USAID’s Civic Engagement in Local Governance (CELoG) project, which implements the School of Local Democracy, strengthens public participation and the role of civil society in local governance.  Through SLD, CELoG is developing a cohort of dedicated young people eager to engage with their communities and enter local politics.  Following a series of trainings, SLD graduates form regional groups and have the opportunity to implement small grants in their communities, and/or participate in internships in local government institutions.  Every region in Armenia now has 3-5 active SLD groups.

The SLD group in Gavar, Gegharkunik region, has recently completed a project that supported elderly people, particularly those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, in their community.  With a USAID small grant, the SLD group first conducted a three-day online training for their peers that focused on training participants on local self-government, Gavar municipality operations, and emergency response measures to prevent the  spread of the coronavirus.  After the training, volunteers helped distribute packages with necessity products such as basic food products, toilet paper, soap and cleaning products, to 40 senior citizens who lived alone and had difficulties in going out to shop.  Volunteers also organized a flash mob with local Gavar youth and created a short video that was posted to social media and helped promote understanding of residents’ social responsibility to wear masks and comply with quarantine safety rules.