Mer Doon is pleased to announce the creation of a Job & Internship Program to provide its residents – young orphaned women (ages 18-24) – significant experience in a professional environment to teach them skills for permanent employment. Most of the residents at Mer Doon are either enrolled in university courses or have already received their university diplomas.  The positions may be either part-time or full-time.  Internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on the scope of work. Mer Doon will strive to place each resident in a job or internship that offers meaningful experience in her field of study or interest.

According to Stephen Ashekian, Chairman of the USA Board of Directors, “Mer Doon will interface with businesses and nongovernmental organizations in Armenia and the Diaspora.”

Dr. Jane Mahakian, President of Mer Doon, Inc. and the USA Board of Directors, stated, “The program will include mentoring and training, including workshops on resume writing, interview simulations, and coaching on proper work attire, behavior, and ethics.”

The Mer Doon staff will actively monitor and evaluate the program to be sure that both the participant and employer are satisfied with the arrangement.  Eventually, a former Mer Doon resident will be appointed to oversee the daily operation of this program. Monitoring and evaluation components will be put in place to measure the program’s outcomes and success.

The Job and Internship Program promises numerous benefits to Armenian society.  First, it will introduce into the workforce a new pool of well-educated, experienced employees.  It will also promote new partnerships between Mer Doon and the organizations, businesses, and companies that operate in Armenia and abroad.  Perhaps most importantly, it will give young Armenian women, who have grown up in the orphanage system, hope for the future, the skills and confidence to support themselves, and options for gainful employment.

Mer Doon provides young orphaned women (ages 18-24) a loving and nurturing place to call “home.”  Our mission is to educate and empower these girls with skills that will enable them to live independently.  The organization’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, Tigranuhi Karapetyan, manages the day-to-day operations of the program.  Mer Doon is located in Etchmiadzin, Armenia.  It is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the U.S. and a registered nongovernmental organization in the Republic of Armenia.  Donations can be made by going to www.Mer-Doon.com and clicking on “Donate”.  For information, email merdoonarmenia@gmail.com.