“We have been touring Armenia for the past three days now, and I have discovered many new things. I am impressed with the visits to the museums. I witnessed many interesting facts about Armenian history and culture,” Russian-Armenian Arsham Tamazyan said in an interview with Hayern Aysor, adding that he found out about the “Ari Tun” Program at school and decided to participate after consulting with his mother.

Arsham sincerely said he was afraid before the visit because he didn’t know if everything would turn out well, but he immediately became certain after seeing the cordial reception and generosity of the people in Armenia.

Arsham has become so close with his peers that it seems as though they have known each other for a long time. They have promised each other to keep in touch after the program, even through social networks. They have also planned to meet again in Armenia next year.

Arsham also participates in the Armenian language courses with pleasure. He knows most of the lessons since he always reads Armenian books and enriches his knowledge of Armenian at home.

Arsham, 14, is in the 9^th grade at Russian School N^o 259 of Saint Petersburg. He has many Armenian friends at school. Speaking Armenian is very important in Arsham’s family, and this helps him preserve his national identity in a foreign environment.

Arsham wants to become an actor and has been attracted by this profession since childhood. He is currently attending courses to become a master.

Gevorg Chichyan