FAR HELPS YOUNG DIASPORA ARMENIANS DISCOVER THEIR OWN ARMENIA
by Daniele Faye Sourian Sahr

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Thursday August 20, 2009

New York – Living in multiple cultures is something many
Armenian-Americans know well. Despite growing up in America, many of
us have a strong awareness of and attachment to our Armenian roots –
even if those roots have crossed through other nations and cultures
before reaching the United States.

Most of us have an understanding of Armenia built on such childhood
stories as Mesrop Mashtots’ alphabetical vision, images of snow-capped
Mount Ararat, and numerous tales diluted by generations and distance.

For many Armenian-Americans, setting foot in Armenia is a way to step
beyond these childhood images. It provides a chance to learn who they
are, as Armenians.

Over 14 years, the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) has provided this
opportunity to dozens of young Armenian-Americans through the Young
Professionals Trip. For two weeks each June, up to 20 individuals
can experience the sights, smells and tastes of Armenia.

This year, led by FAR’s Projects Director Arto Vorperian, participants
traveled through 10 regions of the country, visiting sites like the
Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial and Vorotan Canyon and witnessing
the astounding height and beauty of Mount Ararat.

Even though the trip incorporates visits to significant cultural and
historical landmarks, participants do not solely explore Armenia as
tourists getting a mere snapshot of the country. This trip gives them
the opportunity to delve into the nation’s fabric, to step beyond the
history books, and to experience a physicality lacking in any photo
or painting hanging on a wall back home.

Through this trip, FAR instills in the young professionals a keen
sense of awareness for the needs of Armenia and its people. They
learn about Armenia’s religious, political and economic heritage by
engaging with political and religious leaders. They witness firsthand
the country’s need for better infrastructure, education, health care
and employment by meeting those who benefit from FAR’s programs.

Participants were brought face to face with the orphans who live
at FAR’s Homeless Children’s Center in Yerevan, which is a complete
full-service facility for at-risk children. They met the elderly who
rely on FAR’s soup kitchen for daily sustenance and survival. They
shared coffee with students who attend FAR’s Gyumri Information
and Technology Center (GTECH), students who, by furthering their
education, are helping to rebuild a community still recovering from
the devastation caused by an earthquake 20 years ago.

With each introduction and each conversation, the country they once
knew only through the stories of others becomes their own. They
develop a richer, deeper connection that ultimately benefits their
lives and the lives of their fellow Armenians. Armenia becomes real,
and, more often than not, it becomes a place to which they want to
stay connected.

Daniele Sahr, a participant from the June 2009 trip put it this way,
"Each experience, location, and person had a way of bringing to life
the symbolic images we carried to Armenia with us and unfailingly
introduced us to the palpable realities of daily life. While there
was no question of the difficulties faced by so many in this country
in need of modern infrastructure, more jobs, and greater security,
there was a consistent underlying feeling of vibrancy, hope, and
wide-spread intelligence that I could not help but want to be a part."

Daniele may be one of the many trip participants who soon return to
Armenia to play a role in bettering the nation by participating in
FAR’s programs, doing anything from supporting abandoned children to
helping Armenian doctors enhance their skills.

Dates for the 2010 trip will be announced at FAR’s blog and
website, and on Twitter. FAR will also hold an event for prospective
participants in September when trip alumni will share their experiences
and photos. Details about the event will be announced later in
the summer.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress