Forty-four refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh have successfully completed confectionery and sewing training at the French-Armenian Vocational Education Center (CEPFA). The trainings, organized by the UNDP within the framework of the “Support to Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and Host Communities” project, funded by the Government of France, culminated today in a certificate award ceremony.

The event was attended by H.E. Olivier Decottignies, Ambassador of France to Armenia, and Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia. Together, they toured the Center’s facilities and joined a hands-on confectionery masterclass. Alongside the beneficiaries, Ambassador Decottignies and Natia Natsvlishvili prepared lava cakes with professional pastry chefs, later tasting the desserts together with the graduates.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Decottignies highlighted the importance of the project in refugee integration: “There are already a lot of different specialties that are taught in this center. What is for sure is that this center, which is supported by French decentralized cooperation, will remain very committed to helping refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh in Armenia.”

Natia Natsvlishvili emphasized the broader impact of the initiative on refugee livelihoods: “This project targets strengthening livelihoods and resilience of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh. We are grateful that the French decentralized cooperation has allocated resources so that we could support the college and bring in 44 refugees and support them with the trainings in the culinary and fashion.”

During the ceremony, all participants received certificates and gifts recognizing their achievements. In addition, 24 top graduates were awarded professional toolkits designed to help them launch their own small businesses.

The free two-month trainings offered a total of 108 hours of intensive instruction. Beyond technical skills, they provided participants with the confidence and resources needed to seek employment in their chosen fields or start entrepreneurial ventures.

By equipping refugees with practical skills, the UNDP initiative contributes to social inclusion and fosters sustainable livelihood opportunities for displaced families and their host communities.