Family Receives New Home and Honey

By Heifer International

October 3, 2019

Last Updated: April 5, 2013

Story and Photos by Karine Matevosova | Project Coordinator | Heifer Armenia
Translated by Liana Hayrapetyan | Communication and PR Coordinator | Heifer Armenia

For many years, Heifer Armenia and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia (FCHA) have been striving to better the well-being of rural families. We are encouraged to work harder and continue assisting Armenian families each time we hear a new success story.

The Markosyan family from the village of Irind in Aragatsotn region were engaged in this partnership project. The family consists of five members: Hayk, 40; his wife Meri, 30; son Artak, 8; daughter Hranush, 6; and mother Hranush, 75. The project helped the family renovate their old, partially destroyed house that did not allow for proper living conditions.

In 2011, the family received four beehives from Heifer Armenia. Although the family mainly earned their living through agriculture, the bees were a valuable gift. "This is the sweetest gift that we have ever received," said Hayk, while hugging his two little children. "This is the best gift for my kids who adore honey."

"It is also a stable source of income," Meri added. "The sale of the honey enables us to save money and care for the family expenses. Moreover, honey is the best remedy in folk medicine, and we often use it whenever my children have a cold or sore throat. We are very grateful to Heifer Armenia for this sweet and valuable gift, for helping needy families come out of poverty. Due to this project we now have both a renovated house and a stable source of nutrition and income."

Although the project implemented by Heifer Armenia and FCHA is no longer active, it is still having an impact and participating families continue to be engaged in the work and taste the fruits of this successful partnership.

Learn how you can help families in Armenia.