In the News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Linda Yepoyan
Phone: 610-291-2165
info@birthrightarmenia.org
July 15, 2005

BIRTHRIGHT ARMENIA IMMERSES YOUNG DIASPORANS INTO ARMENIAN FAMILY LIFE

Yerevan, Armenia – In Birthright Armenia’s second year of operation in the Homeland, the organization has ramped up efforts to provide real-life experiences in Armenia through homestay living, a program service connecting young diasporan participants from all over the world with Armenian host families. Birthright uses the homestay experience to “immerse” volunteers in Armenian family life so they see the Homeland beyond the eyes of a tourist. Over 25% of this summer’s group of Birthright participants opted for host family arrangements over apartment living – almost triple that of last year.

While volunteers are free to choose from several different living options during their eight-week minimum stay in Armenia, Birthright places special emphasis on the homestay living option as it is one of the most important tools in the volunteers’ “journey of self discovery” into their Armenian heritage. Not only does homestay living promote language use, especially for those who have little or no understanding of the Armenian language, but it also promotes youth-to-youth interaction, as host families are required to have at least one family member in the 18-32 year age bracket. If the above benefits are not enough to convince volunteers to choose the homestay living option, Birthright Armenia offers further incentives by paying for the first month of host family expenses for every volunteer who wants to experience it.

From the volunteers’ perspective, the homestay living option is a success. Many Birthright Armenia participants form a lasting bond with their homestay families, with some making return visits after their programs finish. When asked how a homestay has contributed to her overall experience in Armenia, Maral Kasparian, a biology teacher in Canada volunteering with the Diaspora Armenia Connection (DAC), answered, “My Armenian language skills have improved and I have a better understanding of people’s issues and struggles and concerns for their lives, their country and about world issues.” Another Birthright Armenia participant, Washington, DC resident Sophia Malkasian, who is volunteering for the Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC), agrees, saying “It has enabled me to establish direct relationships with Armenians and it allows me to see the particular nuances of an Armenian family. For example, I have learned how expressive, affectionate and loving families are with each other because I observe it every day.”

Another key aspect of homestay living is involvement in Armenian customs and traditions. Massachusetts resident and AVC volunteer Ani Sarkisian stated that one of the most interesting experiences she had in Armenia was participating in her host sister’s nephew’s “atam hatik,” which is performed after a baby gets his first tooth. This ritual, where a child chooses one of several items placed in front of him to predict his future profession, was Ani’s first introduction to Armenia’s unique family rituals. “I am involved in all my family’s activities and I love it. The second I met them, I felt as though they treated me as a member of their family. That’s the joy of my experience.”

Host family members are also very excited to participate in the homestay experience as they discover more about young diasporans and gain unique insight into their way of life in the Diaspora. Arsen Andreasian, who is hosting volunteer Celine Derebekian, a professional photographer from France, says “I look at her photos of places that are ordinary for me, but now I see it through her eyes and find new meaning in them.”

Gohar Avetisian, who is currently hosting two young volunteers, one from London and the other from Montreal, says she feels fortunate to have welcomed these two young men into her home. “I know everything about them – how they work, how they study, how they live. When I think about them returning to their own countries, I feel very sad for Armenia.” She went on to say that she would like to continue working with Birthright Armenia by hosting future volunteers.

Birthright Armenia 's mission is to strengthen ties between the Homeland and Diaspora youth by affording them an opportunity to be a part of Armenia 's daily life and to contribute to Armenia 's development through work, study and volunteer experiences, while developing life-long personal ties and a renewed sense of Armenian identity. Birthright Armenia offers travel stipends and many other free services to diasporans 18-32 years of age who enroll in one of the 24 youth-oriented programs sponsored by Birthright. For those interested in learning more about Birthright Armenia , please visit www.birthrightarmenia.org or email info@birthrightarmenia.org .

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