Dispelling Stereotypes

Through the Birthright/Armenian Volunteer Program, volunteers attend weekly forums and excursions to places near and wide throughout Armenia. All of our trips thus far have been extremely interesting and intriguing in their own ways, from a seminar on the history and future of Gyumri’s architecture to weekend outings viewing the beautiful landscapes and enjoying delicious khorovadz (BBQ) meals at locations like Stepanavan and Bazmamerd.

The experience that resonated with me most as of yet however occurred at our forum this week during our visit to the Trchoonian Home (orphanage). From the moment we entered the fully furnished facilities until we were seated in the impressive auditorium, I had a feeling the performance we were about to see by the 14-16 year old orphans would be correspondingly extraordinary.

The minute the teens appeared on stage my first reaction was one of surprise. Compared with most of the typical youth from Gyumri who often have rotted teeth and sallowed faces, these kids were bright eyed with glimmering smiles. Their dancing, vocal, and instrumental performances were comparable to ones given by performing arts students in the states and they had the utmost confidence in their talent without showing a shred of dejection because of the cards they have been dealt in life. As extravagant as it may sound, in comparison to the average life an Armenian child leads in Gyumri, it would almost be preferable to have been raised in such an environment over the typical nuclear family.

Hence, it should also be recognized that this specific orphanage is a rarity, funded privately by Diasporan Armenians. The country would in no way have the money or the will to fund such a facility when its organized families live in far worse conditions. The conclusion that can be drawn, however, is that many Diasporans have the education and the finances to make such things possible and in this specific instance, give a group of kids who had nothing and no where to turn to a completely renewed chance and limitless opportunities in life.

Undergoing renovation since the earthquake and being newly revived as of 2003 however, the Trchoonian Home has not faced the issue of needing to place orphans in college or work environments, with the eldest currently being 16 or 17 years of age. The option to continue living in the orphanage past adulthood always remains open to them, but I would hope to see continued efforts be made to ensure that these truly talented kids find a smooth transition into any life they may have envisioned for themselves. The people behind this institution are doing an amazing job and I think continued efforts made by Diasporans to bring such opportunities to the extremely unfortunate will not only dispel stereotypes of such hopeless citizens but help the rest of the country continue to pursue their hopes and dreams as well.

Destination: Gyumri

Two months in the second largest city in Armenia.
Just two weeks in, and I feel like I'm in a separate nation entirely.

Ten years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the motherland with a youth group and spent two weeks in Yerevan, leisurely spending our days in air conditioned buildings, fine cafes, and tour buses. My impression of Armenia was of confidence in a continuously developing nation. We had visited outer villages where life was more primitive and organic, but there was no cause for concern. These people were so hospitable, happy, and the living was easy.

Right? Well, not exactly. Gyumri was the first stop in showing me how difficult life really is for people living here, not tourists from the outside looking in. Yerevan is the capital and solely modernized region, while the rest of Armenia seems to have frozen in time. I don't mean to infer that this is a bad thing though. The architecture, family values, and rich history of this region have fortunately been preserved; elements which are often lost among more modernized countries. However, upon enduring an earthquake of gigantic measures roughly 20 years ago, the collapse of the Soviet Union (hence loss of aid from Russia) and political corruption have made life very difficult for people here.

Roads are filled with potholes, buildings are still in need of renovation, and the unemployment rate of the U.S. is no comparison to what it is here. Despite these pitfalls, I don't believe I've ever visited a place where complete strangers invite you in for coffee at any hour of the day (happened my first week when I entered the wrong apartment building); families ensure the well being of one another in such high regard (my host family immediately began calling me their 'daughter'/'sister' and completely opened their house to me); and regardless of looking north, south, east or west, a mountain range or grassy plain covered with red and yellow flowers abloom are of clear visibility.

The values, people, and nature of this country reign supreme above any economic, political, or natural turmoil/disasters that may occur and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to witness this firsthand. Having an impact during my time here and in the future, however little it may be, is one of the most rewarding feelings I've ever had and hope to give you all a glimpse of what it's like through these posts. I'll end this introductory entry with a word of wisdom: Taste the sugar before you put it in the coffee; it very well may be salt (true story :/ )

Photo description: With some of the other Gyumri volunteers at Independence Square.