Ucom General Director Ralph Yirikian Becomes First Guest Speaker at "Skills Lab"

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) has launched the "Learn to Earn. Artsakh" Program’s "Skills Lab" initiative, with Ralph Yirikian, Director General of Ucom, as the first guest speaker.

"Skills Lab" is a platform for motivational meetings and open dialogue, aiming to give our compatriots from Artsakh the formula for success in various sectors of Armenia while providing a safe space for participants.

At the first meeting on August 7, AGBU President Vasken Yacoubian, Executive Director of AGBU Armenia Marina Mkhitaryan, and HEKS-EPER South Caucasus Program Officer Anna Sarkisyan were present.

“The fundamental purpose of our projects is to assist people who have experienced displacement and to help them get back on their feet. It is important for us that the people of Artsakh set long-term goals in Armenia to provide for themselves, feel secure, and invest their knowledge and skills in the motherland, both in their professional lives and in the community,” said Marine Mkhitaryan, the Executive Director of AGBU Armenia. 

One of the main challenges faced by the people of Artsakh is finding employment, engaging in the Armenian job market, and preserving community values.

Ralph Yirikian’s experience of over 30 years, his innovative approaches and experience in communicating with academic and business community was certainly useful for our Arstakh compatriots.  

“Starting life and a career from scratch is not easy; it requires a lot of work and dedication. However, in today’s fast-paced world, it is an essential skill for everyone. There are digital tools that can enhance productivity in any job” mentioned Ralph Yirikian, Director General of Ucom.

The participants had the opportunity to ask the guest speaker questions and discuss the unique aspects of employer-employee relations in Armenia.

The initiative is implemented by AGBU within the framework of the "Humanitarian aid and inclusion of Nagorno Karabakh refugees" program ("Learn to Earn. Artsakh Program") with the financing of the HEKS/EPER organization, "Shen" NGO and "Syunik Development" community NGO.