The solemn ceremony of closure of “Diaspora” Summer School 2014 and certificate granting by the RA Ministry of Diaspora was held on August 2. Jointly with the Yerevan State University, “Diaspora” Summer School has been implemented since 2012, and year by year the geography of the participant countries has been enlarged.

The RA Minister of Diaspora greeted the program participants and made the opening speech, particularly stating: “The Summer School adjourned, but it heralded the beginning of a major activity of the preservation of the Armenian identity to be implemented in communities.  Dealing with the preservation of the Armenian identity outside the Homeland is a big sacrification. “Diaspora” Summer School was held particularly with the participation of Diaspora Armenian young people. Now you will go back, strengthened by the Homeland, to use the knowledge acquired in your resident countries and to convey it to your compatriots”. Minister H. Hakobyan particularly highlighted the faithful and sacred activity of the Armenian schools and teachers aiming at preservation of Armenian identity. The Minister thanked our compatriots for visiting the Homeland and participating in the summer school, and stated that after the end of the program the participants’ suggestions will be summed up and included in the future programs of the Ministry. The Minister thanked also all the specialists for their invaluable contribution in making this program possible. Responsible person from the YSU Kamo Atayan also made a speech.

Minister H.Hakobyan granted certificates of program participation to the summer school participants. With great enthusiasm, the participants presented  their impressions and extended words of gratitude to the RA Ministry of Diaspora for organizing such efficient program and affording them an opportunity to receive training in the Homeland

At the end of the event, the participants performed patriotic songs and dances. Speeches were also made by the participants of national singing teachers and dance instructors training courses and the members of the YSU Cultural Center.

“Diaspora” Summer School – 2014 has been carried out in six areas, including “Training for Diaspora Armenian Teachers”, “Course for Diaspora Armenian Journalists”, “Course for Young Diaspora Armenian Leaders”, “Accelerated Armenian Language Courses (Eastern Armenian and Western Armenian)”  and  “Training Course for Singing Teachers and Dance Instructors”. This year, “Training Course for Representatives and Workers of Diaspora Armenian Communities” also was added.

The courses were hosted by the top experts from Armenia and the Diaspora. During the program, the participants had an opportunity to visit historic and cultural sites, the Residence of the RA President, the National Assembly, the Government and the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as met notable state and cultural figures. It should be noted that this year, the program has brought together about 240 participants from nearly 20 countries around the world.