The 45 Diaspora Armenian boys and girls participating in the 8^th stage of the 2014 “Ari Tun” Program of the RA Ministry of Diaspora have already visited certain historic sites and other sites worth seeing in Armenia. They shared their impressions with “Hayern Aysor” correspondent on the road to Geghard Monastery.

Monica Avetisyan, 19, Vladikavkaz

“I was born in Armenia. When I was two months old, my family and I moved to Vladikavkaz. I have gone to an Armenian school for two years.

I’m participating in the “Ari Tun” Program for the second time already. This year, prior to the “Ari Tun” Program, I took part in a painting contest and won an award for my painting in which I had portrayed Armenia with my most brilliant imagination and had the honor of receiving a certificate from Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan.

For me, Armenia is like an enigmatic country. I discover more and more new things every time I visit the country.”

David Margaryan, 12, Georgia

“We live in an Armenian village in Georgia where everyone is Armenian. We only speak in Armenian at home and outside. I attend an Armenian school. I love reading books by Armenian authors.

I took my uncle’s advice and participated in the “Ari Tun” Program.

I like everything in Armenia, especially Lake Sevan. I would be happy to participate in the “Ari Tun” Program next year as well.”

Hasmik Hovhannisyan, 15 Bulgaria

“My roots trace back to Armenia. I was born in Bulgaria, but I’ve visited Armenia several times. When my father came to Armenia in search of a job, he brought me with him. I went to school here for a year. When we returned to Bulgaria, I was very sad because I had become attached to Armenia and my friends in school.

I have very few Armenian friends in Bulgaria and have to speak in a foreign language, but when I’m at home, I try not to say even one word in a foreign language because my father gets angry and tells me to speak in Armenian.

Armenia is very beautiful. The nature here is like a fairy tale. I simply adore the beauty of Armenia.”

Anna-Maria, 21, Romania

“First, I’d like to say that I don’t know Armenian, and I feel pity for that. My mother’s side is Armenian. Armenians settled in Romania before the Armenian Genocide of 1915. I have many Armenian friends like me. My ancestors made great efforts and managed to preserve several Armenian traditions. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to preserve the Armenian language.

When my parents found out about the “Ari Tun” Program, they registered me without thinking twice.

I’m simply stunned by the beauty of Armenia. Armenia is beautiful and irreplaceable, just like my mother.

I’ve taken Armenian dance lessons for years, and now that I’m in Armenia, I’d like to take Armenian dance lessons here. Words can’t describe the beauty of Armenia. I’m very thankful for providing me and the others with the opportunity to experience this.”

By Meri Gevorgyan