Through the “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora, several Armenian families have hosted young Diaspora Armenians, received them as their own children and transmitted the love and warmth of a traditional Armenian family to them. I had an interview with the young and charming landlady of one of those families, Armine Petrosyan for Hayern Aysor.

Karine Avagyan: Armine, during our phone conversation before the interview, you told me that you had hosted three young Diaspora Armenians. Wasn’t it hard for you? After all, you are a mother of two.

Armine Petrosyan: I found out about the “Ari Tun” Program at the local kindergarten. I consulted with my husband, Artak Mikayelyan. We reached an agreement and decided to host the young Diaspora Armenians. Of course, it was difficult, but I received them with love, warmth and open arms and did my best to make sure they would have a good time and remember the time spent at our house and with my family members. One of my children is six years old, and the other is three years old. They interacted with the Diaspora Armenians with pleasure, especially with the two sisters from France, including Anahit Silahal, 16, and her sister, Ani Silahal, 13. Nelly, who was from Nalchik, wasn’t too communicative and was more self-contained. We all became connected to them and still keep in touch. Thank God for social networks! They are a great help.

Karine Avagyan: Can you remember which place charmed and impressed the young Diaspora Armenians the most in Armenia?

Armine Petrosyan: They would come home with great impressions. They were charmed and amazed…I remember that they were most impressed with the visits to the temple in Garni, Geghard Monastery, Khor Virap Monastery and a military unit. They were so inspired by Armenia that they decided to ask their parents to purchase homes for them in the Homeland.

Karine Avagyan: Armine, what events did you and your family organize for them?

Armine Petrosyan: They took part in a baptism ceremony, and the French-Armenian sisters were especially very impressed. We took them to cafes and places of leisure. They sat on carousels and played various interesting games. They loved to tour the streets of Yerevan and be at Republic Square.

Karine Avagyan: I am certain that you prepared tasty dishes for them…

Armine Petrosyan Yes, I prepared tasty and national dishes. They would often request a particular dish. They would have full meals. We learned some things from them. My family and I have a habit of drinking coffee in the morning, and I would also make coffee for them, but those smart children forced us and taught us to have some breakfast before drinking coffee.

Karine Avagyan: Armine, what is your opinion of the “Ari Tun” Program for homeland recognition?

Armine Petrosyan: It is a good and instructive program. It gives unique lessons on friendship, hospitality and humanitarianism. I have an interesting idea. I suggest gathering the families that have hosted the participants of the “Ari Tun” Program and helping them get to know each other better. The “Ari Tun” Program serves as an opportunity for young Diaspora Armenians to become familiar with the beautiful sites and historic and cultural monuments of their Homeland and interact with their peers in Armenia. Although this program is devoted to homeland recognition, it will also lead to repatriation someday.

Karine Avagyan: Will you be hosting participants this year?

Armine Petrosyan: I would love to, but I have to take my elder child to preparatory courses since he will be going to school this year. I might not have time.

Interview by Karine Avagyan