Armenian Volunteer Corps

Hiking in Karabakh

2008-02-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

Janapar is a new hiking trail set to open in the Karabakh Region this spring. The region is full of amazing scenery and people, and the hope is that this trail will promote eco-tourism in the region and help the economy. I volunteered to test the new Janapar hiking trail. One day in early November, I set out in a marshutka (one of the mini-buses used as public transportation throughout Armenia) from Yerevan, crossed the Artzakh Mountain Range, and arrived in Stepanagurt. When I arrived, I found the local tourism ministry, got my tourist visa, and caught a quick marshutka to Shushi. From Shushi I started my hike south along the trail.

Late in the afternoon, I came to the small village of Karintak, located below the cliffs of Shushi. At about 4:30, I came across a man named Aram. Although my ability to speak and understand Armenian was not very good at all, he managed to communicate to me that night time comes very quickly in the valley we were in, and warned me of the wolves that can come out at night. He insisted that I stay at his home, and after hearing of the wolves, I was happy to accept the invitation.

That first night in Karintak was the first of many amazing nights I spent with families in the villages of the Karabakh region. We talked for hours, and Aram and his family were so nice as I tried to piece together sentences using my Armenian textbooks and dictionary. We ate lots of amazing food, watched Aram's 6 year old twin boys practice dancing, and drank homemade wine and an amazingly strong vodka the region is known for.

The hiking over the next few days was terrific. The walk from Karintak to Mokitarishen runs along a stream flowing between some spectacular cliffs, and I came across a small waterfall and very old stone bridge before leaving the valley. The trail surrounding Mokitarishen offered great views of Shushi and Stepanagert, and of the amazing mountains to the north. The next few days brought me through fields and rolling hills on my way to Azetarenots and Karmir Shuka. In Azokh I explored the caves overlooking the village. In each town I was struck by how friendly and giving the families I met were. I went to a number of family parties, ate delicious barbeque, and met wonderful people each night of the trip.

As I left Azokh on my last morning in Karabakh, I had to wake up before dawn to catch a marshutka back to Stepanagert. The night sky in Karabakh rivals that of the deserts in the American Southwest. Even the stars just above the horizon are very bright, and as I weaved through the hills on the way back to Stepanagert, I saw one of the nicest sunrises I have ever seen.

I was only able to do about 60 km of the trail, but I am looking forward to returning to Karabakh in the next few years to do the whole trip. I want to meet more great people and more of the amazing landscape, and to see the friends I made during my short time there.

Kapan's first Model UN

2007-09-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

When my family left Armenia, the country was recovering from the aftershocks of the soviet collapse: economic devastation, a complete lack of governance and war. Not too many positive memories to hold on to but always with the yearning to go back. 12 years later, I was back in Armenia, reacquainting myself with a new and old country and most of all, trying to figure out where I belong and how I can contribute most. After having been there for almost three months, it is still difficult to figure out what works and what doesn’t. One thing was certain, however, any positive contribution makes an immediate difference because there’s such great need in almost every sector of life. This, needless to say, is encouraging for all initiatives that anyone ever undertakes. I wish I could have stayed longer to expand my scope into mock trials and moot courts as a way of promoting critical thinking and leadership. Next time!

I had been planning to come to Armenia in the summer of 2006 but I had just started a new job in Washington, DC and decided to wait another year. I finally took a leave of absence for two months so I could do an internship through AVC. I wasn’t certain as to what specific internship I wanted but my big goal was to witness development first hand and hear from the people meant to benefit from these efforts.

I interned at the Armenian United Nations Association (AUNA) where I lead a Model United Nations in Kapan, in southern Armenia. AUNA is an NGO established in 2005 to serve as a two-way bridge for cross-sharing values, principles and programs of the UN in Armenia and of Armenian values, traditions and cultural heritage through UN structures and programs. The staff was small but amazing to work with and I couldn’t have asked for better mentors. For a young organization, they have been active in mobilizing and engaging youth. They were first to introduce Model UNs in Armenia and several universities have started using the game as a practicum requirement for certain international relations faculties. In 2005, they helped organize “Gamats Gamats—Yavash Yavash,” a summer school program meant to build confidence between Armenian and Turkish youth through workshops and group work aimed at deconstructing history and discussing innovative ways of solving issues facing both nations.

My assignment was no random pick. As a native of Kapan, it was a perfect way to go back and experience my birthplace in a completely unfamiliar way. I was nervous, excited, a bit overwhelmed as my Armenian had suffered over the years and I’d have to learn the language of the UN in Armenian. I had heard of Model UNs but never participated or seen any. Not only that but I had to recruit 30 participants to represent the UN Security Council. With the help of the Ministry of Youth and Culture branch in Syunik, I was able to gather around 20 enthusiastic participants who brought fantastic energy and enthusiasm for the game. To my surprise, one of the participants was Gayane Grigoryan, a young and witty girl who was the daughter of my music school director who always gave my brother a hard time with his violin lessons. Shy at first, the participants slowly felt themselves to actually be delegates of their chosen countries. The debates became more heated, strayed from the script a bit and I kept asking questions just to provoke them and force them to think on their toes. To witness their passion and enthusiasm was my proudest moment. Most everyone had initially joined with a lot of uncertainty and apprehension and we lost some of them throughout the training seminars but it was beautiful to see those who stuck it through the end and shined gracefully.

It was amazing to get to know young people outside of Yerevan, connect with them on a personal level and give them the opportunity to engage in a game played all over the world as a way of practicing diplomacy and stepping into the shoes of ambassadors. Most importantly, it was a way for students to think critically and test their own skills in debating, consensus building and conflict resolution. I’m hoping that at least some of the participants will become more involved in government and civil society in the future. But at the very least, I’m hoping that they will become more confident representatives of themselves and Armenia at large.

Mary Vardazarian, Washington, DC, Spring/Summer volunteer 2007

Mama Sveta and Papa Vahan

2007-08-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

As my Armenian comprehension improves, I'm learning some interesting things about my Gyumri host parents.

Mama Sveta is warm, loving woman. Mama Sveta was trained as nurse but has been out of work for seven months. The two hospitals in Gyumri have consolidated resources into one surgery hospital (with the help of U.S. funding). Good for that hospital, but not for the people at the other hospital like my mama. I can tell she is depressed. She doesn't know what to do with herself at home. She has a really hard time getting up in the morning. She made me breakfast the first couple of mornings, but she has started not waking up in time recently. It's actually fine with me, because I'd rather grab a coke lite and a muffin at a local bakery than gulp down last night's boiled chicken and fried potatoes.

I've asked her if she could work at another hospital or maybe do something else, but she says the other hospital is too far away and she is not trained to do anything else but be a nurse. I can tell they are having a hard time. There is always enough to eat, but our food is very simple and plain compared to some of the meals other volunteers are indulging in.

Mama Sveta is always telling me to "Ger, Ger Katie Jan" or "Eat Eat". I could have eaten them out of house and home and I don't think she would ever be satisfied. Before one excursion, she stuffed fistfuls of chocolates and candies into my bag to eat on my excursion. Who can say no to sugar for lunch!

The shower situation has been interesting at the house. I took several bucket baths at first but now we have a semi working shower (thanks to the Birthright requirement). Papa Vahan installed the showerhead and pump but the shower is very tempermental. It usually is pleasant for 10 seconds and then get hotter and hotter until it is almost scolding. Then it turns freezing cold. I have razor burn on my legs and my hair feels gross from shampoo remnants! Mama Sveta is very concerned with my showering. Now that she is aware of the problems, having experienced them herself, she feels the need to pop into the bathroom while I'm showering to get the temperature update. I swear, one day she popped her head in three times. No shower curtain, by the way. I kept telling her it was fine, but she kept coming in! Sevana's mama insists on washing her hair for her. Luckily, it hasn't come to that.

Saturday, I washed all of my clothes by hand in the bathroom. It took about 2.5 hours! Mama Sveta enjoyed coming in periodically and asking if I was tired yet. Maybe they felt they had to prove to me that washing clothes was back breaking work. I really had no doubt that it was, but I guess it was good for me. After all of my clothes were out on the line, Julia pulled her friend out on the balcony to look at my clothes. I still wonder what they were snickering about. Were my clothes not bedazzled enough for them, were they laughing at my underwear with the monkies on them? Guess I'll never know.

Papa Vahan is not home much. He drives a truck for the Russian Army.He seems drunk a lot to me, but I never really see him drinking. He chuckles when i talk and he seems to make fun of his wife a lot for his own entertainment. I think it is harmless, but I think it annoys Mama Sveta. One day I came home and he was 'sleeping' on the living room floor. That was interesting. He finally woke up, laughed at me in his little stupor and waddled off to bed. At dinner, Vahan reminds me a little of my own armenian grandfather. He whines and talks like a baby to his wife...mama get me this, mama please get me that. I'm so hungry, it's so hot in here! The sun is in my eyes, mama! She puts up with a lot from him, but he is a good guy overall. Just a big kid in a mans body.

Julia is typical young adult. She is twenty. She just finished college and is going to a teaching university in the fall. She has more clothes than i do. Tons of bedazzled shirts, matching handbags and a cupboard full of lotions, cosmetics that she probably received as gifts over the years. She will not use them. I think it just makes her feel good to have them and smell them once in awhile. She does love her mousse though and her makeup. I'll have to post the picture of me after she did my hair of makeup. i'm a haystani beauty queen!

She texts on her phone a lot and dances to one horrible armenian song over and over again. She gossips a lot about her friends and neighbors. I think she wonders why I cut my hair short and why my clothes are so plain. I humored her on Saturday and went shopping with her after my laundry a thon. I bought some things to help me fit in. It was a fun day of haggling and exploring Gyumri on hot summer day. My new capri jeans say 'jeans' in little fake rhinestones on the left cuff. Shad Siroun.

Katie Riley

Dancing in Gyumri

2007-08-07T05:30:00.001-07:00

Sevana Naaman
La Crescenta, CA

At the end of my first week of volunteer work at Pyunic in Gyumri, I had a clear cut goal of how I wanted to spend the following ten weeks of volunteer work. I was going to teach the children of Pyunic dance...Hip Hop and Latin American Dance. Pyunic is an organization serving disabled children, children who have disabled parents, and children whose families have a low socio-economic status. The Pyunic Center of Gyumri is a drop in center designed to provide the children of Gyumri a safe place to call "home," improve their talents, and social skills. At first, I felt that my position at Pyunic was replaceable and unnecessary but after two weeks things began to change. My dance class was scheduled three times a week from 12-2 in the afternoon...however, that soon changed to every working day. My students would show up an hour before class began and I would have to force them to leave. I taught my class of 15 kids, ages 6-19, four dances. The first was to Jennifer Lopez's "Let's Get Loud," the second was a Hip Hop dance to Chris Brown's "Run It," the third was a modern ballet to Dave Matthews' "Satellite," and finally one last Hip Hop dance to Timbaland's "The Way I Are."The most important part of this experience for me was noticing the evolution in my students. For example, the first two weeks of class my students would not smile, would not enjoy the music, and seemed like they were being forced to dance. But after some long classes, that at times seemed never ending, my students began to actually have fun. I think they began to trust themselves and finally trust me. Soon after, my students would often brag to me about how much they practiced the dances the night before at home and sometimes they would show me short combinations that they had created. One student's mother found me on the street on my way home from Pyunic and explained that whatever I was doing was really working because she had never seen her daughter so happy and excited about life. We held a dance concert at the end of July. Pyunic gained news coverage and lots of praise. My students felt like superstars... however, I always knew they were. They started to walk around with pride but most of all with smiles...something that the new generation living in Gyumri truly needs.My background is in Social Work, specifically working with youth and in an organization like Pyunic where the struggles of youth are plentiful, fun is what was needed. And through dance and music and humor, fun is what these kids got.I never expected to make a large impact in Armenia. I never expected to change the way the country works. But I dreamed that I would make one child smile. I dreamed that my presence and my work would bring a sense of normalcy to a child. I feel that I did create smiles. I feel like I have instilled a sense of pride in my students. I know that I accomplished what I wanted during my stay. And I know that I will return to Armenia.

Johnny Boghossian

2007-07-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

Name: Johnny Boghossian
Age: 32
Hometown: Montreal, Canada
Length of AVC service: 2.5 months

Having just completed an MBA, I thought it was the best time to go on my first trip to Armenia and do so in the way I wanted to all along. My goal was to go on a longer trip and be there as a volunteer in order to contribute to the country and really meet people at the same time. My volunteer work in Armenia was at the Center for Agribusiness and Regional Development (CARD), which is an NGO funded by the USDA and aims at to develop the infrastructure of Armenian agricultural industries. CARD operates a goat breeding center in the town of Yeghegnadzor and that is where they sent me for the second month of my stay. Called ARID, the center imports purebreds from America and Europe and crossbreeds them with local Armenian goats in order to enhance their milk productivity. The USDA however which has financed all these projects from day one severely cut funding this year (by 70%) leaving ARID scrambling to find ways of becoming financially sustainable. My job was to review there finances and consult the management on the best business strategy they should undertake.

The project got me out into the countryside where I saw a completely different perspective of Armenia, one far away from the night clubs, cafes, and bars of Yerevan. Instead of spending evenings dodging Yerevan traffic, I spent them picking fruits off trees with my host family and grilling Armenian khorovadz in view of some spectacular mountains. As a result, I saw a side of Armenian culture untouched by music videos and neon lights; one that hinted at how our ancestors could have lived hundreds of years ago and at their customs which still live on.

The project itself was incredibly fulfilling. I came to it with absolutely no agricultural experience, however during my time at the center I visited cheese producers, goat farmers, and distant villages up in the mountains; I witnessed the birth of a goat and came away with an appreciation for everything that goes into getting food from the earth to our tables. All the while I met Armenians and learned about my own culture and of the history and people of this young republic. I hope the plan I provided the managers assists them with their strategy, but I know that for me every moment of my two months in Armenia was well worth it.

Planting trees

2007-06-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 2006, I decided that it was time to put my career as a teacher on hold and complete one of my life long goals: to work and live in Armenia. I was able to fulfill my dream in January of 2007 with the help of the Armenian Volunteer Corps. AVC placed me with Armenian Forests NGO. With a background in Environmental Studies, previous non-profit work, and an appreciation and love for the great outdoors, I felt like this was the right place for me to contribute to the future health and growth of Armenia.
Armenia is witnessing the rapid loss of precious forest cover. This loss of forests contributes to many problems that are connected to the social and economic well being of Armenia. These problems include: loss of biodiversity and fertile topsoil used for farming, mudslides, floods, change in local climate, desertification, economic hardship caused by the loss of wild plants and herbs, and increased air pollution. The World Bank estimates that if the current rate of deforestation continues, Armenia's forests will disappear in 20 years.
Armenian Forests NGO is an Armenian based non-profit organization that has a broad approach to protecting and restoring the natural environment in Armenia, including hands on reforestation, environmental policy, enforcement, awareness-raising, advocacy, and civic participation. Armenian Forests NGO has been reponsible for various projects such as restoration of 702 ha (1735 acres) of forests (1, 150,350 trees) through planting and coppicing as of the end of 2006.
I had the opportunity to work with Armenian Forests for 4 months. In that time, I researched potential funding opportunities for a reforestation project on Ara Mountain and created a date base for future reference. In addition, Armenian Forests was published on the onepercentfortheplanet.org website. Onepercentfortheplanet.org is an organization that gives big corporations an opportunity to donate money to environmental organizations in order to offset their carbon emissions. I was able to foster dialogue between Armenian Forests and Carbonfund.org which is a similar organization that deals with carbon offsetting. Carbonfund.org with the help of Armenian Forests, is looking to plant between 30,000-100,000 trees in Armenian using money from the Dell Corporation to offset their computer waste in Asia. We are keeping our fingers crossed on that project!
During my 4 months in Armenia, I had the pleasure to work with knowledgeable, hard working, and passionate people. The staff at Armenian Forests NGO is dedicated to helping the future of Armenia and it was an inspiration to be around such positive, energetic, and hopeful people. I learned many things from the talented staff. Furthermore, being able to meet Diasporan Armenians who share the same enthusiasm was truly an inspirational experience. I leave Armenia with added knowledge, friendships, a hope for a great country, and an unforgettable experience that will stick with me for years to come.

Websites you can refer to for more information:
www.onepercentfortheplanet.org
www.armenianforests.am
www.carbonfund.org

Karen Kazanci winter/spring 2007 28, Long Beach, California

AVC Volunteer oversees Hospital Renovation

2007-06-05T07:18:00.000-07:00

AVC volunteer Joe Levonian from Australia worked for 9 months at the Pediatric Hematology Hospital of Armenia. Noticing the unsanitary and dilapidated conditions of the Hospital, Joe decided to fund raise in order to undertake renovations which would make the facilities safer for the patients. Check out this video of Joe overseeing the renovations which are now underway at the hospital.

Read about more of Joe's volunteer activities hospitals in Armenia here.

AVC - Worldwide!

2007-06-01T00:33:00.000-07:00

Alumni Serli Hacikoglu (AVC 2006) and Becky Bagdassarian (AVC 2002-2003) set up an AVC table at the annual Alexandria Armenian Cultural Festival in Virginia, USA. Serli and Becky were handing out brochures, showing photos and sharing personal experiences about the value of volunteering in Armenia!

Raffi Kortoshian, Hagop Cutujian, Samuel Kassarjian and Jack Maghamez (AVC 2006) were instrumental in assisting Birthright Armenia and AVC by advertising and organizing informational presentations about the programs in Syria and Lebanon this past Spring.

Joe Levonian (AVC 2006-2007) will be organizing several presentations about AVC and Birthright Armenia in Australia within the next few months, to inspire some of our thousands-strong Armenian community in Australia to join us in nation-building in our homeland!

AVC Exec. Director Anoush Tatevossian (AVC 2004 alum) recently made a 4 country tour giving a total of 9 presentations about AVC and Birthright Armenia communities in Romania, Bulgaria, Poland and the Czech Republic. The Armenian communities in these countries had not heard about the programs and were very inspired by the opportunity to connect with Armenia, other diasporans, and their own personal Armenian identity.

Constanza, Romania

Warsaw, Poland

Prague, Czech Republic

We look forward to having new volunteers from around the world come together to move mountains in Armenia in the very near future!

Transparency Armen

2007-05-23T04:46:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I decided that I have about two and a half months to spare and travel to Armenia for the first time since my family and I emigrated 20 years ago. To my luck, I found AVC which enthusiastically invited me to Armenia in the spring, just in time for the 2007 Parliamentary Elections. Thanks to the professional, charismatic, and wildly entertaining AVC staff, who went well out of their way to find me a position in accordance with my professional interests, I am currently in sunny Yerevan,

Armenia

conducting very meaningful volunteer work with Center For Regional Development / Transparency International.

Since early April, I have delved head-on into the labyrinth of Armenian politics, helping to collect data on party finance, administrative resources, and media coverage to record instances of electoral fraud. I have collaborated with several NGOs, foreign diplomats, and international delegations from the OSCE, Council of Europe, and European Parliament in assessing campaigning tactics and voting environments as well as election results. In the past month, I have attended constitutional court hearings, oppositional protests, press conferences, and television debates relating to the elections and corruption. Translating technical Armenian language has exposed me to a deeper understanding of both the Armenian and English language and their different nuances.

If you are at all interested in the findings of our organization, please have a look at the web page I have created for Transparency International to display and analyze the final results of the May 12th parliamentary elections in the Republic of Armenia: www.transparency.am/elections.php

Most importantly, I find myself among an energetic group of accomplished, fun-loving and internationally-minded Armenian volunteers from all around the world. Their optimism and unselfish charity of their time to the Armenian people is inspiring. When all is said and done here... as I pack up to leave back for the States next month to begin law school, I can say that I came away with not only first hand knowledge of the current state of Armenia, new business ideas, and a sense of significant accomplishment as a volunteer, but also new friendships with kindred spirits that i hope will last beyond national borders.

- Armen Boyajian, La Crescenta CA, Spring Volunteer 2007

AVC volunteers participate in Spring training

2007-05-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

A group of 7 spring volunteers participated in an AVC training session on May 20th at the site of the future Bed & Breakfast and Cultural Center being set up by 2005 AVC alum Seta Iskandarian. The Center is located on the cliffs of Garni across from the 1st century temple of Garni, affording a beautiful view of the river and gorge below.

The day long training session covered topics such as cross-cultural experience, community development, country development, and leadership & utilization of resources as diasporan volunteers. The training session gave the volunteers, some new arrivals and some seasoned volunteers, an opportunity to discuss their experiences while acquiring new skills and being introduced to different perspectives regarding their unique position as diasporan Armenian volunteers in Armenia.

AVC alums reunite...

2007-02-27T03:02:00.000-08:00

Briony Krikorian (AVC '03-'05) and Grace Yacoubian (AVC '04) managed to meet up outside of Armenia for the first time while Grace was in London on business.

Thanks to celestial patience on the part of Briony through a more than a week of vacillating travel plans, and thanks to a critical mass of kindhearted strangers who steered the small-town Georgia girl through London's train system, Grace turned up at last in central London and was taken back to Briony's flat where they did what all Armenians do: swapped news & memories from Armenia, ate well, looked at photos, and took more.

Maro Siranosian

2006-12-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Name: Maro Siranosian
Hometown: Whittier, California
Age: 22
Duration of Service: Oct - Dec 2006
Volunteer Worksite: Counterpart International
I am currently interning at Counterpart International, specifically with the Civic Advocacy Support Program (CASP). My tasks include editing text, creating presentations, and writing success stories about NGOs which receive grants through CASP. Recently, I was given the opportunity to go to Goris, in the Syunik Marz, and interview seven NGOs in the surrounding regions. The experience was truly rewarding, not only was I able to visit different cities in southern Armenia (Kapan, Sisian, Vayk, Yeghegnadzor, & Goris) and interview different NGOs, I also got an opportunity to get a sense of how the NGO sector in Armenia works in general. On one occassion, I was even invited to sit in on a meeting between an NGO advocacy specialist and the Mayor of Syunik. It was interesting to experience, first-hand, the interaction between the two, and be present as important decisions regarding the Syunik Marz were being made.

My time in Armenia is quickly coming to an end and I have only recently realized how short two months can feel! I have three weeks left in Armenia, and I intend to take advantage of every moment and hopefully return very soon.

Laura Tashjian

2006-12-06T01:07:00.000-08:00

Name: Laura
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Duration of Stay: One year

Background: professional work in public interest research and community organizing, international experience in sustainable development and women's advocacy work

Volunter work in Armenia: Teaching English, women's workshop, compiling journal and organizing events at the Kanayq Hayots Women's Resource Center in Yerevan.

Living and working in Ijevan (Tavush Region, Northern Armenia) with World Vision's Building Sustainably Livelihoods Program, which supports the community in business initiatives (such as piggeries, honey-making, stone workers, etc.)

Motivation: While standing through the Badarak procedures, it became painfully obvious that I am an outsider to my own culture. Incense, which smelled like my grandmother’s favorite dress, floated through the holy archway of the church and into my pew. I inhaled these memories slowly, hoping my lungs would accept a fraction more of air before I exhaled. I prayed my lungs would expand into the next pew until the remnants of my lost culture was allowed to circulate through my blood again.

The notes of a distant organ interrupted the rhythm of my breathing; my eyes opened and, instinctively, I understood that negotiating between my cultural “otherness” will always hinge on my understanding of the “homeland.” Long ago I launched my formal study of the Armenian language, culture, and history, but volunteering in Armenia has always been a missing link in my cultural puzzle.

Although discovering my “Armenianess” is a personal motivation, I believe strongly in the philosophy that work is only truly rewarding when it serves others and, with a background in the non-profit sector, I have dedicated my professional life to this end. Volunteering in Armenian is an ideal bridge not only to my personal questions of identity but also to my professional goals.

AVC volunteers march with Women's Coalition for Peace in South Caucasus

2006-11-29T02:45:00.000-08:00

Armen Khatchadourian

2006-11-27T23:51:00.000-08:00

Name: Armen Khatchadourian
Birth place: Beirut, Lebanon
Country: Canada (Montreal)
Age: 23
Education: B.Sc (Biochemistry)
Duration of stay: Sept 6 to Nov 30

I had two job placements in Armenia. The first one was at the Nork Marash Cardiology Centre, where the well known Dr. Hrayr Hovagimian operates. I worked at the biochemistry lab where they do blood tests on patients suffering from heart disease. For example, we determined the amount of glucose, creatinine, HDL/LDL and many other compounds in the blood. It was more a techinical type of work rather than something that involved research and thinking. However it did help me to learn many scientific terms in Armenian and Russian.

After two months spent at the hospital, I switched to conversational French teaching at the Alliance Francaise d'Armenie. You can imagine that teaching french and working in a lab are totally different, and as a volunteer, I really liked the teaching. The students were dynamic, motivated, interested about a lot of things; I never got bored. Plus it was fun to teach French in Armenia because it's kind of uncommon.

My overall experience in Armenia was indescribably rewarding. If you're thinking to take off for a few months and have a great experience, you know what to do.

Alliance Francaise: http://www.ambafrance-am.org/article.php3?id_article=255
Nork Marash: http://www.nmmc.am/

Dr. Ishkhan Babajanian, M.D. & Mrs. Anahit Babajanian, C.N.A

2006-11-24T05:11:00.000-08:00

Names: Dr. Ishkhan Babajanian, M.D. & Mrs. Anahit Babajanian, C.N.A.
Hometown: California
Place of Birth: Iran
Duration of Service: September - December 2006; Living & Working in Stepanakert, Karabagh

I have retired as a practicing pediatrician from the William Beaumont Army Medical Center. It has been my mission to serve my Armenian community back home. I have toured the Nagorno Karabakh Republic with my family 2 separate times. I have come to respect the people of Artsakh, their perseverance, diligence, and their ethnic and national pride.

As a retired Armenian pediatrician with US experience, I would like to offer my time and professional and social experience by working in Nagorno Karabakh as a volunteer pediatrician. I would like to join our people there in building and improving pediatric health care in the region. As a person who is deeply committed in improving the condition of our people and preserving the legacy of our forefathers, I hope I can dedicate my small, humble share to my people.

Sevan Ohanian

2006-11-24T04:51:00.000-08:00

Name: Sevan Ohanian
Hometown: Rockville, MD
Age: 25
Duration of AVC Service: Sept - Nov 2006

Volunteer worksite: Armenian Tourism Development Agency (Armenia Info)

Tasks included: Writing a guidebook on the Syunik Region, Helping Coordinate the hosting of 172 French Tourism Representatives and Journalists on a familiarization trip (pictured with co-workers, awaiting the arrival of the French Delegation at Zvartnots Airport), Writing various speeches and letters for the Minister and Deputy Minister of Trade & Economic Development

Final Remarks: I don't want to leave. If I had to do this over again, I would have stayed at least 6 months, and spent some time in a village or town outside of Yerevan. The only suggestion I have to AVC is maybe to promote volunteering outside of Yerevan more to potential and current volunteers.

AVC Fall 2006!

2006-11-01T05:58:00.000-08:00

Kef Time

2006-10-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

Friday night, we gathered to complete the Part II of the AVC training session. The evening began with AVC board of trustee’s member, Tom Samuelian, who gave a lecture on economic development in Armenia. He presented us with some very insightful facts on the present economy of Armenia, as well as proposing ideal ways that could boost the economy in the near future. The second part of the session, was lead by AVC director Anoush Tatevossian, who guided us through a workshop dealing with leadership, and our role as volunteers in Armenia. The group discussed how our work is useful to the development of Armenia, as well as some of the important resources we have to offer while volunteering.

What better way to finish off our great session, but to have a true Armenian kef! The volunteers, along with their coworkers, host families or friends, came together at Beirut Restaurant for an evening of mingling and dancing! Throughout the night, volunteers got to meet and socialize with local Armenian young people, make new friends, and dance the night away to our favorite Armenian music. Seeing how this event had such a good turnout, and everyone greatly enjoyed themselves, AVC is definitely going to make this a regular event!

AVC Training 2006

2006-10-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

As many new Fall volunteers have been slowly arriving and getting into the groove of their volunteer work, AVC organized an official 2-part training session for its new and old volunteers.

The first session was extra special because we had the chance to meet some expert volunteers who actually led the training, but also because we had the opportunity to get out of town and head to peaceful Yeghegnadzor, for the second part of the day.

Bright and early, a group of 10 volunteers gathered at the office to attend a lecture on community development held by Jason Sprague, a Peace Corps volunteer from the US who has been living and working in Gavar for nearly 3 years. Jason led an informative session on ways which we can take a small idea and project, and transform it into something truly meaningful and useful to the smaller communities outside of Yerevan. During the lecture, he discussed all the simple steps on to how plan and implement our own projects, as well as the difficulties we may encounter while doing so. It is always inspiring to meet young Americans like Jason, who are living and working in different regions throughout Armenia. Most of them come to Armenia as Peace Corps workers for 2-3 year terms, not having any prior knowledge of the language, culture, or history of Armenia. However throughout their term, they become the most knowledgeable individuals on what life in Armenia is truly like, as well as a key resource when wanting to do development work throughout the regions.

The 2nd part of the day was spent at AVC alumni Sheila and Antoine Terjanian’s beautiful home in Yeghegnadzor. While there, Antoine brought us over to his neighbor’s home to watch some ladies prepare fresh lavash for us! After tasting the delicious bread, the afternoon was spent discussing issues dealing with cross-cultural differences, as well as cultural difficulties and encounters one faces when working and living in a foreign country. For the last part of the training, Sheila and volunteer Joe Levonian, who are skilled English as a second language teachers, used their personal experience and led a workshop on ways to teach while in Armenia.

It was truly an enjoyable day in Yeghegnadzor, where the volunteers had the opportunity to finally gather all together and discuss their personal experiences, gain some helpful advice and of course……enjoy each others company!

Armenia Diaspora Conference

2006-09-22T01:20:00.001-07:00

The Third Armenian-Diaspora Conference

Through September 18th- 21st, the 3rd Armenia Diaspora conference was held in Yerevan, and AVC along with Birthright Armenia took part in this very successful event.

Organized by the Foreign Ministry, the event brought together important individuals, businesses and organizations that strengthen ties between the Diaspora and Armenia, while the conference dealt with important issues regarding Armenia’s development and future homeland- Diaspora relations. Seeing how AVC and Birthright have created opportunities to bridge the gap that exists between Armenia and the Diaspora, we were present at the conference’s business fair. With a great info booth, we did a great job promoting AVC’s interests and services to the hundreds of local Armenians and Diasporan's who were present. It was a fantastic way for AVC to get its word out within the community, and to build new contacts with Diasporan representatives throughout the world, specifically in those communities that are unaware of the great opportunities offered by AVC and Birthright Armenia.

Laurence Manessian

2006-09-22T01:20:00.000-07:00

Name: Laurence Manessian
Age: 31
Place of Birth: Paris, France
Place of Residence: London, UK
Placement in Armenia: French Armenian Development Foundation
Length of Stay in Armenia: 10 weeks

I grew up in France, both my parents are of Armenian origin but I have never been really much involved in the Armenian community there. I work in finance in London, I have quite a demanding job. Last spring I felt the need to take a break from my professional and private life and to reflect on which direction I wanted my life to take. I obtained a 3-month career break from my work.

The choice of coming to Armenia came naturally. I had been there briefly 10 years ago, I had spent most of my time in a small village in the North of the country. Since then I wanted to go back, get to know the country more in depth and understand what it meant to me.

Through AVC I got a placement at the French Armenian Development Foundation based in Yerevan. They finance projects all over Armenia for the long-term development of the country. The types of projects they finance are: equipping hospitals, renovating schools or working with handicapped and deaf people to improve their living conditions in Armenia and help them find jobs. I help in the monitoring and co-ordination of existing projects and also in finding funding for new projects, asking for grants from international organizations.

I find that it is such an advantage to be of Armenian origin here. It makes the experience so much more profound. I was accepted as one of them from the start, I could really experience everything from the inside, and I never felt like an intruder.

I am so glad I came to Armenia, the experience is so much more complete that any I could have in any other country. I learn and see things on so many different dimensions.

Of course there is a linguistic and cultural dimension to the experience. I get to know the country, its history, its specificities and customs- who were Parajanov and Komitas, what is Borsch, who are the Armenian Navy Band, how to do a proper Genatz.

But I also find there is a very strong human dimension to the experience. You meet so many different people, have so many different interactions. You meet of course other volunteers, diasporans from all over the world with which you can share your experiences. You also interact with Armenians from Armenia. I found that they are very easy to talk to, they let you come into their lives straight away, they confide in you very quickly, tell you about their life, their problems.

I also found that there is a strong artistic dimension to the experience. Armenia is a country which is very orientated towards arts and I have never had such a close artistic experience than in this country. I met painters who brought me to their studios and explained me their arts, I met ballet dancers who took me to their rehearsals. It is so easy here and cheap to go to classical concerts, operas or ballets.

Somehow I also found my experience here spiritual, even though I am not such a devoted Christian. The journey through the forest to the Arekolov church, the frescos of Kobair and the sceneries from Gandzazar are all conducive to spiritual thoughts, I found.

Being a very city person, I found that my trip to Armenia brought me back to nature. Through various hikes around the country, I discovered its very diverse sceneries- the vast and dry hills of the surroundings of Yerevan, the green forests of Dilijan and the North East or the moonlike landscape of Aragatz.

Through my experience here, I have also discovered the world of NGOs and international organizations, a world much of its own, with its own rules.

I also found that this trip opened my mind to a number of issues and concepts that I had never given a proper thought before. Through the forums organized by AVC and Birthright, talks with people and my own observations, I got to think about a number of different world issues, such as: the influence and impact of communism, the place of Armenia in geopolitics, the economy of developing countries or humanitarian aid versus private investment.

All in all it is quite a complete and certainly amazing experience and one that I would recommend to any diasporan Armenian.

Zatik Orphanage Summer Festival

2006-09-22T01:18:00.000-07:00

Zatik Orphanage Summer Festival Organized by Armenian Volunteers

YEREVAN August 28, 2006. This Saturday, September 2nd, the children of Zatik Orphanage will learn that their friends in the Armenian Diaspora do not forget about them. For the third year running, Richard (Ric) Gazarian from Chicago, and the Armenian Volunteer Corps, is hosting a full day Festival, complete with face painting, popcorn, cotton-candy and a pony ride, for the 136 children at the orphanage!

Numerous businesses have made promises to make generous donations which will make this day successful. Tumanian Shaurma will provide food and Grand Candy will provide ice cream, for the third year running Luna Park has donated it’s Moon Bounce for the day, and Cheers Disco Pub is supplying speakers and a DJ to kick off the fun!

Additionally, many other friends will participate to make the day as eventful and memorable as possible. Roughly 20 volunteers from the Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC), and also the Birthright Armenia/Depi Hayk Foundation, will be in attendance to help run the carnival games and do face-painting. The Zeytun dance group will put on a small performance, and professional clowns will provide amusement.

And why does Richard return every summer to host and sponsor this event for the children of Zatik? He simply says, “They are like my extended family.”

This relationship began in 2004 when Ric volunteered as an English teacher and mentor at Zatik Orphanage through the Armenian Volunteer Corps, an organization devoted to facilitating Diasporan Armenians with the opportunity to live and work in Armenia for long and short term volunteer service in hopes that those Diasporans will establish a life-long relationship with their countrymen and women in Armenia so that they can together build a stronger future.

Ric developed a strong attachment to his new found friends at Zatik, and they with him. Upon the end of his AVC service term in the summer of 2004, Ric decided he wanted to organize something special, something to bring happiness to the children in a memorable way. He organized the first “Zatik Festival” and like a true friend, Ric and the AVC volunteers try to play a continuing role in the lives of the children, and so are once again organizing the Festival fun this year.

Habitat for Humanity, Part 2

2006-09-08T03:24:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, September 6, AVC volunteers had an opportunity to return to Gavar and once again partner with Habitat for Humanity. Here, we worked on the same apartment building as before. Once finished, the building will house 24 families and close to 100 people.

We arrived at the site at 9am and, after a collective morning prayer, we recieved our day's placement. We worked side-by-side in one particular apartment with the man who would soon live in it: his first new home. For the entire day, AVC volunteers plastered and sanded the walls of the apartment in order to prepare the walls for painting. It was interesting to see how meticuluous the man's work was and how proud he felt to be working on his home. The smile that erupted on his face everytime he walked onto his balcony attested to his appreciation.

My second time on the worksite, I was amazed to witness the abundance of progress that Habitat has made on the building in only two months. When I first went in July, the building was a mere skeleton. Now, however, the apartments have tiled floors, beautiful wooden doors, and more. The humble works of every person that volunteered with Habitat for Humanity will greatly and directly influence these people.

-Stephanie Johnson

Welcome to the Fall 2006 Season

2006-09-07T00:27:00.000-07:00

move mountains
1. if someone or someone's beliefs or feelings can move mountains, they can achieve something that is very difficult.
Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms © Cambridge University Press 1998

A message to the departing Summer volunteers, and the incoming Fall volunteers:

AVC's motto is "come move mountains" because living and working in Armenia is an act of faith and an investment of hope in the future of our homeland and nation. On behalf of the AVC family I thank you again for making that commitment.

With great love and respect,

Anoush Tatevossian
Executive Director
Armenian Volunteer Corps