On January 12, 2026, a presentation of the results of the sub-grant project “Purpose: Change”, implemented within the framework of the “Budgets for Citizens” project, along with a public discussion, took place in the meeting hall of the Vanadzor Municipality.

The event was held in two phases:

• Presentation of the results achieved within the project and the challenges identified

• Panel discussion with the participation of sector representatives

The event was attended by members of the Vanadzor City Council, representatives of the Regional Administration and the Municipality, kindergarten directors and staff, parents of preschool-aged children, as well as representatives of civil society organizations and the media.

The opening remarks were delivered by Gevorg Kotanjyan, President of the “Direct Democracy” NGO.

This was followed by welcoming remarks from Suzanna Soghomonyan, representative of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association and the “Budgets for Citizens” project. In her speech, she presented the activities carried out within the framework of the “Budgets for Citizens” project, emphasizing that the project has contributed to the systematic capacity development of civil society organizations and young professionals, particularly in the areas of understanding budgetary processes, participation, and public oversight.

The project results, the conducted surveys, the analysis based on the collected data, and the developed recommendations were presented by Arbak Sargsyan, a member of the “Purpose: Change” project team.

Following the Q&A session, a panel discussion took place. The invited speakers responded to questions posed by the moderator:

• Nona Hovhannisyan, member of the Civil Contract faction of the Vanadzor City Council

• Kristine Madoyan, Head of the Education, Culture, and Tourism Department of the Vanadzor Municipality

• Shushanik Isahakyan, Project Lawyer

• Vahram Tokmajyan, Project Education Expert

The event provided an opportunity to present the key results of the project, highlight existing challenges in the sector, and discuss recommendations aimed at addressing them, thereby fostering an open professional and public dialogue.

This publication was prepared with the financial support of the European Union, within the framework of a sub-grant provided by the “Budgets for Citizens” project, implemented in cooperation with the Armenian Lawyers’ Association NGO, the Center for Economic Development and Research NGO, and Agora Central Europe NGO (Czech Republic).
The “Purpose: Change” project is implemented by the “Direct Democracy” NGO.
The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the “Direct Democracy” NGO and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.