Cross of Armenian Unity

THE MISSION OF CROSS OF ARMENIAN UNITY


To support the development of active, educated, informed, and patriotic citizens with strong national and universal values and to improve their quality of life, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups.
As well as to strengthen the relationships between Armenia and the Diaspora.

ACTIVITY


       Charitable Cultural Non-Governmental Organization “Cross of Armenian Unity” (CAU NGO) started its activity in 1987. In 1991, CAU was officially registered in the newly independent Republic of Armenia, becoming one of its first NGOs.
     
CAU has always prioritized education and culture for the younger generation and has carried out a number of educational, cultural, and social outreach programs aimed at the wellbeing of the beneficiaries and their families and the development of society. CAU aims to make children and their families participants in the process, which contributes to increasing the effectiveness of the programs.
In 2003 CAU adopted its current method of education through art and continues to improve and expand the scope of its application. CAU focuses on the child’s personality and behavior, hoping to see not only skills in arts and crafts, but also development in becoming a responsible and informed citizen. At the moment, about 700 students are studying in the Machanents educational complex, most of them on a free basis.
Machanents educational complex has drawing, pottery, carpet weaving, national cuisine, singing, dancing, dhol (аrmenian drum), and acting classes. CAU has also established an Innovation Center, where computer courses are held. There is also robotics, photography groups and others.
There is a Physical Health (Art Therapy) Center in the CAU, where more than 100 children receive free support from a psychologist, speech therapist, and ergotherapist also in remote areas (for children from different regions of Armenia).
      Every year, Cross of Armenian Unity organizes Machanents International Art Symposium to which artists from many countries of the world are invited.
In 2010, the CAU founded the "Machanents House" social enterprise, which operates in Etchmiadzin. As a result of social entrepreneurship activities, cultural centers have been opened in Ejmiatsin: art school, theater, children's gallery, international gallery, museum, social restaurant with national cuisine, wine house, wine production and souvenir hall, where handicrafts of masters are sold.
The company organizes meals, master classes for tourists, there is also an Art Hotel and Guest House, where the guests can spend their rest by choosing one of the themed rooms. People with limited abilities also work in the social enterprise.
The "Song of the Old Days" social restaurant was opened in Machanents House, in June 2019, where people aged 63 and older work and serve, and the restaurant is furnished in a style reminiscent of our grandparents' house.
The income generated from the activity of the social enterprise "Machanents House" is directed to the sustainable activities of the educational complex of "Cross of Armenian Unity NGO and other charitable programs. (Make a donation →)
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Phone: +37494045610
Address: Shahumyan 36, Ejmiatsin
E-mail: info@cau.am