Celebrating Mrs. Gayane's (head of the Armenian American Communities of America) birthday in the Ministry of Diaspora, with Ashley,one of AGBU's summer interns.
After a day of work, I was invited to join and enjoy a concert organized by the Ministry of Diaspora. It was the closing concert of "One Nation, One Culture." The dance ensemble was from France. Besides the dancing, it was also a story of people split into two parts, one living in another country and the other in Armenia. At the end these two meet holding the hands of their grandchildren who are dressed differently but yet are so similar.
Hranush Hakobyan, the Minister of Diaspora Awarding a medal to Vanush Khanamiryan
My favorite part of the day is 9 to 10 o’clock in Yerevan.I love walking in the republic square listening the fountains dancing under the music ofKhachatryan, Babajanyan, and Mansuryan. Life in Yerevan begins at night. It is too hot in the summer for people to be out during the day. Every corner of the city is glowing with life. The cafes are always full of people. You wouldn't find an empty cafe; every corner of the city is filled with music and people. People just come and come. I see many tourists especially from Iran this summer in Yerevan. Life also moves really slow in this city. In the cafes, the servers take their time to bring your order. On the streets, people are never in a hurry. Coming from US, I am too used to fast pace of life. It is unusual to see people walking slow and taking their time in everything.
The cafeteria where I ate my lunch every day.
My summer in Armenia with the Armenian Assembly of America Internship was one of the most life changing experiences. We had the opportunity to work in an organization with the field of our studies, meet important leaders/people, and go on excursions.
In the beginning, Iwas hesitant about the expectations from my internship at the Ministry of Diaspora of RA. The uneasiness I had, vanished after I was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Minister and the head of the Armenian American Communities of America department. I was introduced to all the workers in different departments and given my own desk/ computer.
In the Ministry of Diaspora I was assigned to translate articles, revise applications, research, compile data on various organizations such as AN
CA, AAA, Hamazkayin…etc. I gained a great deal of knowledge and experience by merely being present at the office and observing.
It is easy to constantly criticize Armenians for not cooperating. However, Armenia has been an independent republic for only 20
years; our real Diaspora is about 100 years old; and the Ministry of Diaspora is about two years old. We are merely learning to collaborate. It is difficult to imagine the amount of work needed to take place to unify worldwide Armenians. As a result, the Ministry of Diaspora has created different department for Armenians in Near East and Middle East, Armenian Communities in Europe, the Americas, and Telecommunications….etc. to unify worldwide Armenians.
A single task on researching Armenian artists in North America took 3-4 days to complete. This was a specific research for artists. What about all the Armenian singers, writers, actors, actresses, memorials, schools, churches, organizations, politicians, doctors, lawyers...etc.? This is what the Ministry of Diaspora has to deal with.
We are learning. It takes people who believe to invest their time and tremendous amount of effort to unify all of us. The Ministry of Diaspora has just been created and like any other newly formed organization hopes, acts, and fails and tries again. This internship guided me one step closer to my dream of one day to return home.
I also worked at the United Nations Association of Armenia. The office was incredibly hot because of no air conditioning. Just sitting by the desk for two minutes I would start melting. A cold drink was a must to have by my side all the time. Leaving the doors open was not helpful because of construction which was outside and dust would pollute the air. It was almost impossible for me to concentrate with these working conditions.
I cannot imagine the amount of dedication these devoted
individuals had for their work to survive under these conditions. They were heroes working hard by my side while I was having a brain freeze every ten minutes. These were people who wholeheartedly believed in their work towards educating the younger generation to become more open minded by organizing conferences between Azeri, Georgian, and Armenian students. Their devotion made me believe more of what I could achieve in life if I loved and believed in my work.
It's amazing how fast time goes by when you are having fun. Two months came and went. Next thing I knew it was time to say goodbye to Armenia. This was my first trip to Armenia in twenty years. I had a wonderful journey. I hope to come back very soon.
I have learned so much during this trip. Going through AAA was a great opportunity to reconnect with my country and my culture. When I first came to Armenia, it felt so surreal to be there. It took me a couple of days to realize that I was actually in Armenia. From then on my journey took off. There was so much to do and so much to see. It helped a lot that AAA had events and excursions planned for us. Another helpful aspect of the program was doing an internship. I enjoyed my internship at ACNIS. I was able to understand the real issues in Armenia and what kind of struggles people go through. I met a lot of locals who I befriended and still keep in touch with. Before coming to Armenia I did not know a lot about the country. But I left with so much more then I could imagine. This experience has definitely changed me in many ways. It was an eye opening experience that will stay with me forever.
It's impossible to sum up all the different emotions that go through you when you are experiencing something for the first time. There is no other feeling in the world that compares. You get a sense of belonging and family. Coming back after twenty years was not easy, I did not know what to expect. Visiting my relatives gave me a chance to reconnect with who I was and where I came from. I hope a lot more people will have an opportunity to do this program in the future. I really do recommend it to everyone.
This year marks the 11th year of the Armenian Assembly of America’s (AAA) Summer Internship Program in Armenia. That program has provided university and graduate school students the opportunity to better understand the realities facing Armenians today.
Since its inception, seventy interns have participated in the AAA Summer Internship Program in Armenia, volunteering their time and services to various government and non-governmental offices in Armenia. Visits to various sites of interest in Armenia and Karabakh were arranged so interns could develop a greater understanding and appreciation of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh today.
This program provides Armenian-Americans the unique opportunity to live and work in one of the most historically and culturally rich countries in the world. These internships provide Armenian-American youth the opportunity to experience life in their homeland, gain valuable and unique professional work experience, interact both professionally and socially with their Armenian counterparts, witness firsthand and participate in Armenia’s developing democracy, and discover Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. The volunteers offer their services to various offices, providing valuable services, as well as the opportunity to interact with Diasporans on a daily basis and share their knowledge. Most of all, the program strengthens the ties between Diasporan-Armenians and their homeland.
MEETINGS WITH ARMENIAN OFFICIALS
During their time in Armenia the interns met with several government officials, spiritual leaders diplomats and other prominent individuals including His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, Mayor of Yerevan Gagik Beglarian, Director of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) Richard Giragosian, Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan, Human Right’s Defender Armen Haroutunyan, the President of Armenian Young Women’s Association (AYWA) Lilit Asatryan, US Ambassador Ms. Marie L. Yovanovitch, Head of Armenian Police Alik Sargsyan, retired CEO/ Chairman of the Board, INTEL Corporation Craig Barrett, the CEO of Viva Cell – MTS Company Ralf Yirikyan and many others. During these meetings, interns learned about the inner workings of the Armenian Government, business in Armenia, about US-Armenia relations as well as the important role of the Diaspora in the homeland.
“The AAA Summer Internship Program really is a great step that a students can take to further their professional experience. It really is a great step that an Armenian can take to learn about his/her cultural history. Worthwhile work experiences are balanced with remarkable excursions, interesting meetings and a lot of cultural events. Plus, at evenings interns areafforded the chance to independently explore the city.” said SIP Coordinator Vram Karakeshishyants.
CULTURAL, SPORT ACTIVITIES AND BUSINESS
Some of the major highlights of the internship program are the Cultural activities.The students attended the performance of the State Dance Ensemble and the concerts of Serj Tankian and “Pokr Nanener” children dance group, number of theatre performances, Golden Apricot Film Festival, Armenia – Iran soccer game and many other cultural and sport events. The Water Day (Vardavar) interns celebrated in Yerevan’s streets, splashing water on each other and strangers.
Interns familiarized themselves with Armenia's business sector and toured the Grand Candy Factory, Synopsis Armenia IT Company, Yerevan Brandy Company, visited Vivacell Company and other enterprises.
“After 9 years of leaving Armenia and returning so much had changed in Armenia but there was much more that had to get done. I saw so much potential for growth in Armenia.
The Armenian Assembly of America Internship was an experience of a lifetime. I had an opportunity to intern in the field of my interest, participate on excursions in different regions of Armenia, and made many great friends from all around the world. My favorite part was walking in the streets of Yerevan at 9 o'clock at night when the sun was still out and the fountains were dancing under the music of Aram Khachatryan and Tigran Mansuryan....life in Yerevan begins at night during summer....this was the most unforgettable, memorable, and productive summer of my life.”, said intern Anush Petrosyan.
TRAVELING AROUND ARMENIA AND NAGORNO KARABAKH
In addition to gaining a better understanding of life in Yerevan, the interns traveled outside of the city, visiting historic sites such as the the Garni Temple, the Geghard and Khor Virap Monasteries. Interns also toured Noravank, Amberd Fortress. Interns took a four-day trip to Nagorno Karabakh. On the way, they visited the Datev and Gandzasar Monasteries and the cities of Goris and Gyumri, explored Lori and Tavush regions. Interns visited also St. Etchmiadzin, Sardarapat, Oshagan, Saghmosavank and Hovhanavank Monasteries, lakeSevan and many other sites of interest.
“From all my visits to Armenia, this year was by far my favorite visit. This was due to a number of different reasons, for example, I feel like I was able to experience the true Armenian life, not as a tourist but more like someone that lived here. I also enjoyed all the excursions that we went on, especially the ones Armenian Assembly of America took us on. My favorite part of the entire trip though, was the community that we built with all the other interns. In a very short amount of time I was able to befriend so many young Armenian interns like myself, from all over the world. This was an experience I will never forget and I would definitely recommend this to anyone that wants to truly enjoy their homeland.” , said intern Aram Kavoukjian.
INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS
For the first time, Assembly interns Aram Kavoukjian from LoyolaMarymountUniversity and Diana Oganesyan from University of California, Berkeley are interning in the Armenian Development Agency (ADA).
ADA was established in 1998 by the Government of the Republic of Armenia to facilitate foreign direct investments and promote exports.
Aram and Diana are volunteering also in “Orran”, the center for socially vulnerable children.
Aram Bedrosian from FairleighDickinsonUniversity and Gaya Baloyan, SeattlePacificUniversity graduate are interning with the ArmenianCenter for National and International Studies (ACNIS).
In addition Aram is participating in the FullerCenter for Housing Armenia’s working trips to villages and Gaya is volunteering in Armenian Young Women Association.
Anush Petrosyan from GlendaleCommunity College is interning in the Ministry of Diaspora. Part of her time she is spending in Armenian UN Association and YerevanCity Hall.
To date, AAA interns, from all over the United States, have volunteered in 39 offices, including:
Armen Pharm
ArmenianAmericanWellnessCenter
ArmenianCenter for National and International Studies
Armenian-European Policy and LegalAdviceCenter
Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute
Armenian Young Women Association
Armenian UN Association
Armenia Now News Agency
Armenian Tourism Development Agency
Armenia Tree Project
Bars Media
Constitutional Court
Habitat for Humanity
Hayastan All Armenia Fund
Hoffman La Roche Armenia
InternationalCenter for Human Development
MarkaryanMedicalCenter
Millennium Challenges Corporation – Armenia
Mission Armenia
NairiMedicalCenter
National Competitiveness Council of Armenia
National Geographic Traveler
NKR Representation Office in Armenia
NorkMarashMedicalCenter
OrranChildrenCenter
OSCE
ROA Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports Affairs
Ministry of Diaspora
ROA Ministry of Education and Science
ROA Ministry of Finance & Economy
ROA Ministry of Foreign Affairs
ROA Ministry of Health
Ministry of Justice
ROA Ministry of Urban Development
ROA Office of the Ombudsman (Human Rights Defender)
On August 12th the Class of 2010 Internship Program visited the headquarters of RoA Police to meet with the Chief Of Armenian Police Mr. Alik Sargsyan.
After greeting the interns and Assembly staff and thanking the Armenian Assembly for having such a wonderful program, the Chief of Police spoke about the functions and structure of Police.
Later Mr. Sargsyan informed the interns about the reforms being implemented in Armenian Police.
Pointing out the importance of the role of the Diaspora in solving the issues that our country faces, Mr. Sargsyan underlined that it's very important to work with young generation of Diasporan Armenians, letting them not only visit Armenia as tourists but also live and work here.
At the end of the meeting the Chief of Police took questions from the interns regarding a wide array of issues.
On August 4, the Armenian Assembly of America’s Summer Internship Program in Armenia ’s 2010 group had a special meeting with the United States’ Ambassador to ArmeniaMarie L. Yovanovitch.
The meeting was held at the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan in a very warm and friendly atmosphere.
The interns had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers on major political, economic and social issues, such as: the Turkish-Armenian border opening, the protocols, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the current economic situation in Armenia, U.S.-Armenian partnership, State Secretary Hilary Clinton’s visit to the region at the beginning of July, the Armenian Genocide, as well as the latest UN court decision on the independence of Kosovo and the possible influence of this judgement on the current status of NKR.
At the end of the discussion after Q&A session the interns got a clearer understanding of the US policy, current political events and the U.S.-Armenian relations.
On July 28 AAA Interns met with RoA Human Right's Defender (Ombudsman) Armen Haroutunyan. The aim of the meeting was to present the concept of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the role and functions of the Human Rights Defender. During the brief lecture Armen Haroutunyan presented citizen-state relations, basic human rights, fundamental freedoms. Answering one of the questions the Ombudsman described the violations of human rights during the Armenian Genocide and the role that can play RoA Ombudsman in the process of Genocide recognition. At the end of the meeting the Ombudsman answered students' questions.
AAA Interns spent last weekend at Lake Sevan. The weather was good and they spent time swimming, tanning, playing volleyball and enjoying the beautiful landscapes.
On July 21st AAA Interns visited Yerevan City Hall to meet the Mayor of Yerevan Mr. Gagik Beglaryan. During Mr. Beglaryan’s informative presentation, the interns learned about the historical background of Yerevan, the problems of the city and the activities of municipal officials to improve the governance of the city. The Mayor thanked the Armenian Assembly for organizing such a wonderful program which gives the Diaspora youth a great opportunity to live and volunteer in their ancestral homeland. After the presentation Mr. Beglarian answered interns’ questions. Later, the students explored the Yerevan City Museum, which is located in the same building.
