The Armenian community of Perm actively participates in all the programs organized by the Ministry of Diaspora, and the members of the community are the permanent “guests” at the annual Pan-Armenian Awards “For notable contributions to preservation of the Armenian identity”.

This year, teacher of the Armenian Sunday school after Mesrop Mashtots in Perm region Zoya Vardanyan won the 2^nd prize in the Defender of the Native Language category, and the city’s Armenian cultural center won the 2^nd prize as the Best Community Organization.

In an interview with “Hayern Aysor”, director of the Mesrop Mashtots Armenian Sunday School of Perm region Jasmine Hayrapetyan tried to formulate the secret of the school’s success.

“Hayern Aysor”: Mrs. Hayrapetyan, your school is one of the most active participants every year. What is the secret?

Jasmine Hayrapetyan: Our school has been around for the past 14 years, and we have spent five of those years working with the Ministry of Diaspora. We worked harder until then as well, but the ministry’s assistance helped make our programs more interesting.

As far as the awards are concerned, we only send the ministry the works that we deem appropriate and leave the rest at the school. This doesn’t mean that we overlook the other children. For us, as Mrs. Hakobyan said, everyone is a winner. We do everything possible to make sure that our children feel that they are winners and that they have done a good job. Thanks to that, throughout time, we have noticed that the children are more interested. They felt that they haven’t been forgotten and that the school appreciates even their small tasks.

As for the secret of our success, I can say the secret is our concerts. We hold at least four concerts a year in Perm.

When we had just started organizing concerts, we noticed that all the children want to participate and all parents wanted to see their children on stage. We organized more concerts so that all children would have the chance to perform. The concerts are not only for entertainment. There is a theme for every concert. We try to present our Armenian traditions during every concert. The last concert was called “Reawakening” during which we presented the image of Mother Armenia with all the customs and traditions.

Of course, teaching Armenian language and literature is very important, but if we only do that, the children won’t come to school. When they realize that they have something to do besides learning the language and have certain obligations that they must fulfill with honor and glory they become more motivated. More and more children attend our school after every concert.

“Hayern Aysor”: Mrs. Hayrapetyan, your community actively participates in the programs organized by the Ministry of Diaspora.

J. H.: Many members of the community wish to visit Armenia and participate in this or that program, but not everyone has the opportunity. Our school’s participation is made possible by the people who can extend a helping hand and provide us with funding, and we choose the best representatives.

We’re also able to receive government support since we also provide auxiliary education.

We do everything possible to make sure our children receive an Armenian education and speak in Armenian. It’s obvious that children living in Russia speak in Russian. They simply mustn’t lose knowledge of their native language. In order for Armenian to become their conversational language, we act a little cleverly. We don’t offend children speaking in Russian. Our teachers simply tell the children that the language spoken in the classroom is Armenian and that everyone must speak in Armenian. The children repeat that when they see that their friends are speaking in Russian.

Thanks to our collaboration with the Ministry of Diaspora, in the autumn we invited Gagik Ginosyan to Perm where he held a one-week session and conveyed so much energy to the community that helped our dance group grow professionally.

Whereas until then we had three groups (adults, teenagers/youth and children), now we have one major adult group, a second group of adults that was split from the main group due to the large number and a third group of adults. There are also groups for teens and youth and children.

Currently, the school has nearly 200 students. True, if we take into consideration the number of Armenians living in Perm, we’re not satisfied. But we’re not concerned about the school’s closure. More and more students are being enrolled every year, and our programs are starting to become more interesting. I’m certain that our school will always be around, regardless of who the principal will be.

We accept any proposal with pleasure and try to do our best to make sure nobody is discontent. We even listen to parents.

We host more literary evenings during which we present our writers. We would also like to touch upon modern writers, but we lack materials. I would like to ask for help with that.

When we posted the photos of Komitas and Sayat-Nova on the walls at the school in the first year, many didn’t know who they were. I remember how bad I felt. Now, things have turned around, and we’re happy for every little thing that we succeed in.

We often organize meetings with the members of other communities, that is, the communities (Sverdlovsk, Izhevsk) that are near Perm. We organize joint events and soccer matches. Youth organizations are very active.

Perhaps this is the secret of our success, and we’re pleased with the fact that the Ministry of Diaspora appreciates our efforts.

Interview by Lusine Abrahamyan