AGBU Armenia Newsletter (July-August, 2011)

ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION AGBUAGBU ARMENIAARMENIA NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER Yerevan, Armenia

IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

♦ AGBU President Berge BERGE SETRAKIAN, PRESIDENT OF AGBU: Setrakian's interview to “L’Orient Le Jour” (p. 1, 2) “ERASING THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE GENOCIDE” ♦ “TUMO” center for creative Translator's Note: The following article was originally published in French by the Lebanese technologies opens in Yere- newspaper L'Orient Le Jour and translated by the AGBU Press Office. Published Wednes- van (p. 2, 3) day, July 6, 2011. Written by Maria Chakhtoura. ♦ FAF and AGBU announce —————————— the launch of “NUR” project "I am Lebanese to the in Nagorno Karabakh (p. 4) core, attached to the land where I was born, ♦ AGBU and AUA delegation where I grew up and visits Artsakh (p. 5) lived, and I have Arme- ♦ AGBU Yerevan Scouts par- nia as my heritage." ticipate in “Hayordiner” These are the words of scout camp of Artsakh (p. 5) Berge Setrakian, president of AGBU (Arme- ♦ 4th season of AGBU An- nian General Benevo- tranik Scout Camp (p. 6) lent Union), the world's ♦ AGBU “Discover Armenia” largest Armenian NGO brings another 31 youths to headquartered in New Armenia (p. 7) York. Our chance meeting, ♦ AGBU Yerevan Summer the result of a happy Intern Program 2011 (p. 8) AGBU President Berge Setrakian coincidence, took place ♦ AGBU Moscow Summer in a hotel in Yerevan. Berge Setrakian was visiting the Armenian capital to attend two Intern Program 2011 (p. 9) important meetings: the Special Commission of the centenary of the Armenian Genocide, and the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees of the "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund. ♦ UGAB Jeunes visit Armenia He had left Lebanon in 1976 after completing his law studies at Saint Joseph University for a series of voluntary and having practiced law for some years. While on a short visit to the United States, he projects (p. 10) had met a lawyer of Lebanese origin associated with a large New York firm, who pro- ♦ AGBU YSIP participant posed that he join their team. No sooner said than done, and here he is now, a senior realizes a humanitarian pro- partner of an international firm with nearly 900 lawyers and offices in 26 cities around the ject of her own (p. 10, 11) world. Since leaving Lebanon, Setrakian has kept in touch with his friends and returns regularly ♦ 5th Pan-Armenian Games to the country where he still has his apartment. In the United States, he remains very ac- held in Armenia (p. 11) tive with groups working for the Lebanese cause. After relocating to the United States, ♦ AGBU Youth Center chil- Berge Setrakian also joined the Central Board of Directors of AGBU, which was estab- dren perform at Sundukian lished in 1906 and now has chapters in over 32 countries and 80 cities. After serving as Academic Theater (p. 11) vice president, he assumed the presidency in 2002. It was in this capacity that Setrakian was in the Armenian capital. The Special Commis- ♦ AVC hosts Diasporan sion of the centenary of the genocide, chaired by Armenia's head of state, was convened groups (p. 12) with the participation of highest-ranking government officials, political party representatives, heads of the church, and AGBU, to organize the worldwide centennial commemora- tion of the Armenian Genocide. The mission of the "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund, whose annual Board of Trustees meeting was being held in Yerevan, is to raise funds from the Diaspora to finance large projects in Armenia. AGBU and the Diaspora As for AGBU, with which many Lebanese are familiar through its various activities, Mr. Setrakian says, "This organization was established in Cairo in 1906 by Boghos Nubar Pasha, son of the prime minister of Egypt at the time, with the primary mission of preserving the Armenian identity in the Diaspora and the national heritage in Armenia. Its headquarters are in New York and it is managed by a board of 21 members, with an annual budget of almost $40 million. The organization first and foremost addressed the humanitarian and educational needs of the Armenian people following the genocide. Throughout a whole century of its history and activities, AGBU has adapted itself to the needs of the Armenian people and has grown progressively, playing a signifi- cant role in the contemporary history of Armenia and Armenians. In the years immediately following the genocide, AGBU financed and organized Armenian refugee camps in Lebanon, Syria, Greece and elsewhere. In the decades between 1930 and 1950, it created clinics, schools and youth camps. Moving on to the 1960's, it con- structed and organized community and youth centers in principal diasporan communities. (Continued on page 2)

Page 1 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

BERGE SETRAKIAN. “ERASING THE DAMAGE…”

(see page 1) With the advent of Armenia's independence and the reopening of the Eastern European countries following the fall of the Soviet Union, the focus turned to initiatives in the homeland. Today, in the Diaspora, AGBU owns and operates more than 25 day and weekly schools, in addition to youth and cultural centers. For example, in Lebanon, AGBU operates several institutions, its main quarters currently being the Demirdjian Center in Antelias. It sponsors primary and secondary schools, and the Antranik Youth Association with its many sports, cultural, and educational activities. AGBU pro- vides college scholarships for higher education, with special attention to the field of performing arts and to students who exhibit talent in art and music”. Initiatives in Armenia What action has AGBU initiated in Armenia to help the country survive in face of the political problems stemming from Tur- key's refusal to recognize the Genocide? "Since its inception, the organization has always followed a policy of supporting Armenia, regardless of existing political regimes. For example, in 1928, AGBU created a medical center in Yerevan. In 1931, with donations from its president at the time, it established the village of Nubarashen, which now has 11,000 residents. In 1946, it funded the repatriation of thousands of Armenians in the Diaspora to Armenia. In 1971, its then president Alex Manoogian donated the museum bearing his name at the Holy See of Etchmiadzin. Nothing is permanent in politics; regimes change but heritage remains. Since the independence, our activity has become even more diversified, and the organization has invested more than $150 million in various projects in Armenia. After the fall of communism, AGBU funded the creation of the American University of Armenia to enable young people to embrace the educational system of the West. On the other hand, we provide scholarships to the French University in Armenia and subsidies to the State University. AGBU supports the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra and has funded many activities in the field of art and music to save the artistic and cultural heritage of the past regime, as the young state, still in its inception, has not been able to take upon itself the financing of these activities. Working with the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, AGBU took over what once were youth centers of the Soviet era and trans- formed them into artistic and cultural centers for young people. Since 1990, these centers have been serving nearly 4,000 youths daily and providing them the means to engage in after-school leisure activities, rather than stay home. The performance of these young people, in their respective capacities, is breathtaking. The children's center programs discover and cultivate young talents, sometimes even prodigies. It suffices to watch these very, very young children in their high-quality performances, in order to understand the commitment of supporters, as well as the instructors who are driven by the purpose of this enterprise. AGBU also operates senior dining centers, where more than 1,500 retirees with paltry pensions receive daily meals. At another level, we have focused on the development efforts of the Armenian Apostolic Church by funding, through donations from our members, the construction of new churches and organizing existing parishes and initiating new ones after 80 years of communism. We supported the construction of a new seminary by Lake Sevan. Thus, we are helping His Holi- ness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, in his mission to reconstruct "the Church" by providing funding to train semi- narians and theological education abroad through scholarships. We are convinced that the Church will continue to play an important role in preserving our identity in the diaspora. AGBU has also established a scout camp in Armenia and excursion trips for youth to the homeland, where more than 500 young diasporan Armenians visit every summer. We have created the Armenian Virtual College to teach language, history and culture through the Internet to diasporan Armenians. Our efforts are increasing in Armenia, on the one hand, because we are convinced that it will be difficult to maintain our identity in a diaspora scattered around the world, without the inspi- ration of the motherland and the Church. On the other hand, since the fall of communism, we have resumed our activities in Eastern Europe, namely Bulgaria, Romania, and elsewhere, and we are developing programs in Russia, where more than two million Armenians live. Unfortunately, our means are limited in light of the actual needs of the communities." “TUMO” CENTER FOR CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES OPENS IN YEREVAN

“TUMO” center for creative technologies officially opened to the public on August 14th at Yerevan’s Ajapnyak district. Present at the opening ceremony were Presidents of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh Serzh Sargsyan and Bako Sahakian, Mayor of Yerevan Karen Karapetian, other ministers and officials. Founded by AGBU Central Board Member Sam Si- monian and his wife, Sylva, TUMO is designed to introduce students, ages 12 to 18, to a professional level of instruction in animation, web development, video game design, and digital video/audio through extensive after-school programs. Sam Simonian is also the founder of “Simonian Educational Founda- tion” and US-based “Epygi Labs AM” company, the branch of which has been operating in Armenia since “TUMO” center for creative technologies in Yerevan 1997. (Continued on page 3)

Page 2 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

“TUMO” CENTER FOR CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES...

(see page 2) Realizing the importance and potential of the development of innovative technologies in Armenia, Sam Simonian decided to found a new center in Yerevan, which would, with the help of information technologies, organize educational programs, hold seminars and workshops to introduce Armenian youth to the achievements and inno- vations of the field. President Sargsyan toured the new center and was introduced to the four directions offered by the educational program of the center. In his opening speech, President Sargsyan noted that the establishment of such a center in Armenia is of a strategic significance for our country and that the exploration of mental abili- ties of our youth and the increase in their competitive- ness are among the most important challenges facing our country. “Unfortunately, Armenia does not have plentiful natu- ral resources. This fact drives us to at least two con- clusions: a) we must not waste our resources and b) we must be able to provide intellectual services to our public, the region and the world, which, certainly, would be impossible without centers like this”, said RA President Serzh Sargsyan addresses a message of gratitude President Serzh Sargsyan and added that he was to Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Sylva Simonian truly very excited with the opening of “TUMO” and hopes to have definite results for the future of Armenia. In his message of gratitude addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Sylva Yacoubian, President Sargsyan said, “This is not only worthy of gratitude, this is worthy of encouragement, because apart from its practical significance, this is also a very good example for all those, who have achieved success in their own fields and can share a small part of it with their homeland”. After the official opening ceremony, at the initiative of the Simonian family, the open-air concert given by Serj Tankian, the lead singer of world famous “System of a Down”, accompanied by the Armenian National Opera Sym- phonic Orchestra and guest conductor Hamish McKeich from New Zealand, took place on “TUMO” grounds. Prior to Tankian’s performance, the audience enjoyed music by the famous Armenian rock band “Dorians” and an impres- sive 3D mapping projection on the “TUMO” building. The opening events of “TUMO” had started two days before the official grand opening of the center. Initiator and founder of “TUMO”, Sam Simonian, was born and raised in Beirut. A graduate of the Armenian General Benevolent Union's (AGBU) Hovaguimian-Manoogian secondary school in Beirut, Simonian had just started his freshman year in 1975 at the American University of Beirut (AUB) when the Lebanese civil war began. Arriving at the age of 19 in the Dallas area, Simonian studied electrical engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington on an AGBU scholarship loan, and after graduation, went to work for Electrospace Systems Inc. together with his two friends. The computer and telecommunications industries were expanding and there was room for growth. In Janu- ary 1989, the three engineers resigned from Electrospace Systems Inc., and founded their own company - INET - and went to work building a dream based on a business plan which was drafted on the back of a paper napkin at a fast food restaurant. INET became a multimillion-dollar international company. Today, Sam Simonian is a member of the AGBU Central Board of Directors. “Hopefully, here at Tumanian park, one skillful drop of honey, can arm today’s youth with the technical and creative skills to build the Armenia of tomorrow. One drop of “Tumo” will become one link in the full chain of positive changes”, said Sam Simonian

What is “TUMO”? A computer haven, which has opened its doors to all those who see their future in a higher technological education. “TUMO” offers four perspective directions of education thus be- coming a unique place for 12-18-year-old youth to develop their skills, creating and realizing their own programs and initiatives. The goal of the center is to contribute to the creative progress of Ar- menia’s new generation and the process of pre- paring professionals in the field of higher technologies. Welcome to TUMO! RA President tours “TUMO”

For the video materials please visit: TUMO Center in Yerevan (H1 Public TV) and TUMO Center in Yerevan (Shant TV)

Page 3 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

FAF AND AGBU ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF NUR PLAN IN NKR

The launch of NUR Plan in Karabakh by Fruitfull Armenia Fund (FAF) and the Armenian General Benevolent Union was announced at press conferences held in Stepanakert on August 15th and Yerevan on August 16th, with the participation of representatives from both organizations.

Following the agreement signed last January between Karabakh Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan and Argentinean-Armenian entrepreneur Eduardo Eurnekian, FAF presented the general concept of NUR, a plan aimed at changing the future of the educational system. NUR will be implemented with the cooperation of AGBU, the world's largest nonprofit Armenian organization, which will be providing on-the-ground support to ensure the success of the project.

NUR has been conceived following the concept of One Laptop Per Child (OLPC). OLPC is an educational program developed at the Massachusetts In- stitute of Technology (MIT) in Boston. OLPC has From left: Vasken Yacoubian, Eduardo Eurnekian, successfully married a hands-on approach to educa- Ana Cristina Schirinian, Sebastian Arias-Duval tion with an affordable laptop computer, the XO, which was designed for educational purposes. XO is not a conven- tional laptop. It is a waterproof computer with durable batteries that are charged through solar cells. The units, which have Armenian keyboards, are designed to be drop-resistant and they are made so that information cannot be lost.

The program will be providing XO laptop computers to first- to fourth-grade students and their teachers. As part of the agreement, the government of Karabakh has agreed to provide Internet access at participating schools.

In the first stage, which begins September 2011, 160 teachers from schools in the Karabakh cities of Stepanakert and Shushi will start training through an intensive three-week course on SUGAR, the educational software used by XO. They will also attend a six-week virtual course to incorporate further updates on the different programs to be used with the students.

The following stage will consist of the deployment of NUR Plan laptops to 3.600 children, promoting equal opportunities and integrating technology in everyday school classes. "NUR is close to AGBU's mission. The Union is interested in educational projects. Collaboration within the framework of NUR is favorable for all parties. With this, we will be developing one of the most valuable potentials of the Armenian nation – the human being," said Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Central Board member. The government will also oversee that the remain- ing cities and towns in Karabakh will receive hi-speed Internet service so that they can participate in future stages of the project.

"This is a new way of learning. We learned with books, they will learn with computers. They only need to have it, the rest they will do on their own," said Ana Cristina AGBU and FAF representatives presented “NUR” in Artsakh Schirinian, executive director of FAF.

NUR Plan introduces a revolutionary change to the educational system which main objectives are: • To enhance the educational experience by introducing technology to the classroom, the school and the family • To promote equal opportunities for all students by providing a laptop per child and per teacher • To guarantee access to information and worldwide education and culture • To develop a collaborative culture in 4 lines: child-child, child-teacher, teacher-teacher and child-family • To contribute to the promotion of Nagorno Karabakh Republic’s culture in the region and in the world. NUR Plan is a capital investment for future generations. Mr. Eurnekian has highlighted the commitment of the world community to ensure that all children in the world have access to education and information. And in relation to this, all Armenians spread in the world should contribute, either individually or in organizations, to the cause of educating future generations in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

For the video materials please visit: NUR project launched in NKR (H1 Public TV) NUR project launched in NKR (Yerkir Media TV) NUR project launched in NKR (Shant TV) Page 4 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA AND ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION VISIT THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH REPUBLIC

American University of Armenia (AUA) President, Dr. Bruce Boghosian, and Interim Provost, Dr. Armen Der Ki- ureghian, visited the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) on July 11-13, 2011, as part of a delegation arranged by the Armenian General Benevo- lent Union and led by Mr. Ashot Ghazarian, Director of AGBU Armenian Representation. On Tuesday, July 12th, Bogho- sian, Der Kiureghian and Gha- zarian visited NKR Prime Min- ister, Arayik Harutyunyan, and NKR Minister of Education and Science, Vladik Khachatryan. During their visit, among other topics, they discussed the NKR government's desire to provide scholarships to qualified students from NKR who wish to attend AUA. This year, the Min- istry of Education and Science From left: Arayik Harutyunyan, Ashot Ghazarian, Bruce Boghosian, Armen Der Kiureghian of NKR has allocated five such scholarships. The President of the AUA reaffirmed the University's commitment to give high priority to qualified applicants from the NKR. Discussions were also held on the need to establish English language training courses and preparation courses for standardized tests required by the University. The AUA President and Interim Provost also visited the office in Stepanakert of the AUA-managed Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP). There they spoke with the Program Leader, Mr. Armen Sardaryan, and the Program Manager, Ms. Nonna Poghosian. They discussed the TRDP in general, the TRDP Young Entrepreneurs Program, and the above-mentioned student scholarships of the NKR Ministry of Education and Science. AGBU YEREVAN SCOUT MOVEMENT DELEGATION PARTICIPATED IN “HAYORDINER” SCOUT CAMP IN ARTSAKH

“Hayordiner” second pan-national scout camp held by “Haik’s Generation” organization took place on August 9-14 in Shoushi. Members of the AGBU Yerevan Scout Movement were also invited to participate in the camp. The delegation of the AGBU Yerevan Scouts comprised of Vice-Chairman of the Scout Council Edward Der Kassbarian, Secre- tary Satenik Eloyan, Group Leader Gevork Si- monian, Troupe Leader Ararat Azatian and Pa- trol Leader Mary Sahakian, arrived at the campsite on August 9th to help build the camp tower and mast, organize scout activities and share their knowledge and skills with “Hayordiner”, which, being a newly-established camp, lacks experience and needs support. Scouts from Te- hran, Russia and different NGOs also participated in “Hayordiner”.

On August 12th, the scouts went on a sightseeing trip of Stepanakert, Gandzasar, Vank village and other historical monuments and interesting venues.

The traditional fire and closing ceremony took AGBU Yerevan Scouts participated in “Hayordiner” scout camp in Artsakh place on August 13th with the participation of the Mayor of Shoushi, a spiritual leader, a representative of the NKR defense ministry, other officials and guests.

During the closing ceremony the AGBU Yerevan Scouts received a medal and a letter of gratitude for their active participation and support. The AGBU Yerevan Scouts in their turn handed out souvenirs to the hosts and expressed readiness to continue their support and cooperation with the scouts of Artsakh. With unforgettable memories and impressions the delegation returned to Yerevan on August 14th.

Page 5 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011 IN 2011 AROUND 600 YOUTHS VISITED ARMENIA THROUGH AGBU DIASPORAN YOUTH PROGRAMS 4-TH SEASON OF AGBU “ANTRANIK” SCOUT CAMP HELD IN ARMENIA

The official flag ceremony on July 3 at AGBU’s private campsite in Lori region of Armenia marked the start of the fourth season of AGBU “Antranik” scout camp. It continues to be a hub of the world's largest nonprofit organization's international scouting activities. As opposed to last year’s 120 participants, this year the camp wel- comed more than 400 scouts from AGBU troops in Aleppo, Damascus, Kamishly (Syria), Beirut (Leba- non), Los Angeles (USA), Montevideo (Uruguay), Tehran (Iran) and Yerevan (Armenia), joined by the newly formed "Hayki Serund" (Haik’s Generation) representative group of Karabakh. Under the leadership of AGBU-AYA of Lebanon's Executive Director Kevork Santourian, Antranik opened its doors from June 30 - August 2, 2011, for three sessions that allowed the scouts of Armenian heritage to explore Armenia's beautiful nature, visit AGBU Scouts received by His Holiness Karekin II its landmarks, learn scoutcraft, volunteer their time for community service projects, and form friendships with other youth. The opening of the first session took place on July 3, 2011 and was attended by Reverend Father Torgom Tonikian, diocesan vicar of the Gugarats Diocese, officials of the Lori region, and numerous guests. Participating in the first session were the groups from Tehran, Monte- video and Beirut, as well as the preparatory group from Yerevan. The groups from California, Aleppo, Damascus and Kamishly participated in the second session, while the groups from Yerevan and Karabakh formed the participants during the third session. The scope and outreach of this AGBU program in Armenia continues to expand each year, as exemplified by the first-time participation of scouts from Montevideo. The Uruguayan scouts, like every AGBU group, added their own personality to the camp activities. The group, which has an obvious love of music, performed a musical adaptation of "Ourakh Avanum" (In Happy Town) in the neighboring city of Va- nadzor and they composed a special song for the Antranik Scout Camp, which has already turned into a popular march. Antranik Scout Camp participants spent unforgettable weeks in the homeland, helping to forge their Armenian identities and a love for a land they were unfamiliar with. During their visit to Holy Etchmiadzin, they were also fortunate to receive the blessing of His Holiness Kare- kin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and see the history of a place they had only heard about in books and on the Internet. The scouts also AGBU scouts building the camp mast visited the AGBU Armenian Representation office, got acquainted with the Union’s activities carried out in Armenia and Artsakh On July 24th, the scouts were joined by the participants of another AGBU youth program, Yerevan Summer Intern Program, for a memorable day of friendship, adventure and networking. The three fire ceremonies of camp “Antranik” turned into festive holidays attended by guests and parents of the scouts. The traditional Armenian harisa was served during the third fire ceremony.

For the video materials please visit: AGBU "Antranik" Scout Camp 2011 (H1 Public TV) AGBU “Antranik” Scout Camp 2011 (H1 Public TV) AGBU "Antranik" Scout Camp 2011 The scouts visited the AGBU Armenian Representation office AGBU "Antranik" Scout Camp 2011

Page 6 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

AGBU “DISCOVER ARMENIA” YOUTH TRIP BRINGS ANOTHER 31 DIASPORANS TO THE HOMELAND

This year’s “Discover Armenia” AGBU youth trip brought to Armenia 31 Diaspora-Armenians from Belgium, Canada, Great Britain, France, Syria and USA. Under the supervision of Hermine Duzian, AGBU Diaspora Youth Programs Coordinator in Armenia, the program, which is eight years old, started on August 6th and lasted until August 25th. As always a rich and variable program was prepared for the participants full of sightseeing tours and visits to the ancient Armenian monuments, meetings with prominent political and social figures, cultural events, and volunteer humanitarian and community activities. The group visited Etchmiadzin, Tsitsernakabert, St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, Matenadaran Mu- seum of Ancient Armenian Manuscripts, Cafesjian Museum, Garni, Geghard, Sevan, Noravank, Khor Virap, Goris. They traveled to Artsakh and ascended Mount Aragats. On August 24th, together with the participants of another AGBU youth program from France - UGAB Jeu-

His Holiness Karekin II received the participants of AGBU Discover Ar- menia youth trip and UGAB Jeunes nes - the “Discover Armenia” group was received by His Holiness Karekin II at the Holy See of St. Etchmi- adzin. An important goal of the program is to spread and promote among the Diasporan youth the ideas of voluntary community activities and providing practical support to the homeland. Collaboration with the “Fuller Center for Housing Armenia” has become a tradition. This year the two organizations held a joint construction project in Kaqavadzor village of Aragat- sotn region of Armenia, on August 15-17. The humanitarian aspect of the trip included visits to the Carrying out a construction project with Fuller Armenia in Kaqavadzor Mary Izmirlian orphanage and AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Senior Dining Centers. The youth spent a whole day in each of these establishments talking to its residents, organizing interesting and funny games for the orphanage children and serving meals to the elderly. The participants paid a three-day visit to Karabakh, went to different historical and cultural monuments, also visited the villages in Hadrut region of NKR that have been reconstructed and repopulated by the AGBU. Donations of books to the Children’s Library of Stepanakert has become a part of “Discover Armenia”. The library’s foreign language pavilion was established by the 2009 participants of “Discover Armenia” and since then, each new group of participants of the program visits the library and donates new books in foreign languages to the pavilion. Other activities included a visit to the Yerevan Co- gnac Factory, participation in the grape blessing day festivities in Saghmosavank, opening and closing ceremonies of the 5th pan-Armenian games and the opening of “Tumo” center for creative technologies. They group also visited the AGBU Armenian Repre- sentation, got acquainted with the Union’s programs in Armenia and Artsakh, as well as the activities of the AGBU Armenian Virtual College, attended the concert of the students of the AGBU and Holy See Children’s Centers. When asked what was the major difference between visiting Armenia as part of a family trip and as a participant of an AGBU youth program some confessed that during previous trips with family they were able to discover the beauty of Yerevan through it's streets, stores and restaurants while as part of the program On their way to Nagorno-Karabakh they were able to see the real Armenia and create lifelong ties with people their age from all around the world. Page 7 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

FOR THE 5TH TIME YEREVAN HOSTS AGBU’S SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM

AGBU’s Yerevan Summer Intern Program was held from June 25th to August 5th, 2011, for the fifth consecutive year. 21 Diasporan youth from four countries, Canada, Russia, Syria and USA, spent six weeks in Armenia working at Arme- nia’s leading organizations and institutions including RA Finance Ministry, UNDP, “Storaket” architectural office, “Azg” daily, Deem Communications, Global SPC law and consulting office, “Hetq” and “Lragir” online news agen- cies, Center for Innovative Experimental Art (NPAK), St. Nerses the Great hospital, ArBes medical center, Yerevan hospitals No. 1 and 8. The program pursues several goals: first of all, Arme- nian youth from different educational institutions are provided with a unique opportunity to gain professional experience and practical knowledge, have a better un-

AGBU Interns received by RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian derstanding of their homeland and involve themselves actively in its development, as well as interact with their peers both from Armenia and different communities of the Diaspora. Weekly Armenian language and folk dance classes are also an important component of the program, which in- cludes sightseeing trips, visits to historical monuments and museums in Armenia and Artsakh, and meetings with different famous political and social figures. This year’s par- Pre-med interns at the Cardiology Department of YSMU Hospital ticipants of YSIP had the chance to meet with RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobian, RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian, and former Foreign Minister of Armenia and currently the chairman of “Heritage” party and Parliament member Raffi Hovanissian. Another interesting meeting was with young Armenian entrepreneurs, cofounder of “Wise Busi- ness” Hayk Vardanyan from Armenia, and George Tabakian and Talar Kazanjian, two Diaspora-Armenians, who have moved to their homeland and are running a successful business of their own. On July 23rd, the group visited the Tsitsernakabert Memorial and Genocide Museum to pay tribute to the innocent vic- tims of the Armenian Genocide. AGBU Armenian Representation and Armenian Virtual College, received the YSIP participants “There’s more to Ar- for an introductory presentation and a video menia than what sees chat with AVC Founding Chairman Dr. Yervant the eye. If you dig a Zorian. little deeper, you find The group also spent three unforgettable days Armenia’s true in Karabakh, visiting Stepanakert, Shoushi and beauty and strength”, Gandzasar, meeting interesting people and said Sara Selverian exploring the true beauty of Artsakh. They from USA. were hosted at the Naregatsi Art Institute of Shoushi for a performance by the children of the Institute. On July 24th, the interns visited Lori region to spend a remarkable day with the AGBU scouts from around the world, who had gathered in Ar- menia for the 4th season of AGBU “Antranik” Scout Camp. The Scavenger Hunt organized jointly with “Birthright Armenia” will stay forever in the memories of the YSIP participants. Divided into several groups and scattered in different parts of the capital, the interns and Birthright volunteers fulfilled various tasks and got to know Yerevan and its residents through more personal interactions. Being also a month of cultural enrichment, YSIP provided the interns with a unique opportunity to be present at the performance of “Anoush” opera at the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre. The farewell reception at the Yerevan Museum of Folk Art with the participation of the interns, their immediate supervisors and AGBU repre- AGBU Interns in Shouhi sentatives concluded the once-in-a-lifetime journey of the Diasporan youth to their homeland. The AGBU YSIP 2011 was conducted by Program Coordinator Anna Aghajanian and her assistant Aline Zorian. Page 8 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

AGBU’S MOSCOW SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM ESTABLISHES ITS PLACE AMONG THE UNION’S YOUTH PROGRAMS

AGBU’s Moscow Summer Internship Program (MSIP) establishes its place among the Union’s youth programs. The 1st MSIP took place in 2010 and had only 8 participants. This year, the second season of MSIP, which took place from June 26th to August 5th, hosted 13 participants, ages 19-23, from four countries, Armenia, Canada, France, and USA. 13 youngsters with different backgrounds, from different corners of the world, studying in different universities, but with the same origin, lived under the same roof for six weeks, sharing their experience and knowledge, attending classes and going sightseeing together. Such companies and organizations as Dilidjan Interna- tional High School, Star Expo exhibition company, “Henderson and Hayas”, “CP DVD”, “SKOLKOVO” Moscow School of Management, “Mediacrat” publishing and advertising agency, Association of Russian Banks, “Cigar Clan” magazine, “Troika Dialog” investment bank, “PARADISE” Company, “The Moscow Times” newspaper, Russian Research Center of Surgery and Federal Center of Medicine and Rehabilitation hosted the participants of the AGBU youth program as interns. It is worth mentioning that taking the opportunity and MSIP participants in the famous Red Square in Moscow willing to gain the maximum from the program, some of the interns preferred to undertake their internship in two different companies simultaneously. The program prepared for the MSIP participants included interesting visits and trips, meetings and cultural events. After regular working hours the interns attended Russian language and Armenian folk dance classes, paid visits to historical-cultural monuments and met with the local Armenian community. On August 7-10, the group traveled to Saint Petersburg, where they visited the famous Hermitage, St. Catherine Ar- menian Church, the Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof Royal Summer Residence, watched “Spartacus” and “Swan lake” at Mariinsky and Alexandrovski Theaters, and had a meeting with local Armenian youth at the St. Petersburg Armenian Sunday School. They also had an unforgettable boat trip on the Neva during the famous “white nights”. On July 22nd, the YSIP participants were received by Bishop Yezras Nersissian, Primate of the Russia and New Nakhijevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church. “Being Armenian is a gift, you can either put the gift under your bed and let it collect dust, or you can use that gift to guide you through the different chapters of your life”, said Nare Te- vanyan from USA. In Moscow the group also visited the Kremlin, the Red Square, Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin Museum, St. Basil and Christ the Savior Churches, as well as Sergiyev Posad, a beautiful and ancient city near Moscow.

Meeting Bishop Yezras Nersissian, Primate of Russia and New Nakhijevan Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church The joint event of Moscow Economics High School and AGBU Academics took place on August 2nd. AGBU Academics is an international Armenian students network, the founder of which, Camilio Azzouz- Kiwanian from France, was also among this year’s MSIP participants. The issues of Hay Dat, Armenian Genocide and Arme- nia’s foreign policy were discussed during the MSIP members’ meeting with Karen Mikayelian, Executive In Russia’s cultural capital St. Petersburg Director of the International Organizing Committee for the Preparation of the Western Armenian National Congress. The AGBU Moscow Summer Intern Program was successfully supervised by MSIP coordinator Angela Sargsyan and MSIP Activities Coordinator Lusine Kerobian. Page 9 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

UGAB JEUNES CARRIES OUT A NUMBER OF PROGRAMS IN ARMENIA UGAB Jeunes (AGBU Youth France) headed by Raffi Der Agopian visited Armenia from August 1-30 to implement “Armenia, Land of Life” program. The group of 32 volunteers, ages 18-26, Armenian and French by origin, undertook a number of voluntary humanitarian, environmental, construction, healthcare and educational programs in different regions of Armenia and Artsakh. The group spent 10 days in Nagorno-Karabakh reno- vating the 2-floor youth center of Berdzor, Region of Kashatagh, NKR. It was built in 1999 by the Church and was later given to the youth of the region at their own request to serve as a cultural center. The group also visited the region’s only francophone club situated in the Charles Aznavour School of Stepanakert and donated more than 250 books in French, including diction- aries, textbooks and classics of French literature.

UGAB Jeunes received by RA NA Speaker Hovik Abrahamian To raise society’s awareness and attention towards environmental issues UGAB Jeunes, together with ACBA Credit-Agricole Bank, organized a program of cleaning the beach and church area in Sevan. During their stay the group had meetings with His Holi- ness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum Hayk Demoyan.

Cleaning Lake Sevan and Monastery area The health project of the group was carried out in Huys orphanage of Gyumri, where they distributed dental hy- giene products to the children. On the threshold of the new academic year, children of the Haykavan village school received school stationary as gifts. On August 26th, headed by AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian and AGBU Armenia Representa- tion Director Ashot Ghazarian the group was hosted by the RA Parliament Speaker Hovik Abrahamian in the The group spent 10 days in Nagorno-Karabakh National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. The latter expressed his admiration of AGBU’s patriotic activities both in Armenia and abroad. Ashot Ghazarian thanked the NA Speaker for the meeting and informed him that more than 600 Diaspora-Armenian youth visited the homeland during the summer thanks to AGBU’s youth programs.

For the video materials please visit: UGAB Jeunes in Artsakh (Shant TV) UGAB Jeunes and ACBA in Sevan (Shant TV) AGBU YEREVAN SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM PARTICIPANT CARRIES OUT A HUMANITARIAN PROGRAM OF HER OWN

Nanor Balabanian, from USA, was among the 25 participants of the AGBU Yerevan Summer Intern Program in 2009. She spent five weeks in Armenia, worked at the UNDP Yerevan office, visited Artsakh and got a better understanding of Armenian reality. “I learned the importance of self-confidence, patience, forgiveness, kindness, perseverance, friendship, respect and pride in Armenian Identity”, she had written in her evaluation. The program finished and Nanor returned to US with bright memories and impressions of her trip. She went back with a distinct intention to return and help her people in the homeland and have her contribution in the development of Arme- nia’s rural communities. Currently, Nanor is a political science student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA. At her own initiative and with a goal to help Armenia, Nanor started implementing the “Hidden Road” initiative. As part of the program, a group of students from the universities of Stanford, California and Yerevan State, spent 2 weeks in Akhpradzor setting up an internet connected computer room in the village’s only school and teaching the local youth how to use the computer resources for their own educational and professional growth. A 2-week curriculum was formed to help the villagers understand and use the information and potential provided by Google, KTAK and Armenian Tele- medicine. (Continued on page 11)

Page 10 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

AGBU YSIP PARTICIPANT...

(see page 10) Akhpradzor is situated in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia, not far from the Armenian-Azeraijani border. Severe winters isolate the village for seven months of the year, October through April, because of the impassability of roads. The village does not have a market. It does not even have a doctor for any emergencies.

With the financial assistance of organizations such as the Strauss Foundation, Google, Armenian General Benevo- lent Union (AGBU), and the President of University of California – Santa Barbara, Nanor was able to carry out a rural development project of her own design and initiative in Armenia, as proof that one person’s willingness and tenacity can make a difficult at first sight program possi- ble. For her senior honors thesis, she will study the ef- fects of this project on the younger generation of students living in Akhpradzor. Bravo, Nanor! Nanor Balabanian together with Akhpradzor school children 5TH PAN-ARMENIAN GAMES HELD IN ARMENIA The 5th pan-Armenian games, under the slogan of “Unity through sport”, were held on August 13-21 in Armenia. For that period Armenia was home to more than 3200 sportsmen from 30 countries, who competed in 10 categories. The opening ceremony of the games took place on August 13th at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium with the participation of RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, NKR President Bako Sahakyan, other state officials and guests. The closing ceremony was held at Freedom Square. RA President Serzh Sargsyan presented the winners of the tournaments with medals. Stepan Ter- Petrossian (Lebanon), Vice President of the World Com- mittee of the Pan-Armenian Games and Hermine Duzian (France), member of the Games’ executive committee and AGBU Diaspora Youth Programs Coordinator in Ar- menia, also received Medals of Honor of the Pan- Armenian Games World Committee from the hands of President Sargsyan. AGBU-AYA teams also actively participated in the 5th Pan-Armenian Games. On August 22nd, they paid a visit to the AGBU Armenian Represen- tation and got acquainted with the Union’s programs in Armenia and Artsakh, and the activities of the Union’s Hermine Duzian awarded Pan-Armenian Games Medal of Honor newest learning institute, the Armenian Virtual College. AGBU AND HOLY ETCHMIADZIN YOUTH CENTER CHILDREN PERFORMED AT SUNDUKIAN ACADEMIC THEATER

In performing arts, the months’, sometimes years’ hard work and dedication is rewarded by the applause of the audience and their feeling of elation and satisfaction at the end of a well performed piece. When each member of the audience carries in mind the memories of the evening and treasures the day as a day of unity of beauty, kindness and power. July 12th was such a day. Yerevan G. Sundukian National Academic Theater hosted the students of the AGBU and Holy Etchmiadzin Arabkir Youth Center for a beautiful and unforgettable concert program. The performances were accompanied by the projection of re- corded chronicles of “Amberd” dance school. Honorable guests, spiritual and cultural figures were present at the concert. For over 2 hours the audience was mesmerized by the breathtaking performance of Arabkir students. As a beautiful finale around 150 students of the center, aged 6-18, gathered on stage and filled every single person in the hall with pride and satisfaction. As the curtain slowly came down and the concert drew to a close each and every performer as well as audience left the hall with a feeling of a night well spent. AGBU Youth Center children performed at Sundukian Theater

Page 11 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 15, JULY-AUGUST, 2011

AGBU ARMENIAN VIRTUAL COLLEGE HOSTS STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

The visits of different Diasporan groups to the office of the AGBU Armenian Virtual College have become a tradition. The opportunity to learn the Armenian language, history and culture through the internet is fast grabbing the attention of both Armenians and representatives of other nations interested in Armenian studies.

Every Wednesday, starting from June 22nd, AVC has been hosting the participants of the RA Diaspora Min- istry’s “Come Home” project. The first seven groups have already got acquainted with AVC’s activities. The other three groups are expected in September.

Participants of “Come Home” program at the Armenian Virtual College Students and teachers of AGBU worldwide schools continue their traditional annual trips to Armenia. On August 4th, AGBU Marie Manoogian School students of Buenos Aires, Argentina, headed by their group

AGBU Buenos Aires Marie Manoogian School students and group leaders visited AGBU and AVC Yerevan offices leaders visited the Yerevan offices of Armenian General Benevolent Union and Armenian Virtual College.

The 24 participants of RA Diaspora Ministry’s “Young Leaders Summer School” program from 10 countries, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, USA, Estonia, the Nether- lands, Spain, Syria, and UAE were received at AVC Yerevan office on August 5th. Participants of “Young Leaders Summer School” program at AVC

Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an annual budget of $36 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six continents. 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