Zoya Hovsepyan, from Chemistry Teacher to Social Worker

By profession, Zoya Hovsepyan is a chemistry teacher. She taught at the school in Madatashen, Artsakh for just one year before life took her in a different direction. For several years, she devoted herself to raising her children full-time , occasionally combining motherhood with work as a kindergarten teacher and caregiver.

After the 44-day Artsakh War in 2020, when communities faced overwhelming social hardship, Zoya wanted to help. She volunteered to take part in social needs assessments.

"I conducted more than 500 home visits, assessing the immediate needs of families in post-war Stepanakert," Zoya recalls of her first experience in social work.

Her volunteer work led to professional training and a master's degree, parallel to which she worked as a social worker with the Howard Karagyozian Medical Charitable NGO in Stepanakert.

Following the forced displacement from Artsakh in September 2023, Zoya and her family settled in the city of Armavir. She first began working as a social worker at the Territorial Pedagogical-Psychological Support Center (TPPSC). Just one month later, she joined the multidisciplinary team at the COAF Yօuredjian Child and Family Center (CFC) in Myasnikyan.

"At first, I was doubtful. Everything was new to me—even remembering the names of the villages was difficult. Today, I can find my way to any of the communities we serve with my eyes closed, probably better than many locals," Zoya shares with pride. She adds that her work has also helped her adapt to her new home and discover resources.

Today, Zoya holds the record among her colleagues at the CFC for serving the largest number of communities—15 villages across Armenia's Armavir Province, stretching from Norapat to Yervandashat. She says she has found a way to combine both of her professions.

"Thanks to the Parenting and Human Rights Summer Schools, I get the opportunity to work with schoolchildren several times a year. Those experiences recharge me and give me fresh motivation for my social work," she says.

Every successful case is a small victory for a social worker—one that makes it easier to keep moving forward.

"There's nothing more rewarding than seeing the real impact of your work through the life of someone you've supported," Zoya concludes.