Save the Children began working in Azerbaijan in 1993 in response to the surge of refugee families displaced by the still-unresolved war with Armenia over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.  Surrounding communities, already facing massive economic upheaval resulting from the collapse of the Soviet Union, were strained to the point that many social services and local infrastructures deteriorated.  Save the Children's initial work concentrated on immediate relief to uprooted populations, as well as assistance with long-term health, education and employment opportunities.  Today, we continue to help families and communities by caring for the needs of children, promoting economic opportunity, encouraging healthy family and community lifestyles and improving basic social and physical infrastructures.

Challenges for Children

Azerbaijan is far behind many Eurasian countries in its social and economic development.  Particularly in rural areas, education, health care and access to utilities and basic services have deteriorated, impacting the lives of the most vulnerable children and families.

Numbers at a Glance

• The infant mortality rate is 73 deaths per 1,000 live births.
• The children-under-5 mortality rate is 89 per 1,000 live births.
• Estimates of the displaced population run from 600,000 to 1 million.

Our Response

Education:  Save the Children began the Children's Tolerance Education Project (CTEP) in 2004 as a way to promote tolerance, cooperation and critical thinking skills for primary school children in the South Caucasus.  CTEP uses a series of televised educational puppet shows in which the characters interact in ways that allow children to consider themes of conflict resolution.  Originally presented as a series aired on television, the program is now being scaled up to introduce peace education curriculum and new teaching methodologies into primary school classroom settings.  CTEP continues to produce new television episodes, as well as to train primary school teachers in methods of educating their students in critical thinking and tolerance.

Protection:  Save the Children and a local partner organization promote social integration and community capacity to care for vulnerable children in three regions:  Shuvelan, Mingachevir and Goranboy.  We open Child and Family Support Centers, which are community-based 

Cokie Roberts, Save the Children Trustee and ABC and NPR Journalist, visits programs in Azerbaijan.

alternatives that support needy children and families.  As a result of our advocacy efforts, a national policy on de-institutionalization and child welfare reform has been developed by the government of Azerbaijan.

Economic Opportunities:  Save the Children's Future Communities Program equips rural and urban communities along the oil pipeline route between Sangachal and Yevlakh with the skills and resources needed to initiate positive, sustainable change and social-economic development.  We help communities use their own resources to develop long-term strategies, including education and health activities, vocational apprenticeships for youth and community-managed agricultural service centers to enhance farm production.

Save the Children also supports a microfinance institution – AzeriStar Microfinance – which became a locally-registered independent entity in 2006.  AzeriStar has provided start-up funding for small income-generating activities to over 4,000 clients who otherwise would not be eligible for credit – primarily women and refugee populations.

Plans for the Future:

• Expand internship and apprenticeship programs for youth, particularly giving those from vulnerable backgrounds the skills and confidence needed to succeed in employment.
• Develop a Peace Education curriculum and promote efforts to include it in schools across the country through a partnership with the Ministry of Education.

Through the Voice of a Child

Like an increasing number of children in Azerbaijan, 14-year-old Sanubar was sent to an institution when her family could not cope with her special needs.  In Sanubar's case, family members could no longer manage her epileptic seizures and found no help from the government or relatives.  But at the institution, Sanubar's situation grew worse, as she experienced abuse and poor schooling.  In the face of these difficult challenges, she was unaware that she could influence the choices made for her.

Realizing that many children face circumstances like Sanubar's, Save the Children established child-organized self-advocacy groups in three  areas in Azerbaijan.  These groups empower young people to take responsibility for their own lives by understanding their rights.

After participating in one of the groups, Sanubar decided to take specific steps to promote her needs.  Believing that she would have a better chance in the future if she grew up in her family, Sanubar strongly expressed her desire to return home, asserting herself to her parents and the institution’s staff.  Because she had the confidence to speak out on an issue that directly concerned her, the adults paid attention. Her parents learned the skills required to care for her at home, and Sanubar returned to live with her family, where she continues to blossom within her community.