Agbu Armenia newsletter (September- December 2014) English

ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER Yerevan, Armenia IN THIS ISSUE  AGBU President in Armenia (p. 1)  Groundbreaking Ceremony at Holy Etchmiadzin (p. 2-3)  5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference (p. 4-5)  AIEA 13th Conference (p. 6)  AGBU’s 88th General Assembly to be held in Yerevan (p. 6)  American University of Armenia (p. 7-10)  AGBU Armenian Virtual College (p. 11-13)  AGBU Scholarships to UFAR Students (p. 14)  AGBU Supports Teach for Armenia (p. 15)  Syrian-Armenians in Armenia (p. 18-19, 22)  Dilijan International School (p.

20-21)  9th Republican Chess Tournament (p. 21)  Volunteers’ Day (p. 23)  Children’s Centers (p. 24-25)  NUR Expands Activities (p.26)  Artsakh Chamber Orchestra: Tigran Mansourian (p. 27)  Intercultural Dialogue (p. 28)  AGBU Scouts (p. 28-29)  Aram Sepetjian (p. 30)  AGBU Sydney Renovates a School in Yerevan (p. 30)  AGBU Aleppo Celebrates a Fall Filled with Music (p. 31)

Issue 32, September - December, 2014

AGBU PRESIDENT BERGE SETRAKIAN VISITS ARMENIA AGBU President Berge Setrakian visited Armenia on December 13-19. As part of his visit, the AGBU President met with the RA President Serzh Sargsyan, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, RA Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan, RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobyan, French Ambassador to Armenia Jean Francois Charpentier, visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the construction site of the AGBU Headquarters in Yerevan and the AGBU Vahe Karapetyan Center.

On December 14th, President Setrakian was received by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

During the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians and the AGBU President reflected on the current activities implemented by the AGBU and possibility of new projects in both the Diaspora and the Homeland.

Berge Setrakian Received by RA President Joint educational, social and church building programs with the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church were also discussed.

His Holiness conveyed his blessings to the AGBU members for their constant support and assistance to the Armenian Church and especially to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Catholicos expressed his appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Setrakian, as benefactors of the Mother See, for their devotion to the church and patriotic endeavours.

They also spoke about the various challenges facing national-ecclesiastic life; and the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Berge Setrakian participated in the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral, at the end of which a Requiem service was held for the peace of the souls of the deceased parents of Mr. and Mrs. Setrakian; Mr. Hmayak Setrakian and Mr. Nubar Nazarian.

On December 17th, accompanied by AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian and AGBU Armenia Interim Director Hovik Eordekian, Berge Setrakian visited the RA Diaspora Ministry and met with Minister Hranush Hakobyan.

Minister Hakobyan stressed the great importance of the steps that the AGBU has taken to preserve the Armenian identity in the Armenian Diaspora under the leadership of Berge Setrakian.

The parties discussed the perspective development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership and further indepth cooperation.

The sides also covered the AGBU’s programs, as well as the upcoming youth events and discussed the implementation of events to be held in the Armenian Diaspora next year as well as the possibility of carrying out new joint programs and projects in the near future.

AGBU Delegation at the RA Diaspora Ministry

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY OF THE CANDLE-LIGHTING CHAPEL AND PONTIFICAL MAUSOLEUM

The Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Candle-Lighting Chapel and Pontifical Mausoleum at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

The Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Candle-Lighting Chapel and Pontifical Mausoleum, being constructed alongside the main Cathedral at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, took place On November 14th, 2014 presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. The Candle Lighting Chapel is constructed through the generous donation of the Mother See’s benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Karnig and Ani Yacoubian (USA).

The Ceremony was attended by the Honorary benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Yacoubian, AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian, Narek Sargsyan RA Minister of Urban Development and Chairman of the Architectural Council of the Mother See of Holy Etchmaidzin, Arev Samualyan, RA Deputy Minister of Culture, Bishops of the most recent Bishops’ Synod of the Armenian Apostolic Church at the Mother See, Mem-

Mr. and Mrs. Karnig and Ani Yacoubian Signing the Commemorative Scroll

bers of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, benefactors of the Mother See and other invitees.

Architects of the Candle Lighting Chapel are Aslan Mkhitaryan, Hayk Mkrtchyan and Artavazd Nazaretyan. The construction of the Chapel is carried out by “Horizon 95” Construction Company.

(Continued on p. 3) Page 2

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY... (continued from p. 2) At the end of the Groundbreaking ceremony presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Navasard

Kchoyan, Vicar of the Araratian Pontifical Diocese, His Grace Bishop Mushegh Babayan, Director of the Administrative Office of the Mother See, read the commemorative scroll written in honor of the Ceremony. ”On November 14, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Candle-Lighting Chapel and Pontifical Mausoleum was held, in the presence of the Bishop’s Synod, the Brotherhood of the Mother See, benefactors and the faithful. Deserving children of our Holy Apostolic Church, in this chapel being built by the heartfelt charity of the pious and patriotic Karnig and Ani Yacoubian, our faithful sons will offer their prayers to God with a lit candle, asking His blessings upon their lives, the Church and the nation.

This place of prayer will also be a resting place for our Patriarchs’ remains and the prayers of our people will always be heard, here bringing peace to the Patriarchs’ souls. May the Lord keep our Apostolic Holy Church prosperous and bright, bless our Homeland and people, our benefactor sons and daughters, and always keep us under his Holy Right”.

The Catholicos of All Armenians offered his blessKarnig, Ani and Vasken Yacoubians with the Catholicos of All Armenians ings to the participants. “At this moment, our souls Karekin II and the Cathlicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I rejoice. By the blessings of God and prayers of the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Bishop’s Synod, members of the Brotherhood of the Mother See, benefactors and the faithful; the Groundbreaking ceremony for the Candle-Lighting Chapel and Pontifical Mausoleum was held on the spot where our sons and daughters will gather to light candles and pray for God to raise their nation and Homeland.

Their prayers will also resound for our 131Pontiffs by whose wise leadership our people who have faced difficulties now live under an open sky, again striving for the protection of our national existence”, said the Catholicos of All Armenians.

In his speech, His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the Yacoubian family. With the assistance of national benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Karnig and Ani Yacoubian, the Vazgenyan Seminary became a reality with the construction of the new seminary. His Holiness Karekin II also extended his blessings to the architectural council members of the Mother See, the architects and the constructors for their devoted efforts, asking the Lord that the construction of the new building comes to a successful completion.

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia offers his remarks on this occasion, warmly welcoming this and all other programs, that have been carried out in recent years in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia stressed that every program concerning the nation, the church and the Homeland has a vital significance and promotes the development of the Church, strengthens the unity of the nation.

To conclude the event, accompanies by hymns, a capsule containing the commemorative scroll was placed in the foundation of the building.

Lowering the Commemorative Scroll into the Chapel’s Foundation

For videos, please visit Groundbreaking Ceremony at Holy Etchmiadzin or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

THE 5 TH ARMENIA-DIASPORA CONFERENCE The official opening of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference, organized by the RA’s Ministry of Diaspora commenced at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academy Theater of Opera and Ballet on September 19. The plenary session began with opening remarks by the RA Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan and President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan.

His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Patriarch-Catholicos Nerses Petros XIX of the Armenian Catholic Church delivered their blessings to the participants of the conference. Speeches were made by the President of the World Council of Armenian Evangelical Churches, the Reverend, Dr. Hovel Mikayelyan, AGBU Central Board Memeber Vasken Yacoubian, conveying AGBU President Berge Setrakian’s message, representative of the ARF-D Bureau Hrant Margaryan, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party Hagop Dikranian, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar) Mike Kharapian, Armina Darbinyan, who conveyed the message of the President of the Board of Trustees of Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) Hrair Hovnanian, President of the Union 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference of Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan, Chairwoman of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Central Committee Vickie Marashlian, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society Megerdich Megerdichian. The second plenary session took place on the same day and included speeches on four main subjects by RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan (Current Priorities and FutureOriented Objectives of the Armenia-Diaspora Partnership), Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, secretary for the State Commission in charge of Coordinating the Events Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Hayk Demoyan (on Organizing the Events Dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide), Head of the Task Force in charge of Coordinating Activities with SyrianArmenians, Chief of Staff of the RA Ministry of Diaspora Firdus Zakaryan (On the Key Issues of Syrian-Armenian Refugees in the Republic of Armenia) and President of the Coordinating Body for Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists, Editor-in-Chief of Aztag Daily Shahan Kantaharian (The Role of Armenian Media in a Globalised world). Parallel discussions of the above four Subjects continued at the “Elite Plaza” Business Center. Later participants of the conference AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian Delivers a Speech were received by the President of the RA National Assembly th at the 5 Armenia-Diaspora Conference Galust Sahakyan.

The event saw 741 leaders and representatives of Armenian institutions and organizations from nearly 60 countries around the world converge in the Homeland. Participants of the conference, under the leadership of RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, visited the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide, followed by a symbolic tree planting in the Memorial Ally of Tsitsernakaberd to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and the 5th Armenian Diaspora Conference. Reports were presented on the four main topics of the second plenary session. After concluding the thematic sessions of the conference, RA Foreign Affairs Minister Edward Nalbandyan addressed the participants of all the sessions. The minister presented the achievements and current challenges of the RA Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Edward Nalbandyan praised the role of the Armenian Diaspora in increasing Armenia’s visibility in the world.

(Continued on p. 5) Delegates of the Conference Visit the RA National Assembly

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

THE 5 TH ARMENIA-DIASPORA CONFERENCE (continued from p. 4) On September 20th, the final plenary session of the 5thArmenia-Diaspora Conference was held at the Alex-

ander Spendiaryan National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet, with the participation of RA President Serzh Sargsyan. Reflecting on the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, the President mentioned: “In 2015, we will be commemorating the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. This will prove the Armenian nation’s will and determination to survive, live and create in life. We, who have been deprived of our homeland, will show our unity and how much we can achieve through our unity. The year 2015 will become a year of great achievements and initiatives for Armenia, Diaspora and Artsakh.” Talking about Syrian Armenians, who have emigrated from Syria, RA President mentioned: “They are part of our ancestors who survived the Armenian Genocide. They scattered throughout the world but managed to preserve our national heritage and “Armenianness.” Concluding the session, RA President Serzh Sargsyan congratulated everyone on the 23rd anniversary of Armenian’s Independence and called on all Armenians to keep strengthening their ties with the Homeland. Chief of Staff of the RA President Vigen Sargsyan while speaking about the The Conference Hosted Over 700 Delegates from 60 Countries events dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, stated that the creation of the State Commission in charge of coordination the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and more than 50 regional committees, have created a stronger determination to push forward the process of recognition of the systematic slaughter and planned genocide of Armenians carried out by the Ottoman Turkish government in Western Armenia. In her closing speech RA Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan divided the issues raised at the conference into two parts – developing partnership mechanisms and creating new ones. The conference ended with Hampig Mardirossian’s speech, Editor-in-Chief of AGBU-AYA Khosnag magazine of Lebanon, who read the declaration adopted during the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference. On September 20th, participants of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference visited RA Ministry of Defense and met with the Minister Seyran Ohanyan. In his speech, Seyran Ohanyan also spoke about the events taking place in the Near East and Ukraine, which have had an impact on Armenia and Armenian communities abroad. Seyran Ohanyan briefly presented the stages and the aspects of the army’s development, its achievements and also answered questions posed by the conference participants. From the RA Defence Ministry, the participants of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference headed to the Gabriel Sundukyan National Academic Theatre to watch the performance of All Rise, Court is in Session. After the end of the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference on September 20th, the participants of the conference visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Yerablur Military Pantheon on September 21st to mark the 23rd anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia. At Etchmiadzin the participants toured the Mother Temple, were introduced to the history and significance of the adjacent buildings, folAGBU Delegation at the Conference lowed by a Holy Mass. Following the day at Etchmiadzin, the particith pants of the 5 Armenia-Diaspora Conference were present at the Karen Demirchyan Sport-Concert Complex to participate in the Independence Day reception hosted by the RA President.

AGBU Representatives at the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference 40 AGBU representatives arrived in Armenia to participate in the 5th Armenia-Diaspora Conference. They took part and presided over thematic sessions. Reports were presented by AGBU Central Board Members Vasken Yacoubian and Yervant Zorian, AGBU Toronto Chair Knar Basmajian, Editorin-chief of Lebanon’s AGBU-AYA “Khosnag” newspaper Hampig Mardirossian, AGBU-AYA Lebanon Central Board Member Vache Malkonian. AGBU representatives held a discussion at the AGBU Armenia Representation on the issues concerning the conference and activities carried out by AGBU Delegates Meet at AGBU Yerevan Office AGBU’s various chapters. At the end of the 5th ArmeniaDiaspora Conference a farewell dinner was organized for AGBU representatives, during which the results of the Conference, as well as issues relating to the AGBU 88th General Assembly, to be held in Yerevan in April 2015, were discussed.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

13TH GENERAL CONFERENCE OF INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR ARMENIAN STUDIES (AIEA) On October 9-11, 2014 the International Association for Armenian Studies (AIEA) opened its 13th General Conference in Yerevan in partnership with the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran).

The AIEA is an internationally recognized organization founded in 1981 through the initiative of specialists of Armenian studies Professor Michael E. Stone and Professor Jos J. Weitenberg. The organization brings together more than 400 Armenian studies specialist, as well as representatives of related fields, from 20 countries around the world, including Armenia since 1988. The core of this association are the Armenian and non-Armenian scientists representing Armenian Studies Centers at various European institutions of higher education. The AIEA maintains close ties with the world’s various centers of Armenian studies including the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran) of the RA National Academy of Sciences.

As part of this cooperation, the administration of the Matenadaran initiated holding the 13th General Conference of AIEA at the Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. Significantly, this is the first time the conference is held in Armenia in its 33-year history. This is a great opportunity for the scientists and Armenian Studies specialists from different European Institutions to gather in Armenia - the cradle of Armenian Studies.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) became one of the major sponsors of this conference, strengthening the decade-long ties with the Matenadaran and continuing to support its projects and initiatives.

13th General Conference of the International Association for Armenian Studies at M.Mashtots Matenadaran

AGBU 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO TAKE PLACE IN ARMENIA Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is pleased to inform that plans are well underway for the 88th General Assembly in Armenia which will be held on Saturday, April 4th, 2015. Numerous events are scheduled from March 28th to April 5th, 2015.

We look forward to seeing our global AGBU family in Yerevan - especially on this significant year for all Armenians - for another opportunity to regroup, share ideas and experiences, strengthen ties and plan for the future of our organization.

A trip to Karabakh is planned from March 28th to 30th, and the main activities in Armenia will occur from March 30th to April 5th, 2015. In addition to the diverse cultural programs and tourist excursions, meetings of all AGBU District/ Chapter/AYA and YP Chairs will be held on Thursday, April 2nd and Friday, April 3rd.

On this occasion, we are pleased to inform you that the ceremony of inauguration of the new AGBU Yerevan Center will also take place on Thursday.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

AGBU PLEDGES CONTINUED SUPPORT

BY LAUNCHING NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR AUA STUDENTS

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) will be awarding scholarships to qualified AUA students.

AGBU, as one of the founding organizations of AUA alongside the University of California and the government of the Republic of Armenia, has been involved with the university since its inception in 1991. In addition to its continuous financial support to the school, the 2014-2015 academic year will launch AGBU’s new scholarship program, an act of generosity that they plan to continue every year.

10 undergraduates and 20 graduates were selected to receive scholarships, ranging from 25-90% of their tuition costs. Students were chosen on the basis of financial need coupled with high academic performance.

AUA President, Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, stated, “We are grateful to AGBU for providing scholarship funds in support of our students. This fund allows us to admit students based on their scholastic qualifications, regardless of their financial ability to pay the tuition. Thanks to this and similar scholarship funds, we are able to ensure an economically diverse student body.”

This year, AGBU is providing a total of $50,000 in scholarships. The award is contingent upon remaining in good academic standing, enrolling full-time, and maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Scholarship recipients will be recognized during the 2015 graduation ceremony. In general, 50% of AUA students currently receive some kind of financial assistance.

In April 2013, AGBU and AUA launched the AUA Extension-AGBU NKR Program to help reignite the workforce in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) through various training courses. To date, 1,062 students have already participated in the program.

Earlier this year, representatives from AGBU and AUA met with the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, Seyran Ohanyan, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), by which AUA will provide leadership and English language training courses to representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces.

AGBU has proven to be a champion for AUA and for the successful development of Armenian youth through their financial assistance in the establishment of many academic programs. Now, with the start of the scholarship program, its impact in the lives of AUA students is clearly evident.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

GIANTS OF EDUCATION AT THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA On October 10th, the American University of Armenia (AUA) unveiled a plaque in honor of Richard Hovannisian, who has donated his personal library of 1,338 books to AUA’s AGBU Papazian Library. Hovannisian’s library includes many history books covering the subjects of Armenian, Russian and Soviet, Near and Middle Eastern, Ancient and Medieval, Byzantine, and Modern European history and cultures. AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian welcomed Mr. Hovannisian, who officially opened the collection and was presented with a hand-carved wooden box as a gift from Library Director Satenik Avakian.

Richard Hovannisian is Professor of Armenian and Near Eastern History and First Holder of the Armenian Educational Foundation Chair in Modern Armenian History at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Adjunct Professor of History at the University of Southern California. A native of California, he received his M.A. in history from the University of California, Berkeley, and Ph.D. in history from UCLA. Four days later, on October 14th, the American University of Armenia hosted a talk, entitled Conversation with Two Great Men of Education: Mihran S. Agbabian and Vartan Gregorian. The event was moderated by AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, who asked about their lives, careers and the AUA Welcomes Richard Hovhannisian future of AUA. Mihran Agbabian is President Emeritus of AUA and Professor Emeritus of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC). He headed his own engineering consultancy firm, Agbabian Associates, for 20 years before joining USC as Chairman of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. He received his M.S. in Engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 1948 and his Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1951.

“Throughout my life, I’ve always done the unexpected. I have never applied for a job, never been fired from a job, and never signed a contract for a job. My work is my contract.”

Vartan Gregorian President of Carnegie Corporation, NY Vartan Gregorian is the 12th president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Prior to that, he served as president of Brown University from 1989-1997, president of The New York Public Library from 1981-1989, and Tarzian Professor of History, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Provost of the University of Pennsylvania from 1972-1981.

He received his Ph.D. in History and Humanities from Stanford University in 1964 and is the author of three books: The Road to Home: My Life and Times, Islam: A Mosaic, Not a Monolith, and The Emergence of Modern Afghanistan, 1880-1946. He was born in Iran.

Dr. Mihran Aghbabian and Dr. Vartan Gregorian

The packed audience at AUA’s Manoogian Hall listened on as Mr. Agbabian and Mr. Gregorian told stories of their successes, failures and their experiences as foreigners in the United States.

On that same day AUA honored Vartan Gregorian for donating his book collection to the AGBU Papazian Library. Mr. Gregorian has been donating books from his personal library to AUA since 2010, a mostly English-language collection which has now surpassed 600 titles. A plaque in honor of his generous donations was unveiled during the ceremony. Mr. Gregorian was personally present to cut the red tape and officially open his collection to the AUA community and public. AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian welcomed Mr. Gregorian to AUA, stating, “We truly believe our students will benefit from these books.” Mr. Gregorian, who has openly championed libraries throughout his career, stated, “It’s like giving away Vartan Gregorian Opening His Book Collection at AUA your children. It’s hard to part from your library of books. I’m sending most of them to Armenian institutions, and I’m happy to do that. A book that is not read is a dead book.”

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

RUBEN VARDANYAN: THE FORMULA OF THE FUTURE American University of Armenia organizes periodic meetings and discussions with today’s prominent individuals. On December 6th, the Manoogian Hall of the AUA Paramaz Avedisian Building gathered both students and the public for an engaging talk with one of the most successful Armenian businessmen, Ruben Vardanyan. The AUA administration, faculty, staff and students, as well as interested individuals attended the meeting. After the opening remarks, AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian invited Mr. Vardanyan to take the stage and share his thoughts and ideas about Armenia, today’s challenges, development prospects, future plans, as well as the role of both Armenia and Diaspora-based Armenians in the development of the country. He then answered questions raised by those present.

AUA Hosts a Meeting with Ruben Vardanyan

Ruben Vardanyan initiated the Tatev Rebirth program in 2008. As a result, two years later, in 2010, Armenia’s Syunik region saw the opening of the Wings of Tatev ropeway. The Wings of Tatev was registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest non-stop reversible double track cable car.

Vardanyan’s next ambitious project was the launch of the 190 million USD Dilijan International School. After four years’ of construction, the school opened its doors to students on October 11th, 2014. More details about this even on pages 18-19.

Hours after the meeting at AUA, the details of Ruben Vardanyan’s next project were revealed during his meeting with NKR President Bako Sahakyan on December 7th. Vardanyan’s IDeA (Initiatives for Development of Armenia) Foundation has initiated the establishment of a eco-village in the territory of Noragyugh village of Artsakh’s Askeran region. The 50 million USD project will be an enormous contribution to the development of tourism in Artsakh. Construction will get underway in 2015.

Ruben Vardanyan

AUA HՕSTS PUBLIC READING WITH 5 CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN WRITERS On October 22nd, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted a public reading with five contemporary American writers and poets in AUA’s Manoogian Hall. The event, entitled, Reading in Armenia: American Writers on Tour, was hosted by AUA’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, the Armenian Literature Foundation and the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa. It featured poets and writers Gish Jen, Mary Hickman, Peter Balakian, Chris Merrill, and Gregory Orfalea.

The event was well attended by members of both the AUA community and the general public. The intention of the event was to introduce and share works by contemporary U.S. writers with the Armenian community. It also aimed to promote literature and translation, with some of the readings being translated into Armenian by the students in AUA’s Certificate of Translation program.

During the event, the writers took turns reading selections of their works, while the audience was encouraged to pick up available handouts and read along. The event concluded with a Question & Answer session which covered topics such as travel, individual and national identity and best writing practices.

Peter Balakian, a prominent Armenian-American writer, spoke about the impact of events such as these, especially in Armenia.

He stated, “I really hope this will be a kind of bridge that will continue to evolve between our two cultures.”

Contemporary American Writers and Poets at AUA Every year, the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa organizes a reading tour to a country or region that is not known for having close literary ties with contemporary America. This reading is part of a series of events taking place across Yerevan with the goal of introducing Armenians to contemporary American literary scene and giving them the opportunity to meet and hear from distinguished writers. The tour will include seminars, readings, discussions, and meetings with local publishers.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

AUA HOLDS OPEN HOUSE On November 1st, the American University of Armenia (AUA) held an Undergraduate Programs Open House for prospective students. The Open House drew in the largest number of attendees to date with more than 450 students and 150 parents.

After registration and student-led tours of the university, students gathered in the Large Auditorium, where they listened to welcome speeches by AUA Provost Don Fuller and U.S. Ambassador John Heffern, who entertained the students by taking a picture of the audience for his Twitter page. Director of Admissions, Arina Zohrabian, followed with a presentation about the ins and outs of the undergraduate admission process.

Students then had a chance to attend different information sessions based on their programs of interest, and even had an opportunity to experience what an AUA classroom is like during a mock business class. The day concluded with a student clubs exhibition, which included music and dancing from the AUA’s Star Jam music club.

Students Began the Day with Registration in Agbabian Hall

When asked why they wanted to attend AUA, one prospective student said, “Because of the environment. You’re not just studying, you’re learning to be independent.”

Throughout the day, many AUA student volunteers were available to help guide the prospective students and parents and answer their questions. One volunteer stated, “I remember having so many questions when I attended an open house. I’m here to make students familiar with the university and share my own experience with them. I have about ten friends who are here and I’m excited to show them our university.”

The AUA Undergraduate Programs Open House gives an opportunity for interested students and their parents to learn AUA student volunteers about the various undergraduate programs, meet with current students and faculty, understand the admissions process, explore university facilities and hear about the variety of nonacademic services available to students. The next Undergraduate Programs Open House will take place on February 8th, 2015.

On November 22nd, AUA also held a Graduate Programs Open House drawing in 171 interested attendees.

Following registration at the Agbabian Hall both student and staff-led tours of the university, prospective students gathered in the Manoogian Hall to learn about the graduate admissions process from the Director of Admissions, Arina Zohrabian.

Prospective students then attended information sessions based on their program of interest. U.S. Ambassador, John Heffern, paid a visit to each information session to impart his own advice. He said, “AUA is a key institution and a critical partner for the entire international community in Armenia.

The students of AUA are the most innovative and creative, and they are capable of making a great contribution to this country and to the rest of the world.”

Throughout the day, current master’s students were available to assist the guests. For them, volunteering is more than just answering questions. “We love AUA and we’ve learned so much as students here,” said one volunteer. “We want to show prospective students that, if they want to really change something in their life, they should come to AUA.” For prospective students, AUA holds the promise of fulfilling their professional goals. One prospective student said, U.S. Ambassador John Heffern Visits “I’m thinking about getting my MBA at AUA so that I can Graduate Program Information Session become a professional in my field.”

The day concluded with a Meet & Greet Reception, giving prospective students an opportunity to network with AUA faculty, students and alumni.

The Graduate Programs Open House gives interested students the opportunity to learn about the various graduate programs, meet with current students and faculty, understand the admissions process, explore university facilities, and hear about the variety of non-academic services available to students.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

AGBU LAUNCHES ITS FIRST INTERACTIVE E-BOOK The Armenian Highland Brings Armenian History into the Digital Age

AGBU is redefining the Armenian experience with the release of The Armenian Highland, the first in its series of interactive ebooks designed to introduce readers to Armenian history, culture and contemporary affairs. The e-book is a full multimedia experience available in seven languages: English, Western Armenian, Eastern Armenian, Russian, French, Spanish and Turkish.

The Armenian Highland provides an overview of Armenia’s history and geography from ancient to modern times. It details the physical characteristics, natural life, flora and fauna, climate and natural resources of the Armenian highland. It also presents the administrative divisions of the region and puts them in historical perspective. This interactive e-book concludes with a brief introduction to the significance of the highland to the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

The text is accompanied by vivid color images and optional audio narration and is interspersed with video clips, 3D panoramas, quizzes and interactive maps that all serve to enhance the reader’s experience. Alongside the core text are sidebars with legends, facts and stories that make the e-book an essential reference for academics and non-academics alike.

The e-book is available free of charge and can be accessed via web browsers, tablets and smart phones. The iBook version is designed for iPads and iMac computers, while the web browser version is designed for PCs, Android tablets and smart phones.

All versions can be downloaded in seconds.

AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) is an accredited online learning program that aims to facilitate Armenian studies through new technologies. Launched in 2009, AVC classes are open to anyone who is interested in Armenian studies, delivering a virtual classroom to students who do not have access to traditional, face-to-face Armenian educational programs, while supplementing the curriculum of those that do. The launch of the e-Book series marks AVC’s expansion in a new and exciting direction.

THE ARMENIAN HIGHLAND PRESENTED TO YEREVAN SCHOOLS The Founder and President of the Armenian Virtual College (AVC) Dr. Yervant Zorian presented AVC’s latest innovation, a Multimedia e-Book Series at an event attended by more 150 Yerevan school principals as well as other interested parties on October 16th.

Dr. Zorian spoke about AVC’s goals, mission, scope, geographic enlargement, and achievements and presented The Armenian Highland e-book, which includes comprehensive information on Armenian history, geography and culture. The e-book is available free of charge on mobile devices and desktop computers in seven languages: Eastern and Western Armenian, English, Russian, French, Spanish, and Turkish.

“There are many popular books about the history of the Armenian Highland, but this is unique in the way it provides information. The text, voice, illustrations, and videos are combined in such a way that the reader gets a chance to look at the facts from a new perspective. In this respect, the e-book will be an attractive innovation to students,” said AVC Administrative Director Anna YenDr. Zoryan Presents The Armenian Highland gibaryan. to the Yerevan School Principles The event was organized in N. Aghbalyan No. 19 Secondary School in partnership with the Yerevan Municipality Department of General Education. The partnership is ongoing and many new projects will be implemented in the future.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

AGBU ARMENIAN VIRTUAL COLLEGE PARTICIPATES IN THE CHESS IN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE On October 17th, the Armenian Virtual College participated in the Chess in Schools international conference, where they presented their model of chess education already compulsory in Armenian schools for several years.

The Ministry of Education and Science, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Chess Federation of Armenia and Armenia’s Chess Academy organized the conference, attended by local representatives, as well as about 180 representatives from 30 countries around the world.

AVC Founder and President Yervant Zorian introduced AVC’s proposed model for learning and teaching chess to the participants of the conference. AVC currently provides free online courses to learn chess, which are unique in both

AVC at the Chess in Schools International Conference

their method of teaching as well as coverage. The online instructor guides the lessons and organizes games between the classmates. AVC also organizes online competitions as part of the chess lessons.

The chess classes provided by AVC are of great interest to many. In the fall, AVC opened a chess classroom in Cairo, Egypt.

Dr. Zoryan with the Participants of the Conference

AVC CHESS CLASS OPENS IN AGBU CAIRO BRANCH Through the tireless efforts of AGBU Cairo, the AVC team as well as Anna Dolbjyan the AVC representative, on October 17th the AGBU Cairo branch opened a new chess classroom. There are currently 12 students in the class with many more interested in becoming a part of AVC in the near future.

Similar to many other communities, the learning process is organized in accordance with the hybrid model of education. The unique approach of the hybrid education model that is offered by AVC helps Armenians and others from different parts of the world, to easily acquire the learning material as well as benefit from this engaging educational method. The Cairo chess class teacher, George Avanyan, completed the entire chess and teacher training program offered by AVC in order to become an AVC Certified Teacher.

AVC Academic Director Hasmik Khalapyan stated: “The Armenian General Benevolent Union was established in Egypt. Therefore, the launch of the AVC program in Cairo is of special importance for us. Many schools and communities all over the world took advantage of the AVC hybrid education, and we are pleased that the Armenians of Cairo are also engaged in the program”.

AVC Chess Lab Opened at AGBU Cairo

Schools and communities in the Diaspora wishing to introduce innovative and attractive learning methods into their curricula, as well as supplement the program with additional resources, are choosing to participate in the AVC hybrid program. The Cairo Chess class is part of AVC’s plans for geographic expansion.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

“I AM IMPRESSED. I WILL LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER”, JOHN HEFFERN AFTER VISITING AVC “Hi, I am representing the U.S. Government in Armenia”, said the U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern, as he exchanged a few words with Karmoon Khoo, a Singaporean girl from Australia, who has been learning Armenian at AVC for several months.

John Heffern visited the Armenian Virtual College on November 24th. The informal meeting was held with the Founder and President of AVC Yervant Zorian, Academic Director Hasmik Khalapyan, and Administrative Director Anna Yengibaryan who introduced AVC’s mission, the adopted teaching and technology methods, programs, as well as the latest innovative initiatives.

Dr. Yervant Zorian also presented remarkable figures, which included the age and geographic distribution of students, demonstrating that about 22 % of students are from the United States, and 60 % under the age of 40. Also present at the meeting was AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian.

In response to Mr. Heffern’s questions concerning the student’s face-to-face time with each other, as well as studentteacher communication, Dr. Yervant Zorian presented AVC’s social tours, which provide the opportunity for students to visit museums, historical and cultural places in Armenia, walk in the streets of Yerevan, as well as participate in various sociocultural events.

John Heffern inquired about the certificate and Master’s Degree programs, as well as the online and hybrid (blended) methods of teaching offered by AVC, indicating the Embassy’s interest in the massive online open courses (MOOC).

He stated that the cooperation and collaboration of the two organizations will be mutually beneficial. The AVC Multimedia e-Book series were also discussed during the meeting.

U.S. Ambassador John Heffern Visits AGBU AVC The U.S. Ambassador was impressed with AVC’s educational program. “On November 24th, I had the pleasure of visiting the offices of the Armenian Virtual College. This AGBU-sponsored educational effort helps inform Armenians all over the world and keeps them connected to the Republic of Armenia, their language, culture and religion. I was impressed by the breadth and depth of the courses offered by AVC and will look for opportunities to work together in the months ahead”, said Mr. Heffern after his visit.

AVC ANNOUNCES

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

FRENCH UNIVERSITY’S TOP 23 STUDENTS RECEIVE AGBU SCHOLARSHIPS The graduation ceremony of the French University of Armenia (UFAR) took place on December 5th, at the Gabriel Sundukyan National Academy Theatre. 250 students from UFAR’s Management, Law and Marketing Departments received their undergraduate and graduate diplomas. The day was festive for both the students and guests with speeches by the President of the Board of Trustees of UFAR Arthur Baghdasaryan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France in Armenia Jean Francois Charpentier, Rector of the French University of Armenia Jean-Jacques Montois, Representative of the Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University Jacques Kombi and AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian. As in previous year, the best 23 students in years 2-4 received AGBU Scholarships of Excellence. Vasken Yacoubian first delivered the congratulatory speech on behalf of AGBU President Berge Setrakian, after which presented Certificates of Excellence to the students.

“I do not only want to get a diploma, I want to receive a professional education. I want to become an educated person and highly sought after specialist. This scholarship is of great support to me in reaching my goals.”

Arpi Harutyunyan Student of the Faculty of Management UFAR Graduation Ceremony at Sundukyan Theater

The Armenian General Benevolent Union and have enjoyed a decade-long history of cooperation. Since 2004, AGBU has financed internships for the top UFAR students in various French cities. Thanks to AGBU, almost 100 UFAR students have worked in leading organizations in France. Since 2007, AGBU has also covered the tuition fees of the top students in years 2-4. During this period more than 200 UFAR students have received AGBU scholarships. In 2012, AGBU also financed the construction and renovation of the university library.

The French University of Armenia was founded in 2003. The administrative and educational management of the university is carried out by staff consisting of Armenian and French specialists headed by the Rector of the university JeanJacques Montois.

23 French University Students Receive AGBU Scholarship

Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University is UFAR’s first educational partner. Among the long-term partners of UFAR is the ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank. At present more than 900 students study at the university. The university has had more than 1500 graduates, 80% of whom work in Armenia, 12% continue their education in the University’s Master’s Degree Program and only 6-7% study and/or work abroad.

For videos, please visit AGBU Scholarship to UFAR Students or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

AGBU ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH TEACH FOR ARMENIA

AGBU is proud to announce its partnership with Teach For Armenia, an initiative premised on the idea that every child deserves access to an excellent education. In honor of this new partnership, AGBU hosted a series of lectures with founder and CEO Larisa Ryan on September 30th in Pasadena, October 2nd in San Francisco, October 7th in New York and October 8th in Boston.

The events were designed to inform the community about the state of education in Armenia and Teach For Armenia’s role in its development. Driven by a belief in pursuing innovative solutions to social problems, Teach For Armenia plans to recruit the best and the brightest from Armenia and the Diaspora to teach in the Armenian educational system. By including enthusiastic and dynamic teachers and leaders in the nation’s schools and elevating the discourse about education, the enterprise looks to increase the quality of education in Armenia. Larisa Ryan, Teach For Armenia’s founder and CEO, is a Teach For America alumni who is closely acquainted with the pioneering vision of Teach For America, which she and her team have adapted for Armenia. “As much as we are leveraging Teach For America’s model, we are not a franchise, but an Armenian organization that adopts and translates cutting-edge trends in order to boost Armenia’s competitive advantage,” says Ms. Ryan. The initiative’s goal of expanding educational opportunities for young Armenians means that it is committed to building alliances with partners who are willing to put their faith in the future of Armenia’s economic and social strength. With supporters like the AGBU, Tumo Center for Creative Technologies and Viva-Cell MTS Teach For Armenia will expand its program by recruiting, training, and placing its fellows in schools throughout Armenia to guarantee that the country’s students can realize their potential. Over the past few months, Teach For Armenia’s efforts have received enthusiastic support from major Armenian foundations, organizations, corporations and individuals who have joined them in their mission to provide stellar education. Its program and goals has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response both in Armenia and in the Diaspora.

My Favorite Teacher On November 5th, Teach For Armenia, in partnership with AGBU, Tumo and VivaCell-MTS, held a press conference at the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies and summed up the results of the My Favorite Teacher online campaign. The goal of this initiative was to remind everyone about the role and importance of the teacher and give people a chance to give credit to their teachers for their hard work and dedication.

Speakers at the press conference were Larisa Ryan, Founder and President of Teach For Armenia; Hovig Eordekian, AGBU Interim Director; Marie Lou Papazian, Director of TUMO Center for Creative Technologies; and Serob Khachatryan, YSU Professor and education expert. The event was attended by education specialists, representatives of partner organizations, professors Teach for Armenia and Partners’ Press Conference and lecturers, teachers and current and former students, who had nominated their teachers for the contest. The winners of the online campaign were awarded letters of gratitude. This was a unique opportunity for everyone to communicate, recall school memories, express their gratitude and have another photo with their favorite teachers. After the official ceremony those present enjoyed the performances by Orran students.

For videos, please visit "Teach for Armenia" press conference or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

AGBU TO PROVIDE $130,000 TO SYRIAN ARMENIAN STUDENTS FOR 2014-2015 ACADEMIC YEAR Syrian-Armenian Students of Armenian Universities Held a Congress at the RA Diaspora Ministry As the number of Syrian Armenian students arriving in Armenia continues to grow, AGBU is taking measures to ensure that their education does not suffer as a result of their displacement. Considering AGBU’s commitment to support Syrian Armenians in Armenia, the Union plans to cover tuition fees for Syrian Armenian students during the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 academic years by allocating $130,000 each year to the initiative. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation will also provide an additional $130,000 annually, while the government of the Republic of Armenia has agreed to offer additional funds as well as significantly reduced tuition for Syrian Armenian students. AGBU Armenia’s interim director Hovig Eordekian sees this program is an essential step in reversing the brain drain that continues to afflict the Republic of Armenia: “In October 2013, all Syrian Armenian students who submitted the corresponding papers from their universities benefited from this program. Taking into consideration the vitality and urgency of the matter, the parties have committed to continue the program for the next two academic years. This important educational initiative will help Syrian Armenian students continue their education in their homeland and not leave Armenia for other countries.” During the 2013-2014 academic year, the tuition fees of 380 undergraduate and graduate Syrian-Armenian university students studying in Armenia were covered by a joint project by AGBU, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the RA Ministry of Diaspora and the RA Ministry of Education. The parties have now agreed to give preference to undergraduate students, who now make up the majority of university applicants. However, in order to allow as many students as possible to continue their education in Armenia within the budget allocated, the parties are currently discussing the possibility of covering the tuition of graduate students who meet the necessary criteria.

On December 3rd, a conference of Syrian-Armenian students studying in Armenia, entitled Displacement, Education, and Commitment was held at the RA Diaspora Ministry. The conference was organized by the Syrian-Armenian Relief Coordination Center NGO with the support of the UNHCR Office in Armenia and under the patronage of the RA Ministry of Diaspora.

Among the participants of the conference were RA Minister of Diaspora Hranoush Hakobyan, Representative of the Office of the UNHCR in Armenia Christoph Bierwirth, Rector of the Mkhitar Heratsi Yerevan State Medical University Mikayel Narimanyan, AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian, President of the Syrian-Armenian Relief Coordination Center NGO Lena Haladjian and representatives of Congress of Syrian-Armenian Students at the RA Diaspora Ministry various universities.

Greeting the participants of the conference, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan expressed gratitude to the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for their active support in covering the tuition fees of Syrian-Armenian students.

The UNHCR Representative in Armenia Christoph Bierwirth stressed that education is a long-term investment and added that the tuition assistance is provided in different amounts, depending on the student’s or their family’s needs. He also spoke about the importance of providing students with jobs and organizing training courses.

AGBU Interim Director Hovig Eordekian in his speech mentioned that the collaboration between the Government and pan-Armenian organizations to solve key issues concerning Syrian-Armenian students has become one of the best manifestations of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership of the past AGBU Armenia Interim Director Hovik Eordekian three years. Mr. Eordekian also added that AGBU has a long history of providing scholarships and will continue the scholarship program in the future.

Speeches were also made by the Rector of Yerevan State Medical University Mikayel Narimanyan, senior specialist of Foreign Relations’ and Diaspora Department at the RA Ministry of Education and Science Amalya Kocharyan, cardiologist at Nairi Medical Center George Barseghian, Head of the Foreign Students’ Devision of the International Relations’ Department at the Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction Tatevik Hakobyan and others.

Syrian-Armenian students Lara Yeramian (Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction), Vrouyr Bilemjian (Yerevan State Medical University), Harout Donoian (Armenian State University of Economics) and Alexan Kalayji (Yerevan State University) also shared their views on educational issues.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

“SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF COORDINATION CENTER” NGO CELEBRATES ITS 2ND YEAR AGBU Armenian Representation hosted the 2nd Anniversary of the founding of the “Syrian-Armenian Relief Coordination Center” NGO on November 7th. Among the participants were RA Minister of Diaspora Hranoush Hakobyan and representatives of partnering organizations of the NGO. Welcoming those present, RA Diaspora Minister said, “First, I would like to congratulate you on the occasion of the second anniversary of the founding of this center and express my gratitude to you, since you are carrying out the most difficult task. Over the past two years, you have carried out your mission with honor, thanks to which, our work together has been so harmonious. The Center has succeeded in cooperating with other organizations in a fitting way. I believe, that the “Syrian-Armenian Relief Coordination Center” NGO sets the best example for building civil society. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to AGBU for extending a helping hand, supporting and giving strength to the Center from the very first day of its esDiaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobyan at the SARCC Office

tablishment, as well as to all the benefactors in Armenia and abroad for helping and encouraging our compatriots in their current misfortune. And finally, I would like to thank all the Syrian-Armenians for choosing to return to the Homeland instead of becoming refugees for the third time, who are loved and respected by their employers thanks to their diligence, devotion, sincerity and patriotism.”

The RA Diaspora Minister awarded certificates of appreciation to Lena Haladjian, Alexan Karadanaian, George Barseghian, Nora Pilibbosian, Tamar Gharagyozian, Kevork Shadoian and Sarkis Adamian for their work.

In his speech, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Christoph Bierwirth congratulated the NGO and its employees on two years of invaluable work and thanked them for their professionalism and devotion.

Small Gifts to the Syrian-Armenian Children

AGBU Armenia Interim Director Hovig Eordekian also congratulated the employees of the Center and thanked them for their patriotic activities.

Syrian-Armenian children, expressed their gratitude to the Hayastan All -Armenian Fund’s Brazil Chapter for the financial support received to meet the needs of 400 Syrian-Armenian school students by performed during the event.

Celebrating the 2nd Year of Syrian-Armenian Relief Coordination Center NGO

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

DILIJAN INTENATIONAL SCHOOL OPENS ITS DOORS AGBU Central Board Member Noubar Afeyan Awarded a State Medal

The RA President Serzh Sargsyan, accompanied by the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, President Tomislav Nikolic of the Serbian Republic, President Bako Sahakyan of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and numerous other guests and dignitaries took part in the opening of the Dilijan International School (UWC Dilijan College) on October 11th 2014.

The Initiators of the Dilijan International School project are Russia-based Armenian businessman Ruben Vardanyan and his wife Veronica Zonabend. The Board of Trustees of the School is comprised of prominent individuals in the fields of education and business from the USA, Great Britain, France, Switzerland and Japan. This is the United World Colleges first international school in either Eastern Europe or the CIS Countries. More than 200 donors from all over the world contributed to the implementation of this project.

115 million USD has been spent on this project in Phase One and another 75 million USD will be spent in Phase Two.

Ruben Vardanyan with Veronica Zonabend

The idea of building an international school in Armenia was born in 2006 and construction began in 2012. There are currently 96 students (aged 16-17) and 25 teachers in the Dilijan School. The School plans to reach its full capacity of 650 students and 60 teachers by 2023. The current Director’s post is held by John Puddefoot and the students of the school receive an internationally acknowledged IB Diploma. In 2017 the school will begin admitting students aged 13-14. Currently, only 10 out of the 96 students of the school are from Armenia, with the others coming from Spain, Brazil, Ghana, Turkey and other countries.

Founder and President of the Board Ruben Vardanyan AGBU Central Board Member Noubar Afeyan Receives a State Award stated, “I hope this school will serve as an example of an institution providing an education of international standards. I dream of seeing this school become a world leader in educating brilliant kids, who, as well as receiving a high standard of education, will also learn to love their homeland, Armenia”.

(Continued on p. 19)

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

DILIJAN INTENATIONAL SCHOOL... (continued from p. 18) By RA presidential decrees, a group of individuals who had brought the school project to life were awarded medals of the Republic of Armenia for their outstanding contribution to building and launching the Dilijan International School, promotion of education in Armenia and international scientific-educational cooperation, their significant contribution to implementing educational projects and major personal contribution to the construction of the Dilijan International School. At the event, the Armenian President congratulated the individuals involved and awarded RA state decorations. AGBU Central Board Member Noubar Afeyan (USA) was among the recipients of state award for his services to the homeland.

The International School is unique in the region and the RA President expressed a wish to see students of all background make up the student body including those from Azerbaijan. “I truly wish to see Azeri students studying in this school. I am sure that day will come and it will come very soon”. Among the attendants of the opening ceremony were the US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern, President of the Carnegie Foundation of New York Vardan Gregorian, Richard and Raffi Hovhanissian, boxer Arthur Abraham and others.

CHESS CONTINUES TO EXPAND IN ARMENIA Republican Interschool Chess Championship Begins with AGBU’s Support October 2014 saw the beginning of the Republican Interschool Chess Championship uniting the Republic’s students and Armenia’s chess lovers. The tense competition to select the best team and individual players will last 8 months.

Over the last 9 years, 1,500 students have competed each year for the coveted first prize. Each team must first win their school competition to go through to the next round. The 2nd Community round of the Olympiad of 2014 took place on November 18th the winners of which will now go on to represent their communities in the next round. The third and final round of the Competition will take place in the Spring of 2015.

The Republican Interschool Chess Olympiad is organized by the Yerevan Chess Academy and the RA Ministry of Education and Science. The prize fund of the Tournament has been provided by AGBU for the last 8 years. School students from

9th Republican Chess Olympiad at the Yerevan Chess Academy

Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk compete in the Olympiad. The format of this year’s competition has been altered by the Academy of chess, instead of the previous years’ teams of 4 participants (3 boys, 1 girl) this year, the teams will consist of 3 participants (2 boys, 1girl).

In 2012, Chess officially became a part of the secondary schools curriculum and with AGBU’s support, a significant number of schools both in Yerevan and the regions have received chess related supplies such as chess sets, clocks, demo boards, chess literature and computers.

One of the Winning Teams of the Second Round

For videos, please visit Chess Tournament

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

ALEPPO’S AGBU LAZAR NAJARIAN-CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN SCHOOL CELEBRATS 60TH YEAR With AGBU’s support, a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Aleppo’s AGBU Lazar Najarian-Calouste Gulbenkian school took place at Yerevan’s Arno Babajanian concert hall on December 5th.

The ceremony was attended by the RA Deputy Minister of Diaspora Serzh Srapionyan, AGBU Central Board Member, AGBU Armenia and Middle East Coordinator Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Interim Director Hovig Eordekian, almost 400 alumni, supporters and guests.

The ceremony began with the performance of the hymns of the Republic of Armenia and AGBU performed by AGBU Scouts’ marching band.

Little Violiniststs with musical director Hovhannes Moubbayed, Lusnyak Samvelian, Nanor Rasdgelenian, Arek Yazejian, Araz Ayvazian and Shahe Keshishian’s Choir all performed during the concert. The evening was hoted by well-known Aleppo-Armenian intellectual, former Principal of the Lazar Najarian-Calouste Gulbenkian School Hakop Mikayelian, who emphasized the important role of the AGBU in preserving the school as a national hub.

Former Principal of L.N-C.G. School Hagop Mikayelyan

Conductor Vahe Keshishian and His Choir

“During the years of its existence, the students of this national hub have always shown the highest results in the state exams, trained generations and aroused the spirit of patriotism in them thanks to Aleppo’s best teachers. Today, more than 2500 graduates around the world remember their school with great pride. The graduates of this school have always distinguished themselves with their knowledge, patriotism and qualifications.” said Mr. Mikayelian.

AGBU Interim Director Hovig Eordekian in his speech stated that the school must stand firm as an oak tree, facing all the challenges of life. “AGBU Lazar Najarian-Calouste Gulbenkian School not only serves as an ordinary school but has become a second home for all. The road between the school and the club has been walked by thousands of students over the years, who have been brought up in the most unique patriotic environment. The school will always retain that feeling in spite of the disaster and devastation of war.”

Serzh Srapionyan, greeted those gathered on behalf of the RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobyan and spoke about the monumental role the school has played in the lives of those Armenians whose patriotism and national identity it has helped preserve.

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of AGBU Aleppo’s L.N.-C.G. School

For videos, please visit 60th Anniversary of AGBU L.N.-C.G. School or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

AGBU PARTICIPATES IN UN VOLUNTEER DAY FAIR

On International Volunteer Day, the UN Yerevan Office organized a Volunteer Fair at its Headquarters to promote volunteerism among young people and introduce organizations that provide volunteer opportunities in Armenia. More than 20 local and international organizations participated in the fair.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU with a long history of volunteerism, was among the organizations that received an invitation to participate in the UN Volunteer Fair. AGBU Yerevan Summer Internship Program Associate Director Anna Aghajanian and AGBU Diasporan Youth Programs Coordinator Hermine Duzian presented the Union’s programs and volunteer opportunities at the fair.

The Fair allowed young people to learn more about the 20 organisations presented and the opportunities they offer in various fields including human rights and community development in Armenia, to be able to impact their communities and have their own input in the country’s development.

AGBU Representatives at the UN Volunteer Fair

AGBU LAUNCHES SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN LONDON

LONDON SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

AGBU is pleased to announce the launch of its London Summer Internship Program (LSIP), which will kick off in the summer of 2015 in the UK capital. LSIP is the latest initiative designed to serve the needs of Armenian college students who are eager to learn about their heritage and develop hands-on professional experience. While in London, students will intern at the country's leading companies and organizations and participate in educational, cultural and social activities. LSIP's program will also include lectures and meetings with government officials, as well as sightseeing tours. For more information please contact LSIP by emailing: lsip@agbu.org

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

AGBU’s NORK CHILDREN’S CENTER RECEIVES “YEREVAN” GOLD MEDAL One of the most anticipated events in Yerevan’s calendar, the 2796th anniversary of its founding, took place on October 12th. Celebrations accompanied by amazing fireworks were organized in the capital. To mark the occasion, Yerevan’s Mayor, Taron Margaryan, awarded medals and titles to various individuals and institutions for their achievements in their respective fields, at an event organized at the Yerevan Municipality.

Taron Margaryan thanked those present for their devoted work and awarded the Yerevan Gold Medal to the staff of the AGBU and Etchmiadzin Nork Children Center for their tireless contribution to the children of Yerevan. The medal was awarded to the Director of the Nork Children’s Center Aida Andreasyan.

Other recipients in the same category included the staff of the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies and the Fund for Armenian Relief Armenian Chapter. Individuals and organizations from various fields also received medals and honorable titles.

Director of the Nork Children’s Center Aida Andreasyan Receives the Medal

NORK CHILDREN CENTER STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN JUNIOR EUROVISION Armenia’s Betty with her lively performance of People of the Sun accompanied by the students of the Gevorg Ginosyan Circus School of the AGBU Nork Children’s Center came in 3rd at the Junior Eurovision song contest in Malta on November 15th. Bulgaria, with just one point ahead at 147 came in second while the winner, with 159 points, was Italy’s Vincenzo Cantiello.

Armenia’s Representatives Leaving for Malta

Betty’s brilliant performance along with her two dancers Arman and Ruben, was made all the more exciting by Lusine, Julietta and Marianna from the AGBU Children’s Center.

‘’My team was wonderful; I wasn’t even worried about them when they were performing in the air. They are professionals.”

Betty Armenia’s participant Junior Eurovision 2014

AGBU congratulates the Nork Children’s Center and the students of the Center’s Gevorg Ginosyan Circus School Lusine, Marianna and Julietta, as well as their artistic Director Avetis Ginosyan on an excellent performance!

Betty and Her Team with the 1st and 2nd Prize Winners of the Junior Eurovision 2014 For videos, please visit: Armenia at Junior Eurovision 2014

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

CHILDREN’S CENTER OPENS IN GYUMRI On December 4th, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians arrived at the Shirak Diocese, where he presided over the opening of the Gyumri Children’s Center. It is the 8th Children’s Center operating under the auspices of the Mother See and the Armenian General Benevolent Union. The center was renovated and upgraded thanks to a generous donation by Mrs. Sandra Shahinian-Leitner, USA. His Holiness was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan; Director of External Relations and Protocol Department of the Mother See, His Grace Bishop Moushegh Babayan; Director of the Administrative Office of the Mother See, His Grace Bishop Hovnan Hakobyan; Grand Sacristan of the Mother Cathedral and His Grace Bishop Vardan Navasardyan; Director of the Christian Education Center.

His Grace Bishop Mikael Ajapahyan; Primate of the Diocese of Shirak, Governor of Shirak Felix Tsolakyan; Gyumri Mayor Samvel Balasanyan; as well as provincial and municipal government representatives greeted the Armenian Pontiff as he arrived in Gyumri.

Following the traditional welcome offerings of salt and bread, His Holiness along with the Governor of Shirak and the Mayor of Gyumri, cut the red ribbon signifying the openOpening of the Gyumri Children’s Center ing of the center and with His Grace Bishop Michael Ajapahyan, a blessing ceremony for the newly opened Children’s center took place. The Catholicos of All Armenians and guests toured the Children’s Center, visited the different groups operating in the facility and spoke with its students.

The students gave a performance to mark the joyous occasion at the Center’s auditorium. The performance commenced with the Lord’s Prayer, then opening remarks were made by Very Rev. Fr. Komitas Hovnanyan; Spiritual Dean of the Children’s Centres of the Mother See, expressing his delight at the opening of the new Center in Gyumri. He noted that the center will make an important contribution to childrens’ spiritual, national and educational lives. Fr. Komitas also expressed hope that in accordance with the vision of His Holiness, one day every city and village in Armenia would have one of these wonderful Children’s Centers.

During the ceremony, Governor Tsolakyan and Mayor Balasanyan expressed their heart-felt emotions, stressing the importance of the opening of the Youth Center and expressing their confidence that it would become an important pillar in presenting the region's cultural identity. The governor and mayor expressed their gratitude to His Holiness for offering such a valuable gift to Touring the Renovated Children’s Center in Gyumri Gyumri. They also presented gifts to the new institution.

His Grace Bishop Ajapahyan welcomed the visit of His Holiness to the Diocese of Shirak. Bishop Mikael presented the history of the establishment of the Children’s Center. He expressed his gratitude to His Holiness, to the benefactors and all the supporters, for their work. The Primate of the Diocese of Shirak commended the people of Gyumri and said that the children of Gyumri had long wished for such a center and their wish had finally come true.

The ceremony concluded with the blessing by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. “We know that Gyumri is a gifted city: it has a unique flavor. And we are sure that this establishment will contribute to this”, said His Holiness stressing that he wishes to see this unique Children’s Center in Gyumri be filled with talented children. The Catholicos of All Armenians also expressed his delight that the Armenian Church would be able to contribute to the education and upbringing of the children of Gyumri.

The Armenian Patriarch offered his blessings to the Primate of the Diocese of Shirak. His Holiness prayed for the strength of the homeland and for the welfare of the population of Gyumri Opening Concert and the Shirak province.

Following the remarks, performances were given by the Gyumri State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic directorship of Yervand Varosyan; the Gyumri State Orchestra of Folk Instruments, under the artistic directorship of Art Honoree J. Kaghtsrikyan; and the Armenian Ornaments dance ensemble and theater group of the Children’s Center.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

“NUR” EXPANDS IN ARTSAKH

Since 2011, the Armenian General Bevenolent Union (AGBU) has worked closely with Argentinean-Armenian businessman Eduardo Eurnekian’s Fruitful Armenia Foundation to implementing the NUR Educational Strategy project in Artsakh. Over the last three years, students in grades 1 through 4 as well as their teachers in Stepanakert, Shoushi and Karintak have received XO personal computers.

Today, three years after the initial launch of the project, with the joint decision of the AGBU and Fruitful Armenia Foundation, NUR is expanded to six more regions, Hadrut, Berdzor, Karvachar, Martakert, Martuni and Askeran and providing 6th grade students in Stepanakert and Shoushi with Classmate computers, the technical requirements of which far exceed those of the XO computers. Classmate computers are designed for teenagers and run on Windows 8, which allows the user to edit text, create tables, video and game materials, as well as access to the Internet. These new computers come fully equipped with drawing and coloring programs, online recording cameras, which provide an opportunity to take photos and create video materials to be edited at a later stage. Classmate computers are best designed for reading books, which will further enhance the students’ learning experience. As part of this phase, 1200 computers were provided to student and teachers in Artsakh bringing the overall number since the launch of the program to 7100.

Between October 20th and 25th, NUR organized training courses for teachers both in Stepanakert and the districts, those who completed the courses were awarded Certificates and laptop computers.

NUR was developed following the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) concept. The program was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is practiced in many countries around the world. As well as Fruitful Armenia Foundation and AGBU, NKR Government also supports the program providing Internet connection to Artsakh’s communities.

NUR Expands in Artsakh

Artsakh’s Students and Teachers Receive New Laptops For videos, please visit: The Next Phase of NUR, The Next Phase of NUR - 2

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

KARABAKH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONCERT DEDICATED TO TIGRAN MANSOURYAN’S 75TH BIRTHDAY On October 18th, the Karabakh Chamber Orchestra (KCO) gave a concert at the Stepanakert Chamber of Culture and Youth dedicated to the 75th birthday of the well-known composer Tigran Mansouryan. The concept of the concert came from the composer’s sister, the renowned soprano Araks Mansuryan, who now lives in Australia. Araks Manursyan along with three of her students performed with the KCO in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR).

In her opening speech, Narine Aghabalyan, NKR’s Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs, declared, that Tigran Mansouryan, has and will always be welcome in the NKR. The people of the NKR were honoured that the renowned composer had decided to celebrate his 75th Birthday with his audience in Karabakh.

Works by Tigran Mansouryan, Komitas, Barsegh Kanachyan, Mozart and Verdi were performed by the KCO and Jiang Hong Shi (tenor), Georgia Artsakh Chamber Orchestra with Principal Conductor Gevork Muradyan Kokkoris (koloratur soprano), Ryan Saunders (soprano) and Arthur Avanesov (piano) during the concert.

The celebration was attended by NKR National Assembly Chairman Ashot Ghulyan, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, RA meritorious artist Shushan Petrosyan, admirers and guests.

To conclude the proceedings Narine Aghabalyan presented a gift from the Ministry of Culture to Maestro Mansouryan. In turn, Tigran Mansouryan thanked everyone for their warm welcome. “I am deeply touched to be here and feel so much warmth.

Being here, on this land, gives me strength to carry out my future plans”.

During his visit to the NKR, the well-known composer together with his sister, Araks Mansuryan and niece, Shushan Petrosyan visited Shoushi. They were also accompanied by Narine Aghabalyan, the NKR Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs. The group visited the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, the Shoushi Museum of Fine Arts, where the well-known composer performed a piece from the renowned Armenian film A Piece of the Sky for his admirers and made a note in the visitors impressions’ journal. Tigran Mansouryan was also hosted at the NKR Ministry of Culture. Maestro Mansouryan planted his own silver fir tree at the Peace Alley adjacent to the Ministry.

The Peace Alley was founded in Tigran Mansuryan 2013. The first silver fir was planted by Placido Domingo Jr. The Alley was enhanced by trees planted by, among others, actor Levon Aganezov, worldrenowned German artist Volkmar Gantzhorn and illustrious soprano Montserrat Caballe.

The Karabakh Chamber Orchestra was founded in 2004 with the support of the AGBU. Since then, the Union continues to support the orchestra, which performs in the NKR, Armenia and abroad headed by Maestro Gevorg Muradyan.

Artsakh Chamber Orchestra: Concert Dedicated to Tigran Mansouryan

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE January 2014 saw the European Union’s education, youth, training and sport programs merged into one program: Erasmus. As part of the EU’s Erasmus+ student exchange program, Leo Legrange, a French corporation, implemented a new initiative aimed at promoting, strengthening and developing intercultural communications.

Armenia was among the participating countries and the first visit of the program representatives took place on October 25th. During the course of one week, 16 young people from France, Latvia, Russia and Armenia worked on making culture more accessible to various elements of the general population. The host of the youth exchange program in Armenia was the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).

The initiators of this program showed that this was a great opportunity for the participants of different countries to discover each other’s cultures and were convinced that the effectiveness of the program would increase if it were implemented by individual organizations as well as states.

“It is very important that people become more open to the world and get to know the cultures of other nations. We hope that thanks to this project, the ties between the representaAGBU Hosted Youths from France, Latvia and Russia tives of the four participant countries will be strengthened.

This is a great opportunity for each participant to discover the culture of other countries”, said the leader of the group Francois Lajuzan, Head of the Cultural Department of Tournefeuille Municipality.

Youth programs have always been at the forefront of AGBU’s programs. During their visit to Armenia the group met with the representatives of the Yerevan Municipality and RA Ministry of Culture and learned about their cultural policy. They also visited the Tumo Center For Creative Technologies, AGBU and Mother See’s Nork Children’s Center. Along with the programmed meetings and discussions, the group also visited Garni and Geghard, the traditional flea market Vernisage and sampled traditional Armenian dishes.

To sum up the week and the end of Phase One, the participants drafted a joint cultural project including objectives and expectations for the future.

At the Yerevan Municipality

For videos, please visit Intercultural Dialogue or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

THE NEW AGBU YEREVAN SCOUT COUNCIL The scout movement has its unique place among AGBU’s programs carried out in Armenia. During the six years of its existence, the AGBU Yerevan Scout Movement has grown substantially and has brought together a strong army of Scouts. As stipulated by their by-laws, the movement must re-elect and re-form the Scout Council of the AGBU Yerevan Scout Movement every three years. Summarizing the work and achievements of the previous Council, on December 9th the new Scout Council was elected. The new Chairperson of the Scout Council is AGBU Diaspora Youth Programs Coordinator Hermine Duzian. Former Scout Master Saro Tatios has been elected Deputy Chairman of the AGBU Yerevan Scout Council.

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The New Scout Council of AGBU Yerevan

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

AGBU YEREVAN SCOUTS ANNUAL GALA DINNER One of the most anticipated events of the AGBU Yerevan Scouts calendar the annual dinner, took place at the Armenia Marriott Hotel’s Tigran Medz hall on November 29th. The dinner, which as in previous years, was organized with the help of the AGBU Yerevan Scout Movement’s Parents’ Committee united scouts and supported under one roof. Among the attendees were AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Interim Director Hovig Eordekian, AGBU Yerevan Scout Chairperson Hermine Duzian, AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin’s Children’s Centres’ Director Reverend Father Komitas Hovnanian, Ambassadors, intellectuals and other guests. Toasts and speeches were made throughout the evening and AGBU Yerevan Scout group’s leader Kevork Simonian was awarded for his years of devotion.

As always, the evening’s festivities were accompanied with music and dances, generous donations and a raffle.

All the proceeds from the evening went to new projects for the scout to allow them to carry out new and interested activities and further the cause of the scout movement.

AGBU Yerevan Scouts Annual Gala Dinner

Awarding AGBU Yerevan Scout Group Leader Kevork Simonian

The AGBU Yerevan Scout Movement was established in 2008. Since then it has seen a significant influx of new members resulting in hundreds of scouts of different ages now taking part in scout events and camps. The AGBU Yerevan Scouts often organize various events, visits and hikes, are known for their knowledge and discipline, with the readiness to help each other, as well as with their active participation in various public initiatives. The most exciting event of the scout’s calendar is the “Antranik” Scout Camp in Armenia’s Lori region, which brings together hundreds of AGBU scouts from around the world every year.

AGBU YEREVAN SCOUTS 3 DAY CAMP One of the most picturesque landscapes in all of Armenia, Lori region’s Lermontovo valley, is home to the AGBU Scout Camp. As well as the annual summer camp, which this year saw over 300 scouts gather from around the world, the Yerevan Scouts visit the camp on a regular basis.

The leaders of the scouts and its members held their latest 3 day camp on October 24th. The group arrived at the camp and began to clean up the surrounding are and prepare for the upcoming events. After a short rest, the girls went on to learn how to make new dishes while the boys collected firewood for the evening.

Following their morning exercises and breakfast the next day, the group gathered in the events hall and in the afternoon headed by Arman Okjyan, one of the scout leaders, they began to take measurements of the camp in order to make a small scale model of the Antranik camp. Later in the day, Serop Seropian, a member of the Scout council, gave a lecture on IT, all the scouts enjoyed hearing about the latest exciting developments in the field of Information Technology. On the AGBU Yerevan Scouts Camping at Lermontovo morning of day 3, the group returned to Yerevan to begin preparation for their next gathering at the AGBU Children’s Center.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

ARAM SEPETJIAN CELEBRATS 80TH BIRTHDAY On October 23rd, at the Round hall of the Writers’ Union of Armenia, a literary evening dedicated to the 80th Birthday of the Diaspora-Armenian prose writer, publicist Aram Sepetjian, as well as the presentation of his books Voices in the Silence (reflections) and Literary Meetings (essays) took place.

Congratulating Aram Sepetjian on his 80th birthday, as well as his two publications, the President of the Writers’ Union of Armenia Edward Militonyan spoke about the writer’s entire literary heritage being summarized in these publications.

“For 50-60 continuous years, the author has written about the lives of LebaneseArmenians, as well as different aspects of their literary, social and civil life, both past and present”, said the President and presented the writer with the statuette of Vahan Tekeyan and certificate of honor of the Writers’ Union of Armenia for devoted service in the development of Armenian literature and culture in the Diaspora.

Congratulatory speeches were made by Petros Demirchian, Doctor of philological Sciences, Professor Vazgen Gabrielyan, Karo Vardanyan, Director of the Yeghishe Charents Museum of Literature and Art, Knarik Abrahamyan, Representative of Spyurk Scientific-Educational Center and writer Tigran Gaboyan.

AGBU Armenia Interim Director Hovig Eordekian spoke on behalf of AGBU. ”True spirit, ideological depth and faith are the guidelines of Aram Sepetjian’s publications”, said Hovig Eordekian.

Speeches were also made by the writer Arevshat Avagyan, students Mane Avagyan and Lilit Vardikyan.

Aram Sepetjian

Aram Sepetjian thanked everyone for this award. In his speech he mentioned that literature had been a mission for him and Armenian literature a teacher of hope and faith for his generation. The Homeland has always been the history of our past centuries.

OLYMPUS EDUCATIONAL CENTER RENOVATED BY AGBU SYDNEY Thanks to the financial support of the AGBU Sydney Chapter, Yerevan’s Olympus educational center was renovated July-September, 2014. Both the students as well as the staff can now avail of the improved and comfortable facilities.

Following the renovations, on October 3rd, the center hosted AGBU Sydney Chapter Deputy Chairman Hovhaness Kouyoumdjian together with his wife Mari and AGBU Sydney Chapter Committee Member Garo Setian and his wife Joyce. The guests walked through the renovated school, saw the areas that needed further improve-

Opening of Renovated Olympus Education Center

ment and met with the principal and teachers of the school. The staff thanked the AGBU Sydney Chapter and Toros Boghossian, AGBU Sydney Chapter Chairman, who had played a big part in carrying out this initiative.

During their visit to Armenia, Hovhaness Kouyoumdjian and Garo Setian also visited the AGBU Armenia office, met with the AGBU Armenia Interim Director Hovig Eordekian and AGBU Diaspora Youth Projects Coordinator Hermine Duzian.

Hovhaness Kouyoumdjian and Garo Setian at AGBU Armenia Office

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

ALEPPO AGBU ALEPPO CELEBRATES A FALL FILLED WITH MUSIC This fall, the Armenians of Aleppo had the chance, for a few hours, to leave behind the daily struggles of war and enjoy two musical performances by the AGBU-AYA Spendiarian Choir and the AGBU-AYA Gomidas Chamber Orchestra.

AGBU-AYA Spendiarian Choir On October 26, 2014, AGBU-AYA Spendiarian Choir performed at the AGBU Center’s Nazarian Hall to celebrate its 60th anniversary. The concert, entitled From the Past to Today, was comprised of the choir’s best loved songs over the course of it history.

The event began with a presentation detailing the history of the choir, during which current choir members praised the devotion of the conductors who had enabled it to thrive over the years. Choir member Gassia Nersoyan recalled former conductor Jirair Altounian, saying: “On stage and during rehearsals, he would move us with his Armenian spirit. He would approach learning every new song with meticulous60th Anniversary of AGBU-AYA “Spendiarian” Choir ness and inspire us with his stories and explanations.” The Marked in Aleppo evening included tributes to all former directors -Jirair Isgenian, Shoghag Apartian-Selimian, Shahé Keshishian, Boghos Abadjian, Robert Amirkhanian and Kayané Baghdassarian - and the current director, Dr. Sarkis Isgenian.

A special highlight of the event was the performance of two pieces directed by Shoghag Apartian-Selimian, who brought the characteristic jazz style of her directorship tenure to the evening’s performance.

In addition to former conductors, former choir members and music lovers from across the city, the event was attended by Tigran Gevorgyan, the Republic of Armenia’s consul general to Aleppo, Haroutiun Selimian, leader of the Protestant Armenian community of Aleppo, Fr. Datev Mikayelian representative of the prelate of the Diocese of Aleppo, Nerses Nersoyan, AGBU Syria District chairman, and Henry Arslanian, AYA chairman, as well as representatives of sister organizations.

The AGBU-AYA Spendiarian Choir is named in honor of Alexander Spendiarian (1871-1928), one of the major figures in Armenian classical music. Spendiarian - often referred to by his Russified surname, Spendiarov - was a composer and conductor, but is best known for establishing the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra in Yerevan in 1925.

AGBU-AYA Gomidas Chamber Orchestra On November 23rd, 2014, AGBU Aleppo welcomed an audience filled with dignitaries and music aficionados at the AGBU Center’s Nazarian Hall for a much anticipated performance by the AYA Gomidas Chamber Orchestra. The orchestra, led by Dr. Sarkis Isgenian, performed pieces by Gomidas, Mozart, Yamada, Melikian, Stamitz, Khatchadourian, Vivaldi, Brahms and Shostakovich.

Each one of the performers—Tavit Melkonian (violin), Sako Avakian (viola), Rosie Shoushanian (violin) and Shoushi Nakkashian (piano)—had taken part in the AGBU Musical Armenia Program, spending the summer in Yerevan to train with skilled musicians and learn about the history of Armenian music.

AGBU-AYA “Komitas” Chamber Orchestra Performed in Aleppo In attendance at the event was Tigran Gevorgyan, the Republic of Armenia’s consul general to Aleppo, Nerses Nersoyan, AGBU Syria District chairman, and Henry Arslanian, the chairman of the AYA, and Haroutiun Selimian, the leader of the Armenian Protestant community, who closed the program with heartfelt remarks about the work of the orchestra.

The AGBU-AYA Gomidas Chamber Orchestra is named after Gomidas Vartabed (1869-1935), the foremost authority in the Armenian musical tradition. A pioneer in the transcription and compilation of Armenian folk music, Gomidas also taught music and led both religious and lay choirs in the final years of the Ottoman Empire. The majority of the knowledge that Armenians have today about traditional music is, in large part, thanks to Gomidas and his work.

The AGBU-AYA Gomidas Chamber Orchestra was founded in Aleppo in 2006 with the goal of maintaining and enriching the Armenian musical heritage within the current generation. And today, despite the adversity that has struck the Armenian community of Syria, the orchestra continues to inspire hope for a return to normalcy, serving as a testament to the resilience of the Aleppo Armenian community.

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AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER SUMMER CAMPS

SCOUTS

ISSUE 32, SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER, 2014

DISCOVER ARMENIA

MUSICAL ARMENIA

INTERNSHIPS

AGBU SUMMER PROGRAMS 2015 Get ready for your AGBU summer.

Visit the AGBU website at www.agbu.org

Choose a summer program and register today.

Spend the best summer of your life in 2015.

Join those, whose lives AGBU summer programs have already changed.

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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 55 East 59th St. New York, NY 10022-1112 Phone: (212) 319 6383 agbuny@agbu.org

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YEREVAN 9 Alex Manoogian St. Yerevan 0070, Armenia Phone: (374 60) 61 22 51 agbuarm@agbu.am Page 32