Viva and “Artissimo” Announce Collaboration
Art is a powerful tool for children with special educational needs (SEN).
Understanding the importance of communication and recovery through the power of art, Viva has begun collaborating with the “Artissimo” cultural NGO. As a result, 60 children attending the “Voskeporik” development centers will benefit from educational, therapeutic and rehabilitation services. This will contribute to the inclusive development of this group of children.
Established eight years ago, the “Artissimo” cultural non-governmental organization conducted serious research and identified problems specific to different regions of Armenia. Educational and therapeutic centers have been established Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor, one in each region.
The launch of the cooperation between Viva and “Artissimo” was announced in the city of Martuni, Gegharkunik region, at the “Voskeporik” development center.
“There is an important message at the heart of this partnership: to join the mission of conveying love and care through art. What children cannot express in words – fears, joy, and emotions – they will do through art. This will allow them to gradually develop their communication skills and contribute to their integration. Our partners have managed to break stereotypes among parents, achieve early identification of problems and prevent the irretrievable loss of valuable time in the rehabilitation process. We hope that with our support we will contribute to the recording of new achievements,” said Viva’s General Director Armen Avetisian.
“More than two hundred children across two regions attend the “Voskeporik” Development Center. For many of them, rehabilitation is an ongoing process, meaning that consistent treatment is essential to achieve the desired results. With the support of Viva, we can now provide therapies that will improve the lives of sixty additional children—helping to brighten their childhoods. This collaboration has been truly significant for us," said Katerina Horstka, founder of the “Artissimo” cultural NGO.
In “Voskeporik”, a special place is given to hippotherapy (horse therapy), the role of which is invaluable in the rehabilitation of children with motor problems. For this therapy, an appropriate location and horses with required characteristics are selected, ensuring an excellent psychological result in the rehabilitation process of children.
The list of services providing special educational conditions is diverse. It includes sensory integration, psychological support, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, hippotherapy, fairy tale therapy, sand therapy, canine-assisted therapy (therapy involving specially trained dogs), water therapy, art therapy, and music therapy.