“The fear that I cannot make it, cannot have a bakery, or run a business, disappeared and I decided to find a space for my bakery. After long searches, we finally found and rented the space.”

In 2020, Vergine lost her husband in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. She was one of many grieving Armenian women who had to find a way to provide for their families. Vergine hoped to make money by turning her bakery hobby into a business, but she didn’t know how.

Arpi NGO, a local organization in Vanadzor, Armenia, that receives support from Near East Foundation, was able to help. The organization offers services and assistance to families of war casualties, disabled and lost soldiers, and displaced people. They also help women like Vergine with employment and business training.

Vergine now trains at one of the best restaurants in town. She feels good about herself and is hopeful for her future.

Now that Vergine has completed her training, she is opening her own bakery. She encourages other women in similar situations to seek out support so they can pursue their dreams.

“I also plan expand the workshop and employ the wives of our heroes who cannot find strength to create their own business, at least jobs will be created for them. Being one of them I clearly understand how difficult it is to work elsewhere with children and family duty.”