News

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Reflections of a Wanna-Be Local

I remember my first day in Armenia back in June when a friend asked me why I came to Armenia this summer. Immediately, my answer was to help and put my values and my education into practice. Little did I realize that Armenia was the one helping me. I’ve been to Armenia twice before, I constantly read the Armenian paper and like you I have read all the blogs from last years Youth Corps participants. I thought I knew a lot about our homeland and our people. Now that I look back I realize how completely wrong I was.

ANCA-WR and AYF Advocate for Armenian American Taxi Drivers

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) are working with Armenian American taxi companies who were refused operational rights by a Santa Monica City Council Taskforce, through a recommendation which would allow the franchise of only five taxi companies to operate within the City.
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Endings and Beginnings

As I had unmistakably imagined, it was extremely grim having to part with the little ones on the last day of session 1 of Camp Gyumri. Being an alumnus AYF and Camp Hayastan camper, I figured I was completely prepared for the trauma of this scene; the kids pass out handmade lanyards or drawings that they have made for their favorite counselors, snap a couple of group shots and are on their way out bursting with laughter from the memories they have made and the victory-leading chants that they have newly acquired.
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A Party In Gyumri?

After a long day at camp last Monday, we came back home as soon as we could to make it to Heripsime’s (Digin Lilig’s Daughter) birthday. When we were walking back home all the girls were thinking of what to wear. As we passed by the house and took a quick glimpse of what people were wearing, we rushed quickly to put on our dresses and got ready!
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A New Point of View

I’m generally not a positive person. While contemplating on what to blog about, I was torn between a few depressing topics. First I thought I could write about how our host family’s daughters will be married off to an appropriate suitor who comes asking for their hand (dating is absolutely out of the question). Then I considered writing about the woman who lives around the corner from us. Her home is literally a room with four broken down walls. No bathroom, no electricity, no water. We took her extra sandwiches one day after camp and she immediately burst into tears about how unbearable her situation is.
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From Camp Gyumri to Mount Aragats

Working as a counselor at this camp is perhaps the most exhausting thing I have done in my life. These kids are extremely energetic. Sitting still is not something they do often, and it really takes a lot to keep up with them. However, quieting them down has become the least of worries.
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Dreams Become Reality

One week down, three more to go! Where has the time gone? I have to say I have never been so exhausted in my life! These kids are definitely a handful—but are the funniest bunch I have ever met. Each of them is more vibrant than the other.
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I Love Gyumri: Our Work Begins

After a near two hour ride from Yerevan, we finally arrived to our destination; Gyumri. This would be our home away from home for the next four weeks. As the van neared the house, we saw Digin Lilig (the landlady) waiting impatiently for us. She was standing by the door with arms wide open, ready to give each one of us a big hug and kiss. Her warm and welcoming nature, along with her excitement put us at ease right away.
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