Empowering 150 At Risk Girls in Armenia

Mentee Story: Meri S.

“Nor Luyce became a journey of self-discovery, confidence, and growth for me. I overcame fears, found comfort in new environments, and discovered that I am capable of much more than I ever imagined. Along the way, I gained true friends and unforgettable memories. I’m deeply grateful to Nor Luyce for helping me see the light within myself - thank you for the strength, faith, and inspiration you’ve given me.”

The first quarter of the new program year was filled with energy, growth, and inspiring achievements. In August, the Armenian Youth Association of Germany (ARI) and the Nor Luyce NGO co-organized a six-day Empowerment Camp for Teenage Girls, helping participants strengthen self-belief and leadership potential. During this period, mentees and mentors in the mentoring phase began their journeys together through engaging group sessions and the formation of pairs. Once matched, they held over 768 hours of one-on-one meetings, diving deep into personal development, exploring strengths and challenges, and setting goals for growth. Mentors themselves completed 16 hours of training to enhance their guidance and communication skills, ensuring they could offer the best possible support.

At the same time, mentees in the Skill-Building phase gained valuable knowledge in time management, teamwork, digital literacy, scientific writing, presentations, and communication, all of which became key stepping stones toward their academic and personal success. Meanwhile, those in the Higher Education phase were inspired by meaningful encounters with well-known Armenian figures - including a People’s Artist of the Republic of Armenia, three bloggers, a singer, and two actors - whose stories motivated them to dream bigger and persevere. The quarter concluded with an engaging “Suspicious Evening,” a fun and thought-provoking community event that strengthened connections among participants. Altogether, more than 50 mentors and 100 mentees took part in this exciting quarter, marking a vibrant and empowering start to the new program year.

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" I’ve been part of Nor Luyce for 9 incredible years - and to me, it’s more than just an organization. It’s a whole world of opportunities, ideas, and endless discovery. Every step I’ve taken here has opened a new perspective and pushed me to grow beyond what I thought possible.

Nor Luyce doesn’t just believe in you - it sees your potential before you even do. It equips you with the tools, trust, and encouragement to chase bigger dreams and overcome tougher challenges. It’s not just about learning - it’s about living what you learn.

From my teenage years, when I was still figuring out who I was, to today, when I proudly stand as a mentor, Nor Luyce has been a constant guide. Now, I have the honor of inspiring other girls to dream big, face life fearlessly, and believe that success is within their reach." - Syuzi Shmavonyan.

The third quarter of the 2024–2025 program year at Nor Luyce was nothing short of powerful. It was a season of deep discovery, meaningful connections, and personal breakthroughs.

Over 1,650 hours of one-on-one mentoring sessions took place - each one a step forward in helping our mentees dive into their inner worlds, confront fears, identify strengths, and build strategies to overcome internal barriers. With the support of their mentors, our girls worked tirelessly on self-knowledge, boosting their self-esteem, and shaping their personal and academic goals.

They also participated in 14 hours of thought-provoking group meetings, exploring topics like “Conflicts and Resolution,” “Mutual Assistance,” "Personal Hygiene", "First Aid" and “All Problems Have Solutions.” These sessions not only sharpened communication and teamwork skills, but also helped mentees view themselves through new, empowering lenses. Moreover, these meetings nurtured not just new skills—but also new friendships.

Our dedicated volunteer mentors dove into 12 hours of professional development, covering key topics such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Image Psychology, Sex Education, and CV Writing Skills. These trainings equipped them with up-to-date knowledge and hands-on tools to better support their mentees' evolving needs.

In the Skill-Building Phase, our mentees were unstoppable. Through 24 hours of group sessions and 12 workshops, they strengthened vital life skills - leadership, emotional intelligence, analytical thinking, memory, willpower, and more.

They also explored new horizons through 8 cognitive visits to local universities, colleges, and scholarship organizations - bringing their academic dreams into clearer focus. Many mentees shared that these activities boosted their self-knowledge, self-education, and collaborative mindset.

Our Higher Education Phase mentees embraced 18 hours of impactful experiences, including inspiring conversations with 5 bloggers, 1 director, and 3 actors - Armenian influencers who shared their journeys and life lessons.They also attended a special workshop on “Networking,” learning the art of building meaningful connections and leveraging relationships for professional success.

And of course, it wouldn’t be Nor Luyce without a little fun! Our most active mentees enjoyed 6 hours of uplifting entertainment sessions, filled with motivational games, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

In total, 227 mentors and 537 mentees participated in this quarter’s enriching experiences. Each hour spent was a brick in the foundation of future changemakers - and we couldn’t be prouder.

The journey continues, and the light shines brighter than ever.

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