On March 20, the RA Ministry of Diaspora hosted a teleconference with representatives of the Armenian Youth Educational and Cultural Center of Akhaltskha.

Chief of Staff of the RA Ministry of Diaspora Firdus Zakaryan greeted the participants of the teleconference and particularly mentioned the following as he addressed the youth: “It gives me pleasure to express my greetings to you, dear youth. I attach importance to the activism of Armenian youth because they serve as the basis for the survival and advancement of the Armenian nation, and we have to transmit the Armenian language and our national traditions to them.”

Director of the Armenian Youth Educational and Cultural Center Nanuli Kehyan gave a welcome speech from Akhaltskha and introduced the participants of the teleconference, after which she mentioned that more than 300 Armenian children visit the Center where they learn Armenian language, history, informatics, as well as Armenian songs and dances. Kehyan added that the Center tries to maintain the spirit of the nation and provide the young generation with an Armenian upbringing. Among other participants from Akhaltskha were Director of Renaissance of Akhaltskha website Eduard Ayvazyan, President of the Union of Creators of Akhaltskha Alexander Igitkhanyan, as well as the Center’s teachers and others.

The members of the Center talked about their upcoming programs, presented the problems and future plans of the Armenian youth of Akhaltskha and indicated the paths for future cooperation.

Head of the Division for Scientific and Educational Programs of the Department of All-Armenian Programs at the RA Ministry of Diaspora Sirvard Hambaryan presented the programs of the RA Ministry of Diaspora for this year and encouraged the Armenian community of Akhaltskha to show more active participation in those programs. The members of the Armenian community agreed to establish closer ties and cooperation with the RA Ministry of Diaspora in the year marking the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian Youth Educational and Cultural Center of Akhaltskha was established on September 25, 2006 in Akhaltskha.

The goal of the Center is to preserve the Armenian identity, preserve and develop Armenian culture, as well as study Armenian history and national traditions and become familiar with the homeland.

The Center has 300 students who learn Armenian language and history, English, Georgian, painting, chess and math, gain knowledge of computers and perform national songs and dances in a club (there is no age limit).

The RA Ministry of Diaspora has provided books, computers and national costumes to the cultural center, and a chessboard, items for embroidery, painting and other utensils to the clubs.