On June 26, the solemn closing ceremony of the first stage of the 2015 “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora for Diaspora Armenian youth’s homeland recognition was held at the “Ari Tun” Camp in Tsaghkadzor with the participation of Chief of Staff of the RA Ministry of Diaspora Firdus Zakaryan and Head of the Department of All-Armenian Programs Gagik Gyanjumyan.

Greeting the participants, Chief of Staff of the RA Ministry of Diaspora Firdus Zakaryan particularly mentioned the following: “Dear youth, I hope you spend unforgettable days in Armenia, become more familiar with your Homeland and learn about its centuries-old culture and history. I would like for you to have stronger ties with the Homeland.”

Zakaryan expressed gratitude to the parents of the participants and the host families for their confidence and cooperation.

The children performed the songs and dances that they had learned as they participated in the program and shared their unforgettable impressions of their days spent in the Homeland. The children surprised one of the participants of the 2013 “Ari Tun” Program, winner of the Voice of Armenia competition, singer Anna Khanchalyan.

During their 9-day stay, the participants were introduced to the historic and cultural sites in Armenia, had several meetings with state, public and cultural figures and learned lessons about patriotism. The participants spent their last five days at the camp in Tsaghkadzor.

The first stage of the “Ari Tun” Program ended with the traditional bonfire.

Let us remind that there were nearly 58 Armenian boys and girls from four countries participating in the program. There were 38 Syrian-Armenian children participating in the program.