Help AYF Build Bridges to the Homeland

By: Knar Kakhejian

Spending six weeks in Armenia was a dream come true, I can honestly say it wasn’t anything short of amazing. I was able to invest my time and energy into helping the children of Armenia, rather than sending my money from across the globe through a computer screen. Seeing the smiling faces of those eager and optimistic kids of Stepanagert, Gyumri, and Broshyan was all I needed to get out of bed every morning to make it to camp.

Even after many late nights of hanging out with the local AYF Ungers, or having our own “kef” time with our group, we made sure we had enough energy to give it back to the kids come 9:00 a.m. It was those late nights with the Ungers, those moments where we ventured off into the city on our own, and our countless hours spent with the kids, that was when we unknowingly created bridges to our homeland.

The bridges I speak of are not meant to be taken in a literal sense, it is meant to serve as a metaphor for creating an everlasting bond to our home, our kids, our future, our Armenia. The AYF Youth Corps Program has not only tightened the ropes to the bond I share with Hayastan, but it has opened a door of possibilities; the possibility to eventually move back home to Armenia and make a difference with my own two hands.

I encourage everyone to apply to the Youth Corps Program, it will change your life in its entirety.

If you cannot participate this coming year, you can always help out by taking part in our fundraiser and purchasing a Youth Corps water bottle for just $10.00. With your help, the funds collected can help us purchase 3 water bottles for every 1 sold, to give out to our campers during the program. Help us put a bigger smile on their faces, and I’m sure one will come across yours.