“Once again, I would like to make it clear that the “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora is a program for homeland recognition, not repatriation and would especially like to ask the media to be more careful and not confuse the meanings of these two words, that is, repatriation and homeland recognition,” RA Deputy Minister of Diaspora Serzh Srapionyan declared during a March 25 press conference of the representatives of the “Ari Tun” Program at the RA Ministry of Diaspora, reports Hayern Aysor.

The purpose of the 8^th “Ari Tun” Program for homeland recognition is to familiarize Diaspora Armenian youth with Armenia the Homeland, instill in them awareness of the national identity, as well as introduce them to the customs and traditions of the Armenian nation, as well as to the morals and lifestyles of the Armenian family.

Thanks to the five tours (Oshakan-Ashtarak-Mughni, Sardarapat-Etchmiadzin-Zvartnots, Garni-Geghard, Khor Virap-Noravank and Sevan), the Diaspora Armenian boys and girls are introduced to the historic and cultural monuments, museums and sites worth seeing in Armenia.

The participants of the Program spend their last five days at the “Ari Tun” Camp where they participate in instructional programs, take Armenian language courses and native studies courses and learn Armenian songs and dances. They also meet with Armenia’s state officials, as well as public and cultural figures.