PRESIDENT CHRISTOPHIAS INAUGURATES NEWLY BUILT LIMASSOL NAREG SCHOOL

Gibrahayer
Nov 12, 2008

Limassol – Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra – Gibrahayer 10 November,
2008 -Wednesday, 5 November 2008 was a glorious day for the Armenian
education in Cyprus, as the newly re-built Limassol Nareg School
was inaugurated by His Excellency the President of the Republic,
Mr Demetris Christophias.

In a quiet neighbourhood in central Limassol, at 5 o’clock in the
afternoon, the simple ceremony started off with the National Anthems of
Cyprus and Armenia. Immediately afterwards, Headmaster, Artin Aivazian,
made a small introduction, after which he read a greeting in Armenian
by the newly-appointed Minister of Diaspora of Armenia. Then came
the greeting by the Chairman of the Nareg Hokapartsoutiun (School
Committee), Krikor Haroutunian, who articulated the importance
of education for Armenians, especially when they first arrived as
refugees in Cyprus. Afterwards, our MP at the House of Representatives,
Vartkes Mahdessian, took the floor. In his greeting, Mahdessian gave
a short historical account of the Armenian education in Limassol,
and he thanked the Republic of Cyprus for all their support; like
Haroutunian, he made specific mention to Dr Vahakn Atamyan and the
late Bedros Kalaydjian, for their contribution in making this school
building a reality.

After Mahdessian finished his greeting, the Nareg schoolchildren
beautifully recited two poems, one in Armenian (My mother tongue) and
one in Greek (Build schools), which were followed by a traditional
Armenian lyrical dance (Ouzoundara), perfectly danced by a group of
five girls in white dresses.

After the cultural presentations, His Excellency the President of the
Republic, Demetris Christophias, addressed the people present with a
moving s peech. He recognised the importance of the Armenian community
of Cyprus, he declared that the Gibrahayer are an inextricable part of
the people of Cyprus, and he re-affirmed the government’s determination
to aid the community in all ways possible.

Later on, a prayer was performed by Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian,
assisted by Der Mashdots Ashkarian and Der Momik Habeshian. After the
blessing, at around 17:30 the President unveiled the marble plaque
of the school, and cut the ribbon, thus officially inaugurating the
jewel of Limassol’s Armenian community.

While the President and the other officials (including the President
of the House of Representatives, Marios Garoyian, the Minister of
Education and Culture Andreas Demetriou, the Maronite MP Antonis
Hadjiroussos, Limassol’s Mayor Andreas Christou, as well as the
Ambassador of Armenia to Greece and Cyprus, Vahram Kazhoyan) were
being toured around the newly-inaugurated school, a rich cocktail
party was taking place.

Occasions like this, remind us that the future of all communities,
especially of a small one like the Gibrahayer, lies in a well-educated
nor serount, as these youngsters will one day become the leaders of
the community. We were also reminded of the importance of a solid and
comprehensive education, which ensures that the students are equipped
with an invaluable asset to deal with the adversities of our highly
competitive society.