November 7, 2026

Eleven Artisans, Two Days, One New Assistant: AI Training at the Generation Next Digital Hub

On 5 and 11 October 2026, 11 Syrian Armenian women artisans, who have long been part of our Rootsmade programme, took part in a two-day AI training at the Generation Next Digital Hub. The goal was simple: to help them use AI as a personal assistant for their work.

The training was led by Roots staff member Regina Grigoryan. 

Running a craft business takes more than making beautiful things. There is also planning, communication and content to prepare. So the sessions were practical and hands-on, and looked at both sides of the work.

On the creative side, the artisans used AI to generate ideas and develop new designs. On the operational side, they learned how it can help with the day-to-day tasks that take time away from the craft.

The practical sessions built on the YMCA AI course, which all participants had completed beforehand. The course covers generative AI, machine learning, AI hallucinations and the ethics of AI. As a result, the participants already understood how these tools work, where they can go wrong and why responsible use matters. This helped them approach AI with confidence and a critical eye.

They were enthusiastic about what they learned. Maral Sheohmelian, one of the artisans, said that knowledge of AI will open new horizons in their creative world, support the birth of new ideas and help their work grow.

The course also ended with something the women can use right away. Three artisans received laptops, provided by the HP Hope Foundation in partnership with the YMCA and handed over at the hub. The devices will help them put their new skills into practice and keep building their digital capacities.

The Generation Next Digital Hub is becoming a place where digital skills, creativity and community support meet. For these artisans, the training was a chance to bring traditional craftsmanship and modern technology together. Heritage and innovation can strengthen each other, and these two days showed it.