THE ARMENIAN DIASPORA
3 Million Armenians live in Armenia, 10 million live outside of Armenia…
While staying at the Kantar Hostel in Yerevan at the beginning and end of the trek, I met the most interesting group of young people who have Armenian heritage. Armenia has a program similar to the Birthright program in Israel where young people are invited for a volunteer stint in their heritage country.
The program in Armenia is in its third year and has had 100 volunteers. Of that hundred, 70 have chosen to stay on past their volunteer commitment!!!! Those with university degrees and interest have been invited back for government jobs with agencies in alignment with their degree. They receive a one year residency permit, medical insurance and are paid a stipend.
I am thankful to have met Surpik who is from Argentina, studied in China and has traveled extensively. We went often to the Cascade overlooking the city of Yerevan, sharing stories while taking in the sunset and the moon rise. I also had the pleasure of meeting thoughtful Roubina from Lebanon, sweet Razmig from Australia and fun Chris from Canada: each with their unique stories making this trip so memorable. They all want to stay in Armenia. I asked why. Their responses were lifestyle and that they feel they are making a difference. Their input matters!
Not shown in the second photo is Mane’, an Armenian who teaches at the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies. She invited us for a tour. It is mind blowing to see the creativity this program supports with middle school age youth.
These young people are such a positive representation of our future!
How fortunate Armenia is to have this influx of enthusiastic energy and how fortunate this group is to have a country that is so welcoming to them.