Mira is from the Artsakh region of Armenia. She, her mother along with her grandfather used to live in Stepanakert, (The Capital City of Artsakh). Mira is the only child, and lost her father years ago. We (Empower Armenia) virtually met Mira in 2020, when we needed to provide temporary housing to one of our beneficiaries (Mariam Khachatryan), who needed a place to stay in Stepanakert during the exam season to attend the Stepanakert State University. You can read more about Mariam’s University projects from the past four years here 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Mira has a law degree from Artsakh State University. Prior to the genocide and the ethnic cleaning of Armenians from this region by Azerbaijan, its ally Turkey and help from nations who have common interests with the latter two, Mira used to work at the Stepanakert courthouse, as a judge’s assistant.
Mira also had a side business where she worked as nail stylist (Manicurist). It goes without saying that she wasn’t able to bring any of her tools with her.
Mira and her mother left Stepanakert on a bus heading for the outskirts of Yerevan today (September 29th, 2023). They could only bring a few items with them and literally just the clothes on their backs. They weren’t allowed to bring much due to lack of space on these buses. Mira’s grandfather had left Stepanakert earlier and is now living with an extended family member in a small town just outside of Yerevan. Mira and her mother will be joining them today (September 29th, 2023), and will be staying with them for a few days until they find a place to rent on their own.
We are looking to raise a lump sum of $2,500 CAD for the following items:
- To pay for three (3) months of rent to help Mira and her family to get back on their feet.
- To purchase tools for Mira’s nail styling (Manicure) business, so she can start working soon.
- To purchase and deliver some winter clothing for Mira, her mother and grandfather.
We will provide a more detailed breakdown of each item within the next week or so, depending on the rent prices, the number of tools and clothes we purchase.
All Canadian donations will receive a tax receipt.
Thank you.
Post Project Remarks:
This project was conducted and completed on October 15, 2023. By this time Mira and her mother were able to secure winter clothing for Mira’s grandfather and mother. We asked Mira if they would prefer us pay for a few months’ rent, or purchase household appliances and items, which they opted for the latter.
Please see below for project expense breakdown. You can see purchase receipts from both Canada and Armenia attached.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at info@EmpowerArmenia.com
Thank you for your donations and continuous support.