Agbu Armenia Newsletter Issue 21, July-August, 2012

ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION

AGBUAGBU ARMENIAARMENIA NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER Yerevan, Armenia

IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012

 AGBU sets aside emergency fund to help the Armenian AGBU CENTRAL BOARD SETS ASIDE $1 MILLION community of Syria (p. 1) EMERGENCY FUND FOR HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE  Sam Simonian received by RA TO ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA President Serzh Sargsyan (p. 2) Commits to take strong action to help  American University of Arme- and support the Armenian community nia to launch undergraduate in distress where needed, especially program in 2013 (p. 2, 3) in Aleppo, Damascus and Kamishli,  AGBU and AUA to launch a reaching out to all factions involved in new continuing education the conflict, and other community or- program in Karabakh (p. 3) ganizations, to coordinate efforts in  AGBU AVC summer school facing the unfolding crisis. program participants in Etchmiadzin (p. 4) The ongoing and expanding milita- rized conflict in Syria has created a  AGBU AVC announces enrollment for Fall Term - serious humanitarian crisis for the 2012 (p. 4) population and is threatening, among others, residential areas where con-  5th AGBU “Antranik” scout centrations of our Armenian commu- camp in Armenia (p. 5) nity and institutions are situated, par-  9th season of AGBU ticularly in Aleppo, Damascus, and “Discover Armenia” youth trip Kamishli. Several families have already been dislodged as a result of the fighting (p. 6) among government and opposition forces and the use of heavy artillery involved.  AGBU launches a new program - “Musical Armenia” (p. In preparation for the imminent need for humanitarian assistance that is emerg- 7) ing as a result of the unfolding political crisis in Syria, AGBU once again is com-  Yerevan Summer Intern Pro- mitted to take strong action to help the Armenian community in distress, this time gram - 2012 (p. 8) in Syria, reaching out to all.

 AGBU Moscow Summer The Central Board of Directors moved today to set aside an AGBU Emergency Intern Program - 2012 (p. 9) Fund for Humanitarian Assistance to the Armenian Community in Syria, in the  Karabakh Chamber Orchestra amount of $1M (USD one million). in Norway (p. 10) A special task force, in cooperation with the District Committee of Syria, is in the  AGBU performing arts groups process of assessing the emerging needs, to create the appropriate logistics in participate in “Im Hayastan” compliance with federal and international guidelines, to help and support our festival (p. 11) community there. Necessary arrangements are also underway in AGBU's cen-  AGBU schoolchildren from ters locally in Aleppo, Damascus and Kamishli, to make them operational hubs Beirut and Argentina, and for coordinating the relief efforts, extending help to families in other locations as AGBU Canada ventures visit Armenia (p. 12) well, wherever the need arises. They will also be prepared to accommodate those who may have to be temporarily moved out of their homes. The possibility of making AGBU facilities in Cyprus available as temporary shelter for families, who may need to move out of the country, is under consideration.

AGBU is in close communication with officials in Armenia to be appraised of the diplomatic efforts and social and organizational initiatives being taken to address the situation.

AGBU President Berge Setrakian sent out today an urgent appeal to the Union's membership worldwide to join forces and use their resources to help the Syrian community that has symbolized histori- cally the ultimate humanitarian refuge for the survivors of the Genocide. ______

For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit www.agbu.org.

Page 1 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012

PRESIDENT OF “SIMONIAN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION” AND AGBU CENTRAL BOARD MEMBER SAM SIMONIAN RECEIVED BY RA PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN

On July 26th, President of the Republic of Armenia H.E. Mr. Serzh Sargsyan received the President of the “Simonian Educational Foundation” and member and treasurer of the AGBU Central Board Sam Simonian. The President of Armenia and Sam Simonian spoke about the activities of the Simonian Educational Foun- dation in Armenia and the implemented programs, including the TUMO educational center for creative technologies, which has already been successfully function- ing for a year. They also conversed about the future plans of the Foundation. At the meeting, the President of Armenia presented the President of the Simonian Educational Foundation with the RA high state award – Anania Shirakatsi Medal. Sam Simonian was awarded the Medal by the decree of the President of Armenia on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence for his consid- erable contribution to the preservation of the Armenian identity, services to the country as well as for contribut- ing greatly to the friendship between the Republic of Sam Simonian awarded “Anania Shirakatsi” medal Armenia and foreign states. On August 14, TUMO Center for Creative Technologies celebrated its first anniversary. AGBU congratulates both the TUMO center on its first birthday and Mr. Simonian personally on receiving the RA high state award. AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA TO LAUNCH UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IN FALL 2013

The American University of Armenia (AUA) announced plans to launch its first-ever Bachelor's degree program, set to begin in the fall of 2013. Since its foundation over 20 years ago, AUA has become one of the country's premier research institutes. With the addition of a new, four-year undergraduate curriculum, the university further raises the bar for education in Armenia. The momentous announcement was made by AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian at a recent press conference, which attracted worldwide media cover- age. Dr. Boghosian noted that the undergraduate program will enroll approximately 300 students every year, with the goal of accommodating 1,200 under- graduates by 2017. AUA's new undergraduate program will offer majors in Computational Sciences, Business, and English & Communications. The Bachelor's degree in Computa- tional Sciences will include topics in applied mathe- matics and computer science, as well as in computational techniques for the simulation and modeling of systems for science and engineering. The coursework for the Bachelor's degree in Business will include a AUA announces the launch of undergraduate program at a press conference solid grounding in economics, finance, accounting, marketing, management, and business communications. The Bachelor's degree in English & Communications will include courses in journalism, public relations, writing, translation and other aspects of communications. AUA's 4- year program will help lay a foundation for graduates, ensuring that they are well-positioned to pursue careers and advance progress in their homeland. All three programs will have a strong general education component, and will be taught in English. These new majors will complement the seven Master's degree programs that AUA currently offers. The new AUA undergraduate program will allow the university to further its mission of providing accessible, high- quality education for the next generation of Armenian professionals - while at the same time making the school a destination for international students. "All of us at AUA are excited about reaching this new milestone...We remain committed to offering rigorous academics and an Armenian education, and look forward to a vibrant, international faculty and student body from Armenia and abroad," noted Dr. Boghosian. He further emphasized, "The university will keep in place its 'need-blind' admissions policy, continuing to ensure that no qualified Armenian student is denied an education at AUA because they lack the means to pay tuition." (Continued on page 3) Page 2 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA...

(see page 2) AGBU has played a critical and important role in the founding of AUA. In the aftermath of the devastating 1988 Shirak earthquake, as part of the organization's broad efforts to help Armenia recover and rebuild, AGBU agreed to underwrite a major share of the operational funding necessary to establish the university. AGBU has helped AUA grow and expand by establishing the AUA Endowment Fund, the earnings of which are distributed to AUA on an annual basis. Over the past 15 years, the university has received $10,000,000 in support from the AUA Endowment Fund at AGBU. AGBU President Berge Setrakian expressed enthusiasm for the new initiative by stating, "Since its earliest days, AGBU has staunchly supported education, and we are proud to have played a role in the development and expan- sion of such a vibrant institution which attracts some of Armenia's brightest minds. We look forward to a new cadre of students benefiting from all that AUA has to offer." The American University of Armenia is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universi- ties of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Following an intensive proposal process, which included a visit to the university, the Commission approved the offering of the new undergraduate program. The Western Asso- ciation of Schools and Colleges is one of six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The undergraduate program has also already received a license from the Republic of Armenia's Ministry of Education and Science. For information on application requirements and to learn more about the American University of Armenia, please visit www.aua.am/undergraduate or email AUA directly at [email protected].

For the video materials please visit: AUA press conference; Interview with AUA Vice President; Interview with AUA President AGBU TO LAUNCH A NEW CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM IN NKR AUA delegation visits Stepanakert

AGBU Central Board of Directors has made a decision to launch a continuing education program in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh in October 2012. The new AGBU Educational Center will integrate the educational programs of the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Extension Department and TUMO Center for Creative Technologies. On this occasion a delegation from the AUA comprising of Dr. Dennis Leavens, Provost, Mr. Ashot Ghazaryan, Vice President of Operations, and Dr. Arpie Balian, Director of Extension, made a fact-finding trip to Karabakh from Au- gust 8-10. With a goal to assess the needs for continuing education on the ground the AUA team spent 3 days in NK holding meetings with state officials, visiting different schools and educational establishments and plan- ning a substantial educational program that will help up- grade the NK educational system. The delegation held meetings with Arayik Harutyunian, NKR Prime Minister, Vladik Khachatryan, NKR Minister of Education and Sci- ence, and Ashot Ghulyan, NKR NA Chairman. The Prime Minister thanked the AGBU for all the projects and assistance to Karabakh and welcomed the Union’s intention to continue its support and launch a new educational program in Artsakh. He identified several key areas of training required for the growth and development of the Republic. All these mentioned areas will be incorporated into the new project. The Minister of Education emphasized the urgent need to train English teachers specifically those currently en- AUA delegation meeting with the NKR Prime Minister gaged in language instruction in schools and at Artsakh State University. The Minister welcomed the approach of testing the teachers in English and accordingly placing them in English classes of different levels. The AUA delegation visited venues in the center of Stepanakert, which were offered by the Minister to temporarily and later permanently accommodate the new education program. Several classrooms and an administrative room will be assigned to AUA-Extension in the initial stage until the completion of the reconstruction of the school building that will house the AUA-Extension on a longer-term basis. The Minister once again expressed his gratitude to the AGBU for the continuous support to Karabakh. Chairman of the NK National Assembly Ashot Ghulyan expressed his enthusiasm and excitement about the new initiative. “I wouldn’t have expected anything different from AGBU”, he said. “Training for the members of the Na- tional Assembly, both MPs and administrative staff, is absolutely essential”, he added. The AUA delegation returned to Yerevan on August 10th. The new education program will officially launch during the AGBU General Assembly scheduled for October 13-20th, 2012.

For the video materials please visit: AUA delegation in Artsakh (Artsakh TV) Page 3 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012

AVC FIRST SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS IN ETCHMIADZIN

An online university, distance learning of Armenian studies and a warm friendly atmosphere… The opportunity to combine all these was created by the AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC), which organized the first summer cultural and educational program in Etchmiadzin. The program launched on 14th of July 2012, bringing together AVC students from all over the world to the spiritual capital of Armenia. The program started with the historical overview of the Mother See of Holy Etch- miadzin and a visit to the Cathedral. Stu- dents had the opportunity to view first- hand architectural monuments at Etch- miadzin, which they had learned about during the AVC online classes. They were able to discover the ancient history of the Mother See, visit and explore its tre- asury, the Door of King Tiridates, thus learning about many Armenian religious and historical artworks, manu- scripts, embroideries, paintings, coins and other Armenian spiritual, historical, and cultural values. Another goal of the program was to bring together AVC students to personally meet and socialize with their teachers and peers from around the world. When the tour of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin ended, the AVC summer school participants headed to the Armenian Unity Cross Cultural Center in Etchmiadzin, which opened its hospitable doors for them re- vealing a traditional Armenian atmosphere immediately capturing the AVC students in Etchmiadzin hearts of the visitors with its colors, traditions, art and food. Together with AVC summer school organizers, AVC students and teachers headed to the traditional Tonir, where they were taught the secrets of making fresh and tasty Lavash. The group also participated in the process of making Armenian traditional dolma. The fragrance of Armenian harisa, greens, cheese, matsun (yogurt) were later added to the delicious scents of lavash and dolma. Over a handmade Armenian meal, group members were able to socialize, exchange impressions and experiences of the visit, and enjoy music. The tour continued after the meal, where participants were acquainted with pottery and carpet weaving mastery skills. AVC students prepared saltcellars, mugs and ornaments from wet clay and took their handmade works with them as a memento of the special day. The visit culminated in a fantastic theatrical performance - “The Death of Kikos”. AVC students headed to a small hall, where the stage, closed with red curtains, suddenly opened to reveal the magical world of Toumanyan’s tale. At the end of the performance the students of the center asked the AVC students to join them on stage and replace the main actors. Together they performed the AVC version of “The Death of Kikos” proving that art can unite and connect people, regardless of birth place and country, language, age, traditions and customs. At the end of the day the atmosphere was a pleasant and warm one where people contemplated their experience, expressed kindness and thanks to each other and shared their hope and determination to meet again. AVC first summer educational program was a great success, paving the way for future programs and other events and activities that help to preserve the Armenian identity and unite people.

For the video material please visit: AVC: Trip to Etchmiadzin

AGBU AVC ANNOUNCES ENROLLMENT FOR FALL TERM 2012

The AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) is pleased to announce the enrollment for Fall Term 2012. The following courses are offered in multiple languages (including Eastern Armenian, Western Armenian, English, French, Russian, Spa- nish and Turkish) and on multiple levels:  Eastern Armenian;  Western Armenian;  History of Armenia;  Introduction to Armenian Architecture;  Introduction to Armenian Music. The classes start on October 8, and end on December 11. To enroll, please visit AVC portal at www.avc-agbu.org, create a log-in and sub- mit your enrollment application. For questions, please contact: [email protected]

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5TH JUBILEE AGBU “ANTRANIK” SCOUT CAMP

Five years ago, in 2008, AGBU launched the scout movement in Armenia. Initially consisting of only several members, today the AGBU Yerevan Scout Movement has over 150 members. In the summer of the same year AGBU held its first “Antranik” scout camp in its private campsite in Lermonto village of Armenia’s Lori region. Over the past five years more than 1,500 scouts from all over the world have participated in the “Antranik” scout camp.

The 5th jubilee AGBU “Antranik” scout camp opened its doors to about 200 scouts from Lebanon, Syria, Georgia, Armenia and Artsakh on July 2 with the traditional flag ceremony.

The day at the camp starts with morning exercises and the flag ceremony, continues with breakfast, clea- ning, hikes, lectures, games and discussions, and then an evening supper, dancing and singing around the fire, followed by the evening flag ceremony. Camp days are also filled with sightseeing, meetings with different state officials and public figures, as well as visits to the AGBU programs in Armenia.

During their stay in Armenia the scouts visited Etchmi- 200 scouts at “Antranik” scout camp for the 5th jubilee gathering adzin, Haghartsin, Goshavank, Garni, Geghard, Sard- arapat, Gyumri, Matenadaran, Tsitsernakabert, went on hiking trips to Dsegh, Margahovit and Lake Gosh.

This annual scout gathering is an excellent opportunity for the scouts to explore Armenia's beautiful nature, visit its landmarks, learn scout-craft, volunteer their time for community service projects, and form friendships with other youngsters, preparing and sharing the everyday meal, supporting each other, and gathering around the camp fire in the evening to share experiences. Days spent in the outdoors strengthen the feeling of teamwork and active involve- ment in community service.

AGBU scouts also visited the AGBU Armenian Rep- resentation office, AGBU Armenian Virtual College and AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Youth Centers.

The first traditional fire ceremony of the 5th “Antranik” scout camp took place on July 15 with many guests in attendance including honored guests, Mr. Karnig Yacoubian, AGBU Board of Trustees member; Mr. Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Central Board member, who personally helped to found the AGBU scout

The day starts with the flag ceremony camp in Armenia; participants of two other AGBU youth programs - Yerevan Summer Internship Pro- gram and Musical Armenia program; and other officials and parents.

Official congratulatory and greeting speeches were made by Kevork Santourian, Executive Director of AGBU-AYA Lebanon, and Karnig and Vasken Yacou- bian, followed by a concert program prepared by the scouts with special surprise performances from AGBU Musical Armenia program participants. Scouts visited the Genocide Memorial The 5th AGBU “Antranik” scout camp closed its doors on July 30. The scouts returned home to wait impatiently for next summer to arrive bringing with it the chance for a new adventure in Armenia as well as new friends.

For the video materials please visit: 5th AGBU "Antranik" Scout Camp; "Antranik" p.1; "Antranik" p.2; "Antranik" p.3

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REDISCOVERING THE HOMELAND 9th season of the AGBU “Discover Armenia” youth trip

AGBU’s “Discover Armenia” program is one of the oldest summer youth programs delivered by the Union in Arme- nia. During the past nine years over 250 young Diasporans from 20 countries participated in the program. This year marked the 9th season of the “Discover Armenia” youth trip and brought another 31 youths from eight countries (Belgium, Canada, Dubai, France, Russia, UK, USA and Reunion island), to Armenia. The program includes sightseeing trips, cultural events, meetings with state officials and public figures. The two key components of “Discover Armenia” are active in- volvement in community service and the trip to Artsakh.

Helping the Khachatryans to finish the construction of their house For the sixth year in a row Discover Armenia together with Fuller Armenia lent a helping hand to needy families across Armenia helping them to construct their homes. This year support was offered to the village of Verin Baz- maberd in the Aragatsotn region of Armenia. The grateful “Discover Armenia” participants in Artsakh Khachatryan family received help to complete the construction of their house which had been started in the 90’s but left unfinished due to lack of finances. As part of their community activities the group also visited the children at the “Trchunyan orphanage” in Gyumri and the pensioners at the Arabkir Senior Dining Center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU. “Discover Armenia” participants spent three days in Artsakh, visited Shoushi, Gandzasar and other historical and cultural monuments. It has become a tradition for the program participants to enrich the foreign language literature stand of the Stepanakert Children’s Library established by their peers from previous years. This years group was lucky enough to be present at the Armenian National Football Team’s friendly match with Bela- rus. It’s hard to describe the overwhelming enthusiasm with which the Diasporan-Armenians supported their team at the stadium in their homeland. “Arriving in Armenia, I was overcome with pride. Pride is the only word to describe it. I feel so fortunate that I can identify myself as an Armenian, and truly 'discover' my culture and religion in the motherland through the Discover Armenia trip. As soon as I landed in Hayastan, I knew I had been given an opportunity to make a difference. I felt inspired as I helped build a house, visited an orphanage, and learned and understood authentic Armenian culture through singing and dancing. This trip to Armenia was truly enlightening. I know I want to come back here as soon as I can, and continue to make a difference. Armenia has so much promise, and I am hopeful that if more people understand how strong, beautiful, and positive Armenia is, the country will be seen as highly as I view it now”, said Caroline Thayer from USA. The group’s visit to Kecharis monastery in Tsaghkad- zor where they participated in the grape blessing ceremony was described as unforgettable. The group also visited Etchmiadzin, Tsitsernakabert, Khor Virap, Garni At the friendly football match of the Armenian National Football Team and Geghard, Lake Sevan, Noravanq, Matenadaran, Cafesjian Museum, American University of Armenia, AGBU Armenian Virtual College, AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Youth Center. The program helps the Diaspora youth to get acquainted with the real Armenia, its everyday life and the hurdles faced by its people.

For the video materials please visit: AGBU Discover Armenia 2012; AGBU Discover Armenia 2012 p.2

Page 6 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012 BACK TO THE ROOTS OF KOMITAS AGBU launches a new youth program “Musical Armenia”

A new program was added to the AGBU’s Diaspora youth programs carried out in Armenia in 2012. AGBU “Musical Arme- nia” program (MAP) aims at bringing young and talented Armenian musicians from around the world to their homeland to become closer acquainted with their musical heritage offering a unique opportunity to attend specialized lectures, take individual master classes with the best specialists in Armenia and improve their knowledge and skills. In MAP’s pilot year, a select group of young artists got the chance to train and perform with renowned musicians in Armenia including Anna Mayilyan, Tovmas Poghossian, Armen Toutounjian, Gagik Ginosya, Alina Pahlevanyan, Araks Saryan, Eduard Topchjan, Mher Navoyan and others. Collaborating with top Armenian artists was just one of the many exciting activities that MAP has to offer. Launched this summer, MAP brought together a group of 9 talented young composers, flutists, pianists, vocalists and violinists, from as far away as Greece, Syria, and the USA, in their homeland of Armenia. From July 14 to August 4, the participants, together with Wanes Moubayed, a violinist and the conductor of the AGBU AYA Aleppo Gomidas Individual master class with Anna Mayilyan Chamber Orchestra, and MAP artistic coordinator Levon Eskenian, discovered their musical heritage. Eskenian discussed the program’s many benefits, explaining, “MAP gave participants the chance to gain basic knowledge of every aspect of Armenian music, from ancient Armenian work music, lulla- bies, ploughing songs, ashoughs music, the Armenian epic, medieval spiritual music, ethnic dance music and songs to classical Armenian music composed by Komitas, Aram Khachaturian and living Armenian composers. For every Armenian musician, this knowledge is as essential as the Armenian language. The enthusiasm and the great interest of the participants inspires us and gives hope of passing the knowledge within diaspora communities, a rare opportunity that diasporan musicians didn’t have until this program.” MAP students attended lectures and classes with experts in the field, visited local institutions such as the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory and Sayat Nova Music School, and toured the country’s historic landmarks. “MAP is yet another bridge that AGBU has built between Armenian diasporan youth and their homeland. Music is a powerful means to bring individuals closer to their roots, and we proudly watched this year’s MAP participants discover a newfound love for both Armenian music and their country”, said AGBU Performing Arts Department Artistic Director Hayk Arsenyan.

MAP participants performing at Aram Khachatryan Museum

“My three weeks with MAP was inspirational, eye-opening, breathtaking, and grounding. It was so encouraging to be with talented, motivated, and bright individuals who are so dedicated to their craft. I hope to have the opportunity to return to Armenia soon and to continue the journey that I started this summer - one Komitas song at a time”, said Alene Aroustamian of the USA.

When they were not in the audience at various concerts, the musicians took the stage themselves. Pianist Shou- shy Nakashian and violinist David Melkonian performed in “Im Hayasdan” (“My Armenia”) festival held by the Dias- pora Ministry. Melkonian, who is from Syria, described his positive experience with MAP, stating, “I was so pleased Alene Aroustamian during the grand finale concert to have the opportunity to perform in my homeland and so fortunate to have this invaluable summer experience. I benefited immensely from my instructors, and loved making new friends from various countries in charming Yerevan. I only wish that the days hadn’t passed so quickly and hope that I will have the chance to meet this fantastic group in Armenia again in the future.” Until then, he and all of this year’s MAP participants will look back on the great memory of performing together at their grand finale concert on August 3, where they played side by side with the teachers from whom they learned so much.

For the video materials please visit: AGBU Musical Armenia 2012; AGBU Musical Armenia p.2; AGBU Musical Armenia p.3 Page 7 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012

28 DIASPORAN YOUTHS PARTICIPATE IN THE 6TH YEREVAN SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Another season of AGBU’s Summer Internship Program in Yerevan has now been completed. Program participants left with stronger ties with their homeland and bright memories of days spent in Armenia. Twenty-eight Diaspora-Armenian youths from five countries, Germany, Lebanon, Syria, UK and USA, spent 6 weeks in Armenia, living like local Armeni- ans - off to work in the morning, taking courses in Ar- menian language and Armenian folk dance, participat- ing in interesting meetings and conversations with their peers, and sightseeing tours at weekends. “This program is more than just an internship experience. You learn to cope with what it means to be an Armenian in the diaspora and begin to see Armenia for what it is (the good and the bad aspects)”, said Nicole Ohanyan from USA The companies and organizations that hosted this year’s AGBU interns include RA Diaspora Ministry, UN Development Program, Grand Thornton, American Uni- versity of Armenia, National Gallery of Armenia, Center for Innovative Experimental Art (NPAK), TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, Deem Communications, Women’s Resource Center, Future is Yours” NGO, “Arabkir” Children’s Medical Center, “Vitamax” pharma- YSIP participants with NKR NA Chairman Ashot Ghulyan ceutical company, and the #1 hospital of Yerevan. AGBU’s summer internship program in Yerevan provides a unique opportunity for the Diaspora youth to gain professional experience, gain a deeper understanding of their identity and roots, enrich their cultural and national heritage and contribute towards the improvement of life in Armenia. As part of the program the group visited Artsakh, got acquainted with the history and cultural monuments of Artsakh and were received by the Chairman of the NKR Parlia- ment Ashot Ghulyan. Upon their return to Yerevan YSIP participants were also given the opportunity to meet with RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan and RA Diaspora Minis- ter Hranoush Hakobyan, listen to their plans and raise their own concerns. The interns paid a visit to the Yerevan offices of AGBU and AGBU Armenian Virtual Col- lege, spent a whole day at the AGBU “Antranik” scout camp in the Lori region, where 200 AGBU scouts from different countries had gathered for the 5th annual scout camp surrounded by the beautiful nature of mother Armenia. Eager to have a more complete picture of their homeland and be part of it, not only as tourists but as direct participants, the Diasporan youths spent a whole day with the chil-

Tamar and Nare interning at UNDP

The meeting of the Diasporan youths with our soldiers on their way to Karabakh was inspiring for both sides dren of the Trchunyan Orphanage of Gyumri telling sto- ries, playing games, singing and dancing. This year’s group was also lucky enough to be present at the Armenian National Football Team’s friendly match with Belarus. The AGBU Yerevan Summer Internship Program officially came to an end with an exciting and festive farewell An unforgettable football evening at the Republican Stadium dinner attended by the program coordinators, interns and supervisors who shared their impressions of an unforgettable summer spent in Yerevan.

For the video materials please visit: AGBU YSIP - 2012; AGBU YSIP 2012 in Gyumri; AGBU YSIP 2012: Final reception

Page 8 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012

AGBU WRAPS UP 3RD SUCCESSFUL MOSCOW SUMMER INTERSHIP PROGRAM

The AGBU Moscow Summer Internship Program (MSIP) officially came to an end last month with a celebratory, and emo- tional, farewell dinner, where the program's coordinators, interns and supervisors looked back on an unforgettable summer spent living and working in Russia. On July 31, the six MSIP interns gathered to say their final goodbyes, embracing now life-long friends who, just six weeks earlier, were complete strangers. Though the tight-knit group was sad to part ways, they are returning to their homes around the world - in Armenia, Bulgaria, Canada, France, the UK and the US - armed with professional experiences that are sure to help them advance in their respective careers after they graduate.

MSIP participants in Moscow As it has every summer since its 2010 launch, MSIP pla- ced this year's participants within Russia's top institutions, where they explored their diverse interests, from the fine arts to finance and medicine to magazine publishing. Host organizations included the Association of Restorers of Andrey Anisimov, the Association of Russian Banks, the Moscow Diagnostics Center and Cigar Clan Magazine. At each, they learned all facets of the industry, building their Unforgettable days in St. Petersburgh professional skills and their resumes. Internship supervisor Anna Grebenkina of the SKOLKOVO School of Management praised the program, noting that it "brings lots of value to both parties - interns willing to implement their knowledge and gain some practical experience in a company, and employ- ees ready to invest their time and efforts in order to help young professionals take their first steps on the business ground." The interns' days in the office were complemented by various evenings spent meeting with successful entrepreneurs who have made a name for themselves both within the local Armenian diaspora community and internationally. They included Mr. Grachik Adzhamian, whose startup company, Budist, has been recognized by Forbes Russia, as well as Mr. Aram Pakhchanian, the vice president of the global software firm ABBYY and the co-founder of AyB, a foundation that is investing significantly in Armenia's education system. At many of the meetings, the MSIP interns were joined by members of SIVAM, AGBU's partner in Russia, which has played an indispensable role in MSIP's continuous growth. SIVAM members are by the MSIP interns' sides from the day they arrive to the day they depart. SIVAM volunteer Tigran Begijanyan stated, "For the third year in a row, we saw that MSIP cannot be anything but positive. Each year, the program's membership grows, through participants and volunteers alike, proving that Armenians from different countries are united by common interests and goals. The program brings together Armeni- ans of different backgrounds from all over the world, creating bonds between them that we know will only continue to grow stronger." Cultural immersion is a key component of MSIP, and at classes twice a week, the interns sharpened both their Russian language skills and their Armenian dance steps. The summer's greatest highlight, however, was a mid-summer trip to St. Petersburg, which has become an annual program tradition. The group explored all the city's national treasures, starting with the Peterhof Summer Palace and continuing to the world-renowned Russian and Hermit- At the Armenian Church age Museums, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the historic Peter and Paul Fortress. For intern Tatevik Sargsyan, a student at the London College of Law, the trip was just one of the many elements that made her AGBU experience so extraordinary. As she reflected, "MSIP has allowed me to deeply understand the meaning of being Armenian. The opportunity to experience the thrillingly modern and exciting Russia, to get to know amazing young Ar- menian professionals living in Moscow, to gain valuable career experiences and to make life-long friends who share with me a deep sense of pride and passion in their Armenian heritage, are all things that will stay with me forever." The visit to the new Surb Khach Armenian Church being built in Moscow, where they got their hands dirty alongside the construction workers on site, was another unique experience that added to the memories from a life-changing summer. Page 9 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012 KARABAKH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IN NORWAY AGBU continues its support of the cultural growth of Artsakh

Karabakh Chamber Orchestra (KCO) was established in 2004 through the funding of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. Twelve musicians from Armenia, together with Maestro Gevork Muradyan settled in Ste- panakert to launch the orchestra. Initially there were only six local musicians in the orchestra, but over time this proportion has increased and today the number of local musicians in the orchestra is 17.

In partnership with the college at the Sayat Nova Music School of Stepanakert and the Daniel Ghazar- yan Music School of Shouhi, the orchestra prepares the new generation of musicians to help sustain the orchestra in the future. The orchestra has hosted well-known Armenian soloists on the Artsakh stage. As one of the best orchestras in the region KCO re- ceives a number of invitations to perform abroad.

Between 1-10 July, 2012, KCO toured the Norwe- gian city of Bergen to participate in the 150th anniversary celebrations of Fridtjoff Nanssen. The Nor- wegian tour was supported by the AGBU.

Karabakh Chamber Orchestra in Norway Ties between Artsakh and Norway began in 2011 when the delegation of the “Fridtjoff Nanssen” humanitarian center of Bergen visited Artsakh to participate in a series of Nanssen events. It was decided then to strengthen ties and cooperation between the two countries and organize exchange programs. Months later, the Karabakh Chamber Orchestra received an invitation to perform in Bergen. The concerts took place with the support of the humanitarian center’s vice president, musician and composer Espen Selvik and his wife Marie Kann.

The 10-day tour included concerts, sightseeing tours and visits to museums and other historical-cultural monuments. A concert dedicated to the Armenian Genocide took place at the Nansen Center Park and flowers were laid at the Genocide memorial. NKR Deputy Minister of Culture Hasmik Mikayelyan thanked the Norwegian people for recognizing and condemning the tragedy of the Armenian people. Her words of gratitude were followed by Komitas’ “Kroonk” performed by Irina Sokratyan.

The Artsakh delegation was received by Gunnar Bakken, head of the Bergen Municipality Department of culture, sport and business, and former Mayor of Bergen. This provided an opportunity to discuss future plans of cooperation, possible exchange programs for talented children and groups, and a chance to exchange souve- nirs. A discussion was also held about the possibility of holding days of Artsakh in Norway annually.

The tour officially ended with a concert at the Nanssen Center. For his humanitarian activities and strengthen- ing of Armenian-Norwegian cultural ties, President of the Center Coore Nostdahl was awarded with the “Mother’s gratitude” medal by the Organization of Artsakh Mothers.

“It was a great pleasure to visit the birthplace of Fridtjoff Nanssen and Edvard Grieg. We performed in different halls, parks, churches and always under the Artsakh flag. We were very well received by the audience. We performed Komitas, Sayat Nova and, of course, Grieg. I am proud to say that 90% of our orchestra’s musicians are from Artsakh. This has been a strategic aim from the start and today it has been achieved. I would like to thank the NK government, NK Culture Ministry, AGBU, “Base Metals” and “ArtsakhGas” companies for making this tour a reality”, said Gevork Muradyan, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of KCO. KCO performed in Norway under the Nagorno-Karabakh flag

For the video materials please visit: KCO returned from Norway; Gevork Muradyan's interview

Page 10 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012

AGBU PERFORMING ARTS GROUPS PARTICIPATE IN “MY ARMENIA” FESTIVAL

The Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakoban along with the Project Director of the All Armenian Festival “My Armenia” Samvel Haroyan help a press conference on June 28th 2012 to discuss the overall goals as well as the details of the schedule of events of the festival.

June 29th saw the Grand Opening Ceremony at the Cascade complex in Yerevan attended by RA government officials, National Assembly members, intel- lectuals, cultural workers, public figures as well as other invited guests with a welcome speech delivered by the Minister Hakobyan.

More then 1300 people from different corners of the world as well as Armenia and Artsakh participated in the Festival. The festival was held June 29th to Sep- tember 18th and this year for the first time, it was divided into 4 categories: choreography, choir, individual performers and duduk players.

Various groups were among the participants including AGBU groups from Syria and Lebanon; “Arin” dance group (Beirut), “Andranik” dance group and AGBU “Arin” dance group of Beirut performing at Paronyan Theater “Spendiaryan” choir (Aleppo).

With the guidance and hospitality of the Ministry of Diaspora the groups toured the different regions of Armenia and Artsakh and performed for local audiences. As well as this they also took part in master classes, site visits and meetings as part of their festival schedule.

As part of the choreography segment AGBU Lebanon dance troupe Arin gave a concert with Azat Gasparyan as MC in the Paronyan Theater of Musical Comedy. Although “Arin” was founded in Lebanon in the 1960’s due to the Lebanese civil war the group performed only sporadically. It was re-establish in 2001 with Gayane Matsunian acting as Artistic Director since 2007 with 110 current Arme- nian members.

The “Andranik” dance ensemble from Syria was also among the participants of the choreography section. Since its creation in 2003 the group has toured numer- ous countries with their first performance in Armenian in 2007 under Director Ashot Sargsian. The troupe currently has 33 members.

AGBU “Antranik” dance group of Aleppo in Karabakh Participants of the AGBU “Musical Armenia” program were involved in the Festival as part of the “Individual performers” category.

The AGBU Syria ‘Spendiaryan’ choir gave a rousing performance at the Aram Khachaturyan hall on August 10th. The choir was created in 1953 and has recently been entrusted to the talented graduate of the Classical Vocal AGBU “Spendiaryan” choir of Aleppo Faculty of the Komidas State Conservatory Shahe Qeshishian.

The goal of the Festival is to develop and maintain Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora relations, to preserve cultural identifi- cation, deepen cultural relations between young artists, support the initiatives and implementations of common projects, to help finding and mobilizing the all-Armenian professional potential in cultural sphere. Kindly sponsored by the President of the Republic of Armenia Serj Sargsyan.

Page 11 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 21, JULY-AUGUST, 2012

AGBU SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM BEIRUT AND ARGENTINA AND AGBU CANADA VENTURES IN ARMENIA

Following the visit of three AGBU US-based schools to Armenia in the beginning of summer, two other AGBU schools, Tarouhi-Hovagimian School of Beirut and Marie Manoogian School of Buenos Aires, paid a visit to Armenia in July-August as part of their traditional trips to homeland. Also in Armenia during that same period was the AGBU Canada Scout Move- ment venture group.

AGBU Buenos Aires schoolchildren and AGBU Canada Ventures with His Holiness Karekin II The groups toured Armenia’s historic landmarks visiting Tsitsernakabert, Yerablur, Matenadaran, Khor Vi- rap, Noravanq, Tsaghkadzor, Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan, Tatev monastery, the Paradjanov Museum and Armenian national Gallery.

AGBU Beirut schoolchildren at AGBU AVC

On July 22, the children of the AGBU Marie Manoogian school of Buenos Aires and the AGBU Canada Ven- tures were received by His Holiness Karekin II at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The youths attended a Holy Mass and explored the Holy See museums. The groups also paid a visit to the AGBU Armenian Representation and the AGBU Armenian Virtual Col- lege to be present at a brief AVC presentation by AGBU Central Board member and AVC Founder and Director Dr. Yervand Zorian. The interactive intellectual game prepared by the AVC online instructors was warmly received by the students. AGBU Buenos Aires schoolchildren at AGBU Yerevan office They also attended a beautiful concert prepared by the children of the AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Nork Youth Center.

Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world. ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION NEW YORK YEREVAN 55 East 59th Street, 9 Alex Manoogian Street, New York, NY 10022-1112 Yerevan, Armenia Phone: 212 319 6383 Phone: (374 10) 51-22-51 Fax: 212 319 6507 Fax: (374 10) 51-22-52 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.agbu.org Website: www.agbu.am

PREPARED BY AGBU ARMENIAN REPRESENTATION Page 12