The 7^th stage of “Ari Tun” Homeland recognition program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora is underway: the participants are visiting historical–cultural monuments and sightseeing attractions in Armenia. During the visit of the program participants to the Pagan Temple of Garni and the Monastery of Geghard, the correspondent of “HayernAysor” talked to some of the participants.

AnahitAvetisyan, 14 years old, Moscow

I was born in Yerevan, and attended an Armenian school before leaving for Moscow. Three years ago, with my family, I moved to Moscow, where I am a 9th grade student. This year I have come to Armenia to go to college.

For already two days, I am having a tour with “Ari Tun” program and have already acquired good friends. I am here to remember and not to forget the history of my Homeland. I want my family would stay and live here. I would love to thank the organizers of “Ari Tun” program for this opportunity of communicating with my compatriots that have visited from different parts of the world.

AzatMkrtchyan, 14 years old, Holland

I have come to participate in “Ari Tun” program with my sister Anna Mkrtchyan and my relative, whose name is also Anna. My mother leaned about this program from her friend, and she enrolled us in the program. I have come to Armenia to see the historical-cultural sites of Armenia;the Pagan Temple of Garniparticularly interests me.

In Holland, we are used to talk Armenian at our place, so that I and my sister would remember about our Armenian roots and not forget about it. In Holland everyone knows that I am an Armenian, as almost always I wear cloths with the colors of the Armenian flag. I want to receive education in Holland and after that return to Armenia to live here.

ArturHovakimyan, 13 years old, Moscow

I participate in the program to get familiar with the history of our ancient churches, get a better knowledge of written and verbal Armenian, and finally to enjoy the Armenian warm sun. I have learnt about “Ari Tun” program from internet; later on, one of my friends told me about the program, providing more details, and I decided to participate in it with my brother Davit Hovakimyan.

In addition to getting new information, I am acquainted with my peers from various countries. I have already made friends with Arsen from Boston. I like playing football in my spare time. We have agreed with Arsen to play football one day. My dream is to become a good football player.

ArsenPatvakanyan, 18 years old, Boston

I was born in Boston, where I attended an Armenian school. I got to know about GarniTemple, as well as other historical-cultural sites of Armenia at school; and participation in the program deepened my knowledge. I like everything in Armenia, especially the way people warmly look at each other when greeting. I hope that next year as well I will spend my summer holidays with “Ari Tun” program.

When I go back to Boston, I am going to enter University. In my spare time I like playing football. I play in the Armenian football team in Boston. I am grateful to the Ministry of Diaspora for affording us such opportunity.

Prepared by TatevDavtyan