2014 “Ari Tun” Program: “In Ukraine we live with the thought of returning to Armenia…”-Ani and Anna Voskanyan

Sisters Ani and Anna traveled from the Ukrainian city of Poltava to participate in the 2014 “Ari Tun” Program organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora for Diaspora Armenian youth’s homeland recognition. In Ukraine the sisters spend their time reading books in Armenian and try to find out about Armenian culture by surfing the Internet or by asking their parents. They also go to an Armenian school.

The school often organizes events devoted to the homeland. During those events, Ani tells the audience about Etchmiadzin, the adoption of Christianity and more. Poltava also has an Armenian Club, which celebrates all the holidays, including New Year’s, Armenian Christmas, the Day of Motherhood and Beauty and more. Members of the Armenian communities of Ukraine gather and celebrate. The sisters wait for the “Armenian Cuisine Day” event when everyone prepares various types of Armenian meals and treats them to the Armenian and foreign guests. The girls prepare dolma, lavash and Zhingyalov Hatz of Karabakh with the help of their mother.

Ani and Anna found out about the “Ari Tun” Program on television, after which their father urged them to visit Armenia and participate in the program. The girls say their expectations were met and even saw what they hadn’t imagined seeing. In a short amount of time, they have already made friends with the children and youth from the participating countries, including the Czech Republic, Syria, Cyprus and Kazakhstan. Together they learn Armenian poems and songs and talk about their activities.

The sisters have visited Armenia several times and live with the thought of returning to the homeland since they feel good here. Ani and Anna love Yerevan in the evenings when they take walks on the streets under the lights. They love to be at Republic Square and admire the beautiful “dance” of the fountains. The only thing that they don’t like is the hot summer in Armenia.

Gevorg Chichyan

 

 

 

 

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