Meri Poghosyan, 15, Tbilisi

“The last time I visited Armenia was when I was four years old. My mother is of Armenian descent, but was born and raised in Georgia. Armenia is a beautiful country. Due to circumstances, I don’t have Armenian friends in Tbilisi and don’t go to an Armenian school. Nevertheless, my mother always tells me about the trials and tribulations that Armenians have undergone. Since childhood, I have always thought of returning to Armenia because the Homeland pulls me like a magnet. I’m very happy to be in Armenia, my historic land. I take pride in Armenia and my national identity.”

Aram Poghosyan, 14, Tbilisi

“I was very happy when I found that I was going to visit Armenia. I had been dreaming of visiting and seeing my country. I must say that I speak Armenian very well. Armenian is a beautiful language. My grandmother taught me the language. Even when my sister and I speak in a foreign language at home, my grandmother gets angry and makes us speak in our native language. I’m very happy to be Armenian. I hope I’ll return to Armenia someday. I thank the organizers of the “Ari Tun” Program for providing me with this opportunity.”

Nastya Ohajanyan, 14, Kharkov, Ukraine

“I don’t speak in Armenian very well. My grandparents are from Nagorno-Karabakh. They live in Stepanakert, but we live in Ukraine. We speak in the dialect of the people of Artsakh at home.

Armenia is very beautiful. I love my country. I’m happy to be in Armenia and to be so well-received. By participating in the “Ari Tun” Program, I got to know my country and the people better. I have great impressions of my visit.”

Meri Gevorgyan