Within the framework of the “Ari Tun” Program for homeland recognition, many of our compatriots and their families host young Diaspora Armenians in their homes, transmitting the love and warmth of an Armenian family.

Within the framework of the third stage of the 2016 “Ari Tun” Program, mathematics teacher of Nairi Zaryan School N 130 of Yerevan, Anna Mkhoyan is hosting Nadya Hovhannisyan from Javakhk, particularly Ninotsminda, and she had come to the editorial office of Hayern Aysor with Nadya.

“There were people talking about the “Ari Tun” Program and host families at school, and I thought about hosting a young Diaspora Armenian in my home. My daughter, who is 25 years old, also gave her consent. We usually make the same decisions. I intentionally chose the month of July so that I could be at home and be able to talk to my guest, go out for walks and make tasty meals. We are hosting 17-year-old Nadya, who is a modest, patriotic and proud Armenian with dignity. I gave her my room so that she could feel free. I also provided my computer at her disposal. Nadya talks to my daughter, and they make plans for the future. In two days, Nadya became very close with us. It as if we have known her for a long time. Every morning, Nadya makes good coffee for me. We have to make sure the guest doesn’t feel like a guest. One of the best attributes of the Armenians is their hospitality. My daughter, Arpine is very busy at her workplace and even works at home, but she manages to find the time and communicate with Nadya. Yesterday they even made a meal together and surprised me. We live like one big family. A couple of days ago, my friend’s son returned from the army. We went to congratulate him, and of course, Nadya came with us. My friends had invited us. We have planned to have my students meet Nadya and go out for a walk with her.

Nadya is a special girl. She is very goal-oriented, full-grown and loves to learn. She is also patriotic and has dignity. She has set a goal to receive a higher education. Of course, it will be hard for us to bid her farewell, but I think we will keep in touch after the program is over. I admire the “Ari Tun” Program. It is a wonderful idea. The Ministry of Diaspora is carrying out a tremendously pro-national program.”

We continued our interview with Nadya, who amazed us with her judgments that a smart and mature person would make, her fiery spirit of patriotism, analyses, as well as her knowledge of Armenian and Armenian history.

“I heard about the “Ari Tun” program from my friends who had participated in the program. We have visited many historic and cultural monuments, but I was more impressed with the Battle of Sardarapat Memorial. I love everything about the history of my Homeland. I am interested in the heroism of the Armenians and the crucial moments in the history of the Armenian people, as well as the historic and cultural monuments and memorials that are connected to them. This is not my first visit to Armenia. My family and I have relatives here. I set goals and experience something new every time I visit. I could have stayed at my relatives’ home, but I thought it would be right to stay with another family and have new “relatives”. Most of the participants of the third stage of the program speak Russian, and that makes me angry. I am of the opinion that an Armenian must only get married to an Armenian and that all Armenian families must preserve the Armenian language and national traditions. I have become friends with most of the participants. I think we will keep in touch after the program is over. I don’t like people who are liberal. Of course, one shouldn’t be shy, but everything has to be in proportion. That is how I have chosen my friends. The Armenians of my hometown Ninotsminda (Javakhk) believe it is very important to have pride, dignity and a family that is conventional, and since I have grown up in such an environment, I have been brought up this way. I have decided that I will definitely receive a higher education. I will probably study in Tbilisi because it is close to Ninotsminda. These are my views and plans for the future. Time will show the rest.

Thank you to the “Ari Tun” Program for providing me with the opportunity to make new friends. I am very grateful to my host family, Mrs. Anna and her daughter, Arpine, who have become close to me.

I thank God for being born an Armenian girl and for having a small and sweet Homeland called Armenia.”

After this interesting and meaningful interview, the only thing left to do is to take pride in the precious gifts that the Creator has given to the Armenian people, who are smart, have leap of thought and are unique with the harmony of heart and soul.

Karine Avagyan