Diasporan youth participating in the AYF’s summer programs in Armenia and Artsakh.
Glendale—The Armenian Youth Federation-Western United States (AYF-WUS) has announced that this year’s participants for Youth Corps and Artsakh Internship summer programs have arrived in Armenia. AYF-WUS’s flagship AYF Youth Corps program and the newly launched Artsakh Internship will take place in various regions of Armenia and Artsakh, connecting young diasporan Armenians with the homeland.
The Youth Corps program has served as one of the most prominent programs of the AYF-WUS. Originally sending groups of diasporan Armenians to help rebuild Artsakh houses and structures in 1994, for over a decade the program has transitioned into running day camps in various regions. For 6 weeks, participants are able to continue Youth Corps’ long-standing tradition of giving Armenian youth an opportunity to impact the Republic of Armenia with a hands-on approach.
Through the camp experience, local children learn basic English, patriotic songs, arts and crafts, as well as about the diversity of the diaspora and tolerance for its differences. These skills are critical in helping them grow to become members of a healthy civil society. The camps accept hundreds of children every summer and provide a safe and fun environment for them to build new friendships and acquire new skills.
AYF Youth Corps Committee Co-Chair Alique Cherchian said, “The experiences of counselors in the program are memorable. Seeing Armenia and interacting with locals firsthand is an experience second to none. The success of this program, drawing in dozens of young Armenians from all over the diaspora, lies in the fact that Youth Corps reflects the true ideals of the AYF and serves its ultimate goal of a free, independent and united Armenia.â€
