of Armenia.
