On October 8, Armenian benefactors had a meeting with students pursuing their studies at Armenian universities with their support. The meeting was held under the initiative of the Armenian Educational Foundation at Ani Hall of Ani Plaza Hotel. Among the participants were RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, benefactors, President of the board of the Armenian Educational Foundation Al Kabralov and his wife Diana, President of the board Hermineh Pakhanians (2013), Savi Tufenkian, Hagop and Sarkis Shirvanian, Helli and Rafik Khachaturian, Alice Petrossian, George Isayants, Sheila Papayants, Susan Vardanyan and others.

Greeting the gathered, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan particularly mentioned: “I would like to express my gratitude to our benefactors because besides earning a living, the number one issue is education. This is what one of the greats said once. I believe the Armenian people have always loved learning and studying and all Armenian parents dream of seeing their children study at universities.

Today, Armenia has many universities, but many students have problems with paying tuition. I’m pleased to see that the speakers understood and expressed gratitude to the benefactors paying their tuition. Let’s thank the dear benefactors.

One of the greats once said: “I bow in front of a person with a great mind, and kneel in front of a person with a big heart.”

Diaspora Armenians act by listening to their soul and with a big heart and a great spirit. They do it for the people and the Homeland because that’s what their parents taught them. Therefore, we have to be grateful because they have left everything behind and have come to Armenia to help us open schools and kindergartens and help students pay their tuition.

The Armenian Diaspora has been supporting Armenia since the days of the earthquake. The Armenian Diaspora helped Armenia during the Artsakh war. The Armenian Diaspora is with the Homeland as we build the two Armenian republics, including the free and independent Republic of Armenia and the free and independent Artsakh.

I have known about the Armenian Educational Foundation for a long time. The founders of this institution are very beloved and honorable people. This small foundation makes a 100,000-dollar donation to our Homeland every year. Our compatriots, our Armenian benefactors and the talented Armenians of the Diaspora live by following the three commandments of our greats.

The first commandment is the words of Metsarents  (“Lord, give me the happiness of others”). Today, they are happy for your happiness and your successes.

The second commandment is the messages of Tekeyan, who said: “Life gave me what I gave to others, only this”. Our benefactors will always remain in your souls and will go down in history by giving and donating to you.

Finally, I believe you are also guided by the message of Tumanyan who said: “Efforts are eternal, know it well, it has been said throughout the centuries, it’s great when a person lives on with the work that he has done”.”

The event included speeches by members of the Armenian Educational Foundation, benefactors and students. There were also people who expressed their words of gratitude and congratulatory remarks.