About Us

Bridge of Hope NGO is founded to protect the rights and dignity of children and youth with disabilities and their families. The educational and psychosocial support center is established in Yerevan.

The Bridge of Hope children’s and youth inclusive theater troupe was established.

Parent Support Groups were established in schools and communities, uniting parents of children with disabilities.

Sunflower Monthly was established with a powerful mission: to transform our society into a beautiful and inclusive flower, just like the sunflower. Its seeds are both unique and similar, coming together and surrounded by yellow petals to form a magnificent flower that always looks towards the sun, reaching for its life-giving energy. With this vision in mind, we strive to create a society that is diverse yet harmonious, where individuals are valued for their differences and unified in their pursuit of a brighter future.

The Bridge of Hope partnered with the RA Ministry of Education and Science to pioneer inclusive education in Armenia. This historic collaboration proved to be a turning point, paving the way for the widespread implementation of inclusive education throughout the country. The impact of this achievement cannot be overstated, as it has opened the doors of education to all children, including those with disabilities, and created a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

A center for development and social inclusion was established in the city of Dilijan to provide educational and psychosocial support to children and youth with disabilities of  the Dilijan region.

The success of the inclusive education pilot program in one school, prompted its expansion to five additional mainstream schools in Yerevan.

A center for development and social inclusion has been established in the city of Ijevan to provide educational and psychosocial support to children and youth with disabilities of Ijevan region.

A center for development and social inclusion has been established in the city of Berd to provide educational and psychosocial support to children and youth with disabilities of Berd region.

A center for development and social inclusion has been established in the city of Noyemberyan to provide educational and psychosocial support to children and youth with disabilities of Noyembeyan region.

Inclusive education has become a state policy in the Republic of Armenia, and The Bridge of Hope organization is recognized as the initiator of this effort. Susanna Tadevosyan, the founding president of the organization, was awarded the gold commemorative medal of the Ministry of Education and Science for her significant contribution to this cause.

Community support centers for children and families were established in Berkaber, Gandzakar, Azatamut, Aygehovit, Sevkar, Achajur, Khashtarak, Getahovit, Tsaghkavan and Vazashen, Sari village, Norashen, Chinari villages of Tavush marz.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has entrusted the four centers of The Bridge of Hope operating in the Tavush region with the package of services aimed at providing support to children and families belonging to vulnerable groups in the area. To date, over a thousand children and families have benefited from these services.

The first experience of inclusive vocational education was introduced in Yerevan State Humanitarian College and Republican Special Educational Complex No. 2. As a part of this initiative, 13 young residents of the family-type institution ‘Jermik Ankyun’ also received professional education.

The universal inclusive education model was tested in all 77 primary schools of the Tavush region through a collaboration between the RA Ministry of Education and Science and the Tavush Regional Government. This initiative served as the basis for a series of significant reforms to education policy and legislation that are currently underway, resulting in the transition of the public education sector of the Republic of Armenia to the universal inclusive education system.

The Bridge of Hope was at the forefront of discussions about new approaches to defining ‘disability’ in line with the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning Framework. As part of this initiative, a study was conducted among approximately 28,000 people in the Tavush region, which served as a catalyst for reforms in the social protection sector in Armenia. These reforms were based on the principles and approaches of the World Health Organization’s ‘International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Four new courses on inclusive education were introduced in all pedagogical faculties of the State Pedagogical University of Armenia and are currently being taught.

With the support of The Bridge of Hope, four new NGOs were established: ‘We Can’ and ‘Voice of Silence’ in Yerevan, ‘White Baze’ in Spitak, and ‘Equal Opportunities and Equal Rights’ in Vanadzor. These organizations are now among the most active in the field.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia passed amendments to the Law on Public Education, declaring inclusive education as the key to ensuring education for every child. This was a historic decision, and The Bridge of Hope is proud to have been at the forefront of these changes. For this contribution Bridge of Hope is awarded the UNESCO International Prize for Promoting Inclusive Education. This is the highest international recognition, and the name “Bridge of Hope” was etched in international annals.

The Bridge of Hope, in collaboration with the RA Ministry of Education and Science, implemented the universal inclusive education experience of Tavush marz in Syunik marz, resulting in the transformation of special schools in the region into pedagogical and psychological support services. As a result, 78 children with disabilities are now living with their families and attending regular schools instead of institutions.

The organization’s strategic plan ‘Towards Inclusive Quality Education for All’ is recognized by the Zero Project and awarded a certificate of Innovative Practice in Education to serve as a model of innovative practice for many countries worldwide.

Through the support of  “Bridge of Hope” program the  Universal Inclusive System of Education is applied in Lori Marz. The program “Right to Earn for Living” is recognized by the Zero Project and awarded a certificate of Innovative Practice in Employment to serve as a model of innovative practice for many countries worldwide.

Through the support of the  “Bridge of Hope” program the  Universal Inclusive System of Education is applied in Yerevan. Yerevan special schools were empowered to be transformed into pedagogical- psychological support services for inclusive schools.

Through the support of the  “Bridge of Hope ” program the  Universal Inclusive System of Education is applied in Shirak marz. 2 special schools were empowered to become pedagogical-psychological support services for inclusive schools.

Through the support of the  “Bridge of Hope ” program the  Universal Inclusive System of Education is applied in Gegharkunik and Kotayk marzes and the two special schools were empowered to become pedagogical-psychological support services for inclusive schools in two Marzes.      “SMILE for Children” early childhood development program is recognized by the Zero Project and awarded a certificate of Innovative Practice in the Preschool Education sector to serve as a model of innovative practice for many countries worldwide.

“Bridge of Hope” – Celebrating 25 Years of Transforming Lives and marking a significant milestone in its journey. Throughout these years, the organization has successfully implemented over 100 strategic initiatives and projects, with the invaluable support of approximately 150 donors and partners. These efforts have resulted in transformative changes, positively impacting the lives of more than 3000 children and youth with disabilities. The Bridge of Hope continues to be dedicated to its mission of making a lasting difference in the lives of those it serves.

Bridge of Hope NGO proudly stands at the forefront of a historic achievement – the realization of a universal inclusive education system in all mainstream schools of Armenia. From pioneering pilot initiatives to leading nationwide expansion, Bridge of Hope’s proactive involvement and close collaboration with the Ministry of Education have paved the way for a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape in Armenia, transforming the lives of thousands of children with disabilities and their families․)

From 2023 to 2027, “Bridge of Hope” remains steadfast in its commitment to the mission it embraced 27 years ago. During this period, our efforts will be focused on the creation and enhancement of inclusive, equitable, and rights-based laws, strategies, and processes that are essential for upholding the rights of children and youth with disabilities. Additionally, we aim to foster a culture of acceptance and positive attitudes toward inclusion in Armenia.

We call upon all individuals and organizations to support Bridge of Hope in achieving its strategic vision for 2027. Your support will help us transform the lives of children and youth with disabilities. Together, let’s make a lasting impact and build an independent and dignified future for all.

Donate today and be a part of the change.