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Today is March 3rd, World Hearing Day. It is a reminder to highlight the importance of hearing and taking care of it. This year's theme, “Hearing Aid for All”, as advocated by the World Health Organization, underscores the necessity of addressing hearing impairments at every stage of life, from infancy to old age.
To mark this day, we invite you to watch a video highlighting the latest mission of the Armenia Hearing Aid Project. This initiative was launched by the Los Angeles-based family of Haykuhi and Armen Kavoukjian, in partnership with the “Arabkir” United Children’s Charity Foundation. Since 2017, this project has provided high-quality digital hearing aids to thousands of individuals, including several hundred participants of the 44-Day War.
The "Armenia: Hearing Aid" Project's 2023 mission, which ran from September 11 to September 16, was tragically followed by the Azerbaijan's aggression in Artsakh on September 19 and the forced displacement of Armenians from their homeland.
HEARING THE WORLD BETTER
- I am extremely grateful. Your warm welcome and care is much appreciated! Thank you very much!
- Well done, everyone! I am deeply satisfied and grateful. Everything was well-organized, and the hospitality. It’s truly wonderful for those who appreciate it.
Countless expressions of gratitude fill the air as people depart, satisfied with the warm reception and service provided by dedicated specialists and young volunteers. They highlight the importance of attention and a caring attitude, underscoring that, in addition to receiving hearing aids, they have truly felt seen and cared for.
- The exceptional approach, attentive care, and positive attitude have left a deep emotional impact on me. I am genuinely surprised and moved by the outstanding level of service.
- They explained everything carefully.
- The 20-year-old volunteers displayed impressive organizational skills, ensuring an orderly arrangement. Everyone followed a structured process, taking turns without any disruptions.
- The service was excellent. They welcomed me with grace, and I am extremely satisfied.
This initiative didn't happen overnight. The concept for this project originated in 2008 within the family of Armen and Haykuhi Kavoukjian, residents of Los Angeles. As partners with the renowned "Starkey" company, they regularly received updates about the company's global charitable missions, specifically in providing hearing aids to those in need. Recognizing the need in Armenia, they took action and launched their inaugural mission in 2017, partnering with the ARABKIR United Children’s Charitable Foundation and the ARABKIR Medical Center. Over three consecutive years, the Starkey team, under the leadership of founder Bill Austin, collaborated with the Kavoukjians and numerous volunteers, bringing the gift of hearing to thousands of individuals across Armenia, including Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Artsakh.
In 2020, as the global COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, "Starkey" temporarily halted its project activities. Despite the ongoing need, particularly in Armenia where many individuals returned with hearing impairment from the 44-day war in Artsakh, the Kavoukjians swiftly redirected their efforts. This time, their focus was on aiding war participants by supplying high-quality hearing devices. The years 2021 and 2022 saw a dedicated emphasis on supporting those affected by the conflict.
Lusine Babayan - Country Coordinator, “Armenia Hearing Aid” Project - In 2020, we equipped 240 individuals, predominantly military personnel, with cutting-edge digital hearing aids featuring the latest technologies.
Once again in 2023, the Kavoukjian family, alongside volunteers from Starkey Cares and friends from Los Angeles, is in Armenia for the next mission. This time, the project specifically targets individuals who, for various reasons, were not part of government or other support initiatives.
Lusine Babayan - Country Coordinator, “Armenia Hearing Aid” Project - The primary concern we've identified is with individuals who do not have a recognized disability but are in need of hearing aids. Furnishing them with these devices has the potential to prevent job loss, boost social engagement, enhance their overall quality of life, enable participation in various activities, and assist in overcoming numerous challenges.
Narek Mkrtchyan, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs visited the mission site on the first day. He expressed high appreciation for the support extended to the country and its citizens through such initiatives.
Narek Mkrtchyan - Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the RA - Significant efforts are currently underway to support individuals with hearing impairment, providing our citizens with access to cutting-edge devices utilized globally. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as it caters to specific target groups that may be excluded from state support programs. In our context, we have clearly defined target groups eligible for state support projects, making this initiative crucial in addressing a specific need. The project effectively complements existing state programs, with dedicated efforts over the years and the pivotal role played by the "Arabkir" medical center under the leadership of Mr. Babloyan. I extend my best wishes for the success of this initiative. It's essential to recognize that this goes beyond charity; it's about creating knowledge and value. This not only contributes to new infrastructures but also nurtures new knowledge, enabling our specialists to advance and elevate the field.
The dedication and care demonstrated by the Kavoukjian family and all supporters of the project are truly impressive, according to Ara Babloyan, the partner of the project in Armenia and the founder of the “Arabkir” United Children’s Charitable Foundation. They not only provided the idea but also secured the finances and actively participate in all missions, personally fitting the devices and giving the gift of hearing to our people.
Ara Babloyan - Founder, “Arabkir” United Children’s Charitable Foundation - What I appreciate most about the Kavoukjian family's approach and their organization is the lack of formality; it's all about substance. Our perspectives align, as we, too, set our goal with an emphasis on meaningful content right from the beginning. I'm delighted that we could come together and collaborate on this shared commitment.
Between September 11 and 16, close to 1000 individuals were equipped with hearing aids, with more than 100 of them being high-quality digital devices. A significant number of these devices were provided in pairs for dual-sided wearability. The recipients came from various locations, including Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, and other cities and villages. Additionally, beneficiaries from Artsakh, who were in Armenia during that period and unable to return due to the blockade, were also served. The project collaborated with provincial administrations and municipalities to facilitate the smooth transfer of beneficiaries.
- They called me, and then informed my husband about the day and time, so we immediately left our jobs and came from Gyumri to Yerevan.
- I have a somewhat unusual sensation, but they reassured me that it's normal. They advised me to wear it and allow myself time to adapt.
- It comes with an application which is great. You can adjust the volume, lower or raise it and also check the battery.
- My previous device was broken, and our nurse told me about this project. She said I was included, so I came from Russia to receive the devices I really need.
The role of volunteers is particularly crucial in this endeavor. Volunteers are individuals from Palestine, Great Britain and the USA as well as students from various universities of Armenia.
Volunteer - Here, we provide consultations and explain how to use and take care for the hearing-aid. We have a sample device and a box to illustrate proper care and cleaning.
Volunteer - I am a physician and for me the primary reward is a profound personal fulfillment. At the day's conclusion, the knowledge that you've positively impacted people's lives, especially when you witness their satisfaction, makes all the efforts worthwhile.
Volunteer - I’ve participated in many volunteering programs, but this one is different because we’re helping the elderly. Doing everything we can to ensure they can hear brings us immense joy.
- They are incredibly caring. I won't forget it; it will remain in my memory forever. The heartfelt welcome I experienced has filled me with genuine gratitude, and I'm even moved to tears. The surrounding warmth seemed to enhance my ability to hear.
This large-scale annual initiative becomes a reality through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and donors committed to assisting individuals with hearing impairment in Armenia. The primary financial support for this year’s mission was generated during a charity dinner organized by the “Armenia: Hearing Aid” Project on March 3, on the World Hearing Day.
Haykuhi Kavoukjian - Founder, “Armenia Hearing Aid” Project - We selected a venue with historical significance, where Charlie Chaplin once got married. Connecting the Silent film era with hearing, our gala evening was themed “Silent Film”, resulting in a successful fundraiser that received significant support. The Armenian community in Los Angeles believes in and supports us tremendously. It’s because of this fundraiser that we decided to provide high-quality digital devices to the 30-50-year-old Armenians, enabling them to seek employment, enhancing their quality of life.
The Starkey Foundation's initial goal was to empower us with knowledge to carry on their crucial work. Today, they take pride in our accomplishments. In the spirit of the English saying "flying solo," signifying readiness to navigate independently, we are now soaring on our own, and for that, we express our gratitude.
The “Armenia: Hearing Aid” Project team stands alongside our compatriots, always ready to support individuals with hearing impairment in improving their quality of life by enabling them to hear the world much better.
