Armenia, Europe Region: Population Movement – Final Report (MDRAM012)

Country: Armenia Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. STORIES FROM THE FIELD Story of Rafik Avanesyan, a beekeeper Back at home, Rafik was known as a lawyer with a strong passion for beekeeping. Since 1987, his legal career took him to various regions across Karabakh. During one of his assignments in the countryside, he decided to get a few beehives — a decision that marked the beginning of a lifelong hobby. In September 2023, along with many others, Rafik had to leave Karabakh, leaving behind both his home and his beloved apiary. After moving to Armenia, Rafik settled in Davtashen village of Armenia with a commitment to rebuild his apiary. He heard from friends and relatives that the Armenian Red Cross was supporting people from Karabakh and, though not expecting much, he decided to apply. “I had already managed to acquire several beehives on my own when I got the call from the Armenian Red Cross, ” Rafik recalls. “The cash assistance and the business training I participated in gave me a chance to transform my hobby into an income-generating activity and significantly expand it. Beekeeping is not just a hobby for me anymore — it’s my life and something that gives me a sense of purpose and hope, ” he adds. Beyond income, beekeeping remains a source of joy and purpose for Rafik, allowing him to maintain a connection to his past while building a sustainable future in Armenia. Rafik Avanesyan is one of the many who benefitted from the livelihoods program of Armenian Red Cross implemented with the support of IFRC. For many like Rafik, the Armenian Red Cross livelihood support program has been a vital step towards rebuilding their lives and finding stability after leaving behind everything.

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