For the past six years, the “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora for Diaspora Armenian youth’s homeland recognition has been “opening the doors” of Armenia for Diaspora Armenian youth in the summers and “telling” them “Ari Tun” (Come Home). Through this program, Armenia has hosted nearly 5,000 young Armenians from 43 countries for the past six years.

The “Ari Tun” Program provides Diaspora Armenian youth with the opportunity to become familiar with the history and culture of their homeland and know the Armenians’ lifestyle, as well as morals and traditions while staying with host families.

The program helps Diaspora Armenian youth establish strong ties with their homeland, reinforce their national identity, establish cordial ties with Armenia and return to their countries of residence with a large “supply” from the homeland as they continue to stay true to their Armenian identity, the Armenian community, the Armenian Church and the Armenian State.

The “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora has been a success every year, and this year was no exception. This year, the program brought together 1,103 Armenians from 40 countries around the world.

Every day, the youth would start their day with an Armenian language class, according to their level of Armenian language proficiency. The courses were hosted at Stepan Shahumyan School N 1 of Yerevan.

Like every year, the participants of the program visited historic and cultural sites in Armenia (Oshakan, Sardarapat Memorial, Etchmiadzin, Zvartnots, the temple in Garni, Geghard Monastery, Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery, Lake Sevan, Yerablur Military Pantheon, Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex and several museums), as well as the Botanical Garden of Yerevan, universities and more.

After their 9-day stay with host families in Armenia, they spent the last five days of their visit at the “Ari Tun” Camp in Tsaghkazor where they learned Armenian songs and dances, played games, participated in events and had meetings with notable figures, including state figures. The closing ceremony of each of the stages turned into a real celebration with a bonfire.

The 2015 “Ari Tun” Program was special in that the program brought together 80 Islamized Armenians of Diyarbakir, nearly 200 young members of the Hunchakian Party, as well as over 100 Syrian-Armenian youth.

Despite the successes, there is a need to work more actively in the countries that haven’t sent youth to participate in the “Ari Tun” Program or haven’t sent many youth.

RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan’s idea is to create offices for support to the “Ari Tun” Program in large communities of the Diaspora in order to facilitate the efforts of the RA Ministry of Diaspora. To turn this idea into a reality, the Department of All-Armenian Programs of the RA Ministry of Diaspora has already prepared the modified versions for the stages and terms and conditions of the 2016 “Ari Tun” Program and the rules and regulations for the activities of the offices for support to the “Ari Tun” Program, which will be sent to Diaspora Armenian organizations after being ratified by the minister.

In closing, we would like to share the memories of some of the participants of the “Ari Tun” Program.

Gevorg Yemenjyan, Poland: It’s a wonderful program. I returned to my roots, discovered my identity and became familiar with Armenian national traditions. If I had a chance to learn more about my homeland, I would stay there. In Armenia people are like sibling. They always take care of each other. I haven’t seen such a thing in any other country. I’m very grateful to the organizers.

Ruben Petrosyan, Georgia: The “Ari Tun” Program helped open the doors to my homeland and provided me with the opportunity to become familiar with the historic sites and become convinced once again that Armenia is truly a museum under an open sky. The program gave me the chance to make friends from different countries and keep the spirit of the Armenian nation alive. Some of the young Armenians were visiting Armenia for the first time, and I noticed that they loved and longed for the homeland. Many promised to return and live here, and I’m certain there will come a  day when all us Diaspora Armenians will return to our homeland and will live here and not abroad.

Shakeh Agha-Sarkisian, USA: Armenia is an extremely beautiful country. I’m very happy to be here and to get in touch with my people. I’m very happy to have the chance to see my wonderful homeland. I thank all the organizers of the “Ari Tun” Program.

Karina Grigoryan, Russia: First of all, I would like to say that unfortunately, I can’t speak Armenian well, and that’s why I’m participating in the “Ari Tun” Program so that I can learn my native language and know the history of Armenia. I have visited Armenia several times, and it’s safe to say that no other country has an interesting history like Armenia. I’m amazed at the Armenian people’s warm hospitality. I visited historic sites like Yerevan, Garni, Ashtarak and other sites. As for the churches and monasteries I visited the Mother Cathedral, the Khor Virap Monastery, Noravank Monastery and Geghard Monastery. I’ll be visiting Lake Sevan and Tsaghkadzor where I’ll be participating in a camping event. I believe I’ll be leaving Armenia with great impressions, and I hope to be able to become familiar with my country, language and history.

Meghrig Bagrchian, the Netherlands: I loved everything that I saw in these past couple of days. We Diaspora Armenians were together, and we were all Armenian. I have good and beautiful memories. I thank all the organizers.