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The migration is reaching new heights in Voskepar border village in Tavush region of Armenia’s north. Serob Makhsudyan, the head of Voskepar community says people leave the village due to lack of job places, adding the labour migrants are a significant number among those who leave for Russia in search of means for living.  
 
The rapid migration started in Voskepar after Armenia’s independence. Once a vibrant community of 330 households, today the village is a home for some 166-170 families with majority of houses locked permanently. According to estimates, some 945 people reside in the village. 60 students attend the local school that once was a home for more than 300 school-students.

Voskepar is located near the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and is only 2 km away of the heavily militarized border under constant target of the adversary gunfire. Despite regular shooting, villagers are still engaged in gardening and raise livestock.  

“Smoke from stoves should float above the roofs of village houses as our soldiers should feel secure in their back,” the villagers say, adding no one will leave the home place if jobs are available.

Last year, Voskepar village was included in Noyemberyan community under the state-initiated community consolidation programme. The head of the community Serob Makhsudyan says the village faces number of problems but the job places is the most pressing one.
 
“Sun-drying facilities and modern refrigerating facilities are being installed in the village that could create jobs for the locals. The programme is funded by the UN. We hope it will give the expected results. 3-4 job places will be created at the initial phase with expected growth in the future,” the head of the community notes.

Apart from livestock and agricultural works, there is a small stone processing plant operating in the village with 4-5 people employed.

“People expect that others will come and help them: then get disappointed and start complaining. The one who works will always do so, the others keep on complaining,” Makhsudyan says
Voskepar is in the list of border communities where organization of production is absolutely tax-free under a state programme, yet the village stills lacks investors. The reason, per Makhsudyan, is the remoteness of the area and the high risk.   

“I do not share that opinion, and see no obstacles for developing production. I help my fellow villagers and encourage them myself to come up with initiatives.”
Meanwhile, he adds efforts are made to attract investments and keep the youth in the village.