Hayern Aysor’s correspondent sat down for an interview with some of the participants of the 8^th stage of the “Ari Tun” Program of the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia that is already in full swing. Hayern Aysor presents the interview with 17-year-old Artyom Zakunts from Odessa.

Karine Avagyan: Artyom, how did you find out about this program?

Artyom Zakunts: I heard about it at our Armenian school and really wanted to participate. What interested me was the content of the program since the title of the program conveyed warmth and sparked my interest.

Karine Avagyan: Had you ever been to Armenia?

Artyom Zakunts: My parents are from Armenia, and we have relatives and acquaintances here. The last time I visited the homeland was three years ago. During my previous visit, I went sightseeing across the country. I will also be visiting historic and cultural sites through the “Ari Tun” Program. This program for homeland recognition serves as a wonderful opportunity for young Diaspora Armenians to become familiar with the homeland.

Karine Avagyan: Artyom, what is your family’s household language?

Artyom Zakunts: Armenian is my family’s household language, but we also speak in Russian. In other words, we speak in the language that we need to speak at the given moment. I don’t known Armenian very well, but I can speak and understand the language. I simply need to improve my knowledge of the language. I will be participating in Armenian language lessons at Charents Armenian School, and I am very happy about that.

Karine Avagyan: What is your dream?

Artyom Zakunts: My dream is to become a translator. If I start learning Armenian well, I will come and receive a higher education in Armenia. I am having trouble for the time being.

Karine Avagyan: Is it very hot for you in Yerevan?

Artyom Zakunts: It is very hot, but I am used to it because it is also hot in Odessa. The only difference is that there is a sea in Odessa. I am happy that we will be visiting Lake Sevan. I can’t wait.

…After many centuries, a river, a stream and even a lake is already wealth for Armenia that used to be referred to as Sea to Sea, and there seems to be a never-ending longing for seas in the souls of Armenians of Armenia and Diaspora Armenians, and the consolation is the longing for the blue-eyed beauty, Lake Sevan that has been passed down from one generation to the next.

Karine Avagyan