March 15, the “Yerevan in Five Days” Youth Civic Education Program launched in the Armenian capital within the framework of the USAID Youth and Community Action Program (YCAP). Implemented for the fourth consecutive year, this five-day event is designed to bring youth from Armenian regional communities close to the inner workings of national government structures, local and international civil society NGOs and broaden their understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens in a democratic society.

This year, 43 youths representing 10 regions of Armenia will come together in Yerevan. Participants will tour institutions and meet representatives from the RA Presidential Administration, Government, National Assembly, Court of Cassation and First Instance, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and Ministry of Labor and Social Issues. In addition, they will participate in interactive civil society workshops with local and international NGOs to learn more about civil society, elections, media, local self-government system, and anti-corruption initiatives.

USAID/Armenia Mission Director Jatinder Cheema greeted the participants during the opening session, noting that citizen participation in the governmental processes of Armenia is one of the key foundations of a democratic society.