In September 2013, Jinishian Memorial Foundation launched the “Youth Engaged in Society 2013-2014” (YES) project, funded and supported by Open Society Foundations – Armenia. The goal of the project is to promote the further development of civil society by increasing the knowledge and interest of young Armenians in key issues related to the development of civil society, democracy, and human rights.
Through participatory methods of teaching and learning, the project aims to develop crucial communication and analytical thinking skills that will permit young Armenians to more actively participate in the development of Armenian civil society, today and later in their adult lives.
There are 130 schools involved in this project representing 8 regions of Armenia – Shirak, Lori, Aragatsotn, Kotayk, Gegharkunik, Armavir, Ararat and Syunik, 15 cities – Ashtarak, Aparan, Talin, Artashat, Masis, Armavir, Echmiadzin, Metsamor, Gavar, Vardenis, Sevan, Vanadzor, Abovyan, Hrazdan, Gyumri and 14 village communities – Qarakert, Lernagog, Dalarik, Arteni, Gyulagarak, Urut, Sverdlov, Mets Masriq, Shenavan, Nerqin Bazmaberd, Mastara, Sarnakunq, Brnakot and Shinuhayr. The YES project gives the students an opportunity to learn to debate in a civil manner, to develop critical thinking and express their opinion on different issues.