The interview took place in April 2021.
Ashik was born on July 1st, 1933 in Martakert, in a working class family. She was the sixth child of seven – 3 sons and 4 daughters were growing up in the family. After graduating from high school, Ashik moved to Stepanakert and until 1988 worked at a silk mill.
Ashik’s personal life did not work out – she got married twice and got divorced due to the lack of children.
Ashik has been the beneficiary of the Anganak NGO since 2004. Until 2015, she was very active, taking part in all the organization’s activities, including sightseeing and picnics. Since 2015, Ashik has suffered from osteoporosis, having fallen twice, received a fracture of the femur and became a bedridden patient – she is being looked after by her niece. Employees of Hanganak Esmira Gasparyan and Yermonia Dolukhanyan often visit Ashik, make utility payments, and if necessary, help with cooking and cleaning. Ashik is able to move around the house with someone’s help or with support, and she eats independently.
During the war, her niece, with the help of the rescue service, took her to Yerevan. In early December, after the war, when electricity and gas supply in Stepanakert was already settled, she returned to the Artsakh capital.
She lives in a one-room apartment, which she received while working at the silk factory. The apartment is heated with electricity.
Her pension is 53000 AMD, of which 9400 AMD as an allowance for lonely pensioners.
She does not go to the polyclinic due to her health condition; if necessary, the physician of the Hanganak NGO Dr. Lilya Seyranyan visits her. Ashik also receives diapers from Hanganak.
She is very pleased with the care of the Hanganak staff and the nurse Marcela Sargsyan, who often visits her, measures her blood pressure, delivers the necessary medicines, helps to exercise and just talks.
The food received from Hanganak is sufficient for a whole month.
She expresses her deep gratitude to the benefactors who continue their charity in these difficult days, the need for it is now greater than ever.