Davtian and Mariamian Educational Institution in Glendale (USA) has acquired a good reputation due to its activity aiming at preservation of the national identity. It should be noted that it was founded in 1987 by a group of graduates of the Kushesh Davtian and Mariamian Educational Institution in Iran. With the view to promotepreservation of the Diaspora children’s Armenian identity, they have decided to organize Armenian language courses. The fruitful results of the initiative have been definitely obtained. 

Currently, about 25 Davtian and Mariamian Educational Institutions are openedin seven US cities, the largest branch being in Glendale. In the educational institution, the pupils are taught to culture, the Armenian Language, the Armenian History; besides, they have an opportunity to know the Armenian culture, art and traditions more closelyin Armenian song, dance and poetry groups. The courses here are organized two days per week, with total duration of fourhours. This educational institution is a non-profit organization; the courses are delivered in the American public schools.

The Director of the Davitian Maiamian Educational Institution Ofelia Tsaturyan plays a major role in the well-establishment of the educational institution, attainment of new achievements and strengthening the Homeland-Diaspora links. Mrs. Ofelia has a degree in economics; for already three years she has been the Director of Davitian Maiamian Educational Institution. She manages the school with immeasurable love, believe and devotion appropriate to her tender and delicate feminine image. The Director canstraightforwardly handle the duties assumed by her due to her inflexible will-power and spirit. One of the motivationsis that she is keen to be helpful to the Homeland by the activities carried out by her, whilst being far from Armenia. Mrs. Oflelia treats all her employees like equals, and considers the educational institution her second home. She is very demanding in the teachers’ selection process. Before hiring teachers, she interviews all the incumbents, tests their knowledge level, the skills ofcommunicating with children, and only then she makes a final decision and offers job. Here pupils rangingfrom the preschool to the sixth gradeare educated.

Currently, the specialists having professional higher education are teaching atDavtian and Mariamian Educational Institution. Workloadnever annoys the amiable director. Often she has to work till late evening, but once the results are seen, the exhaustion and sleepless nights would vanish. Mrs. Ofelia told us that the Armenian parents in Glendale take their children to the school with enthusiasm, taking the responsibility for being taught tothe mother tongue, and are very consistent in that regard.  It is no surprise that children of other nations, wishing to learn the Armenian language, also attendthis school. For example, Davtian and Mariamian Educational Institution has a Korean student. Mrs. Ofelia’s heart distends with pride, when during an event these children, together with the Armenian children, perform the Anthem of Armenia. She simply feels infinitely happy when the precious Armenian language sounds from the lips of aforeigner. Maintaining permanent links with parents and teachers, tracing the progress and drawbacks of the students, being aware of the problems at the school represent the inviolable mode of action of the Director.

An undivided part of the school’sactivity is organization of various events. Here all state, national and religiousholidaysare celebrated with all due solemnity. They organize New Year’s Eve party named “Santa Claus and Snow Maiden″, bringing together all the students of the school. At the event dedicated to Mother tongue, students address their gratitude totheir teachers, appreciating and honoring them. The end year graduation ceremony is celebrated with a special magnificence, thus becoming a great occasion for everyone.Barekendan Holiday is one of the beloved holidays of Ofelia Tsaturyan, and, of course, it is included in the educational institution’s event program. Thus, Mrs. Ofelia is keen on preserving the Armenian traditionsin the hearts of the Armenian children, rather than following the American holidays and traditions. Very often, open classes are organized, which exerts a positive impact on the quality of education and arouses curiosity among the students about the subjects studied. Beginning from September, the whole staff will be involved in organizational activities dedicated to the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Mrs. Ofelia speaks favorably of the RA Ministry of Diaspora: ever since the first years of establishment of the Ministry, she has been in close and friendly relations with it; they have sought various ways of interaction and organized spacebridges and video-conferences.  With the support by the Ministry of Diaspora, Davtian and Mariamian Educational Institutionreceived various text books that were very helpful in delivering the courses. The RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan awarded the President of the Board of Davtian and Mariamian Educational Institution Vahik Tsaturian with the Gold Medal of the Ministry of Diaspora for his significant contribution in the education of the young generation in Diaspora and in the sphere of education.

At the end, the Director of Davtian and Mariamian Educational Institution Ofelia Tsaturyangave anappreciation speech: ″I would like to kindly thank the President of the Republic of Armenia for making a determination to establishthe Ministry of Diaspora, which is a strong link that ties Diaspora with Armenianfor the Armenians residing on a foreign land. Due to the existence of this authority, we feel protected being far from the Homeland. I cannot but express my admiration and respect to the Minister Hranush Hakobyan for her everyday care, warm and kind attitude and high personality traits″.

Davtian and Mariamian Educational Institution is truly faithful to its mission-enrooting the Armenian spirit in the hearts of the Armenian students attending the American public schools through Armenian education and training, and preservation of a patriotic generation in anomnivorous state called the United State of America.

Prepared by GevorgChichiyan