‘We Are Gyumri’ Campaign to Open Gyumri Youth Center in July

The opening of the Gyumri Youth Center will be held on July 11, 2016 in Gyumri, Armenia
The opening of the Gyumri Youth Center will be held on July 11, 2016 in Gyumri, Armenia
The opening of the Gyumri Youth Center will be held on July 11, 2016 in Gyumri, Armenia
The opening of the Gyumri Youth Center will be held on July 11, 2016 in Gyumri, Armenia
The opening of the Gyumri Youth Center will be held on July 11, 2016 in Gyumri, Armenia
'We Are Gyumri' Scholarship Recipient, Margarita Ardooshi Murazyan
'We Are Gyumri' Scholarship Recipient, Sona Minasyan
'We Are Gyumri' Scholarship Recipient, Siranoosh Avaki Simonyan

GYUMRI—The “We Are Gyumri” Committee is pleased to announce that the opening of the Gyumri Youth Center will be held on July 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in Gyumri, Armenia. The opening of the Gyumri Youth Center will take place in conjunction with the opening of the AYF Youth Corps program, where over 100 children will enjoy an unforgettable summer day camp experience at the new center.

Local media will be present to observe the opening of the newly renovated youth center and the launching of AYF’s Youth Corps program in Gyumri. Representatives including local political figures, AYF Youth Corps, and “We Are Gyumri” will be in attendance at the opening event, which will be followed by an intimate reception. This monumental event would not have been possible without the support of major donors and the community.

Background:
Gyumri, Armenia – Located in the central Shirak Highland, Gyumri has a population estimated at 150,000 people with a territory of 21 square miles. With remains of V-VII century churches in the city, Gyumri is known to be one of the oldest cities in Armenia. Its rich culture includes some of the most notable craftsmen, artists, scientists and athletes the world has ever seen. Unfortunately, the 1988 Spitak Earthquake left the city in ruin, destroying everything from homes, schools, churches and hospitals. The 6.9 magnitude earthquake destroyed the infrastructure of the city, took lives of over 25,000 people, injured over 19,000, and left over 500,000 homeless.

Approximately one year ago, the “We Are Gyumri” Committee introduced two significant aspects of its campaign, which was created to have a lasting and positive impact on the youth in Gyumri, Armenia still struggling after the devastating 1988 earthquake.

A fundraising effort was launched to renovate the Gyumri Youth Center, which also serves as the site for the AYF Youth Corps program. Each summer, a day camp is held at the center, where youth can learn basic English, history, songs, perform arts and crafts, focus on computer/IT development, as well as acquire new skills. Upon completion of the AYF Youth Corps program, the renovated youth center will allow a year-round program to be offered at the facility, while serving as a beacon of inspiration where children can further their social and academic aspirations. Full-time and part-time employees have been hired to help run the year-round youth facility and its programs.

The second component of the campaign is the “We Are Gyumri” Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is intended for residents of the Shirak Marz, who have chosen to pursue their undergraduate education in Gyumri. The scholarship offers these young adults the opportunity to pursue their higher education in their native region. Each year, the scholarship fund intends to grant up to $3,000 to students to help complete their education at Gyumri universities. Presently, there are three scholarship recipients:
Scholarship Recipient 1:
Margarita Ardooshi Murazyan was born in Gyumri on July 23, 1994. She attended No.18 Paruyr Sevak Secondary School from 2001 to 2008. From 2008 to 2012, she attended Photon High School in Gyumri. Margarita graduated with honors and was accepted to the Nalbandyan State Pedagogical Institute of Physics and the Faculty of Economics and Mathematics Division in Gyumri. She is currently in her fourth academic year achieving excellent performance. Unfortunately, her father, Ardoosh Rupeni Murazyan, passed away in 2012 at the age of 72. She currently lives with and supports her mother, Bella Mantashee Soghomonyan, who is not able to work due to health problems.

Scholarship Recipient 2:
Siranoosh Avaki Simonyans was born on April 10, 1996 in the city of Gyumri. From 2003 to 2010, she studied at the No. 11 Nalbandyan School. From 2011to 2014, she attended Photon High School in Gyumri. She is currently in her second academic year of International Economic Relations at the Armenian State University of Economics. Her mother, Tatevik Manvelee Vardanyan, is a nurse at the Berlin Polyclinic in Gyumri. Unfortunately, Siranoosh’s father, Avak Mnatsaganee Simonyan, has passed away.

Scholarship Recipient 3:
Sona Minasyan was born on June 3, 1996 in Gyumri, Armenia. From 2002 to 2013, she attended Mashdots #29 Secondary School in Gyumri. Between the years 2005 to 2012, she specialized in Turkish Studies and from 2009 to 2013 she attended music school specializing in the violin. Starting in 2013, she began her education at Yerevan State University studying Eastern Studies.

The Gyumri Youth Center Campaign and committee members extends its sincere appreciation to each of its individual donors for their generosity and support. Together, a brighter future is being forged for the youth in Gyumri. To make a contribution or receive additional information, please follow us at https://www.facebook.com/WeAreGyumri/.

Special Thanks to:

$ 50,000
Mr. & Mrs. Hacob and Mina Shirvanian

$ 20,000
Mr. & Mrs. Vahak and Alice Petrossian

$ 5,000
In Memory of Angele Kerdikian
AYF Juniors Central Council, Western Region ARF Dro Gomideh, Montebello ARF Armen Karo Gomideh, Orange County AYF Ashod Yergat Chapter, Orange County AYF Juniors Aghpiur Serop, Orange County
$2,500
Mr. & Mrs. Charles and Julie Ghailian

$ 2,000
Dr. Vicken Sahagian

$ 1,000
ARF Aharonian Gomideh, Glendale ARF Aram Manougian Gomideh, Torrance
Armenian National Committee, San Francisco Chapter Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, Encino St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, Hollywood Mr. & Mrs. Robert and Maral Adalian Mr. & Mrs. Koko and Arsho Avakian Mr. & Mrs. Manas and Donelee Boujikian
Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis and Siroon Derderian
Mr. Khatchik Hairabedian
Dr. and Mrs. Vicken and Nora Hovsepian
Mr. & Mrs. Avedik and Ankine Izmirlian
Mr. Arto Keuleyan
Mr. Aram Koulian
Mr. & Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian
Mr. & Mrs. Arkady and Irene Ovanessian
Mr. & Mrs. Neshan and Rubina Peroomian
Mr. & Mrs. Tigran and Maggie Sarkuni
Mrs. Sylva Tchakmakjian
Mr. & Mrs. Khatchig and Mariam Yeretzian


Source: Asbarez
Link: ‘We Are Gyumri’ Campaign to Open Gyumri Youth Center in July

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