Let’s Live So Artsakh Can Live!
The Armenian Missionary Association of America’s kindergartens in Artsakh are where thousands of children begin their educational journey. The kindergartens provide the students with an education, critical thinking skills, and an appreciation for the environment. Despite the continuing humanitarian crisis brought on by the blockade, the AMAA’s kindergartens in Martakert, Stepanakert, and Askeran managed to stay fully operational, defying all odds. The blockade, periodic power and gas outages, and fuel and food shortages have made the day-to-day performance of the kindergartens difficult, but not impossible.
Despite these challenges, the school year ended in its normal course and 125 students from the three kindergartens, armed with new knowledge and skills, said goodbye to their beloved schools. The graduating classes took part in year-end programs, where the kindergarteners sang, danced, and recited poetry. And, according to AMAA tradition, and despite the blockade, the organization was able to provide the graduating children with gift bags full of school supplies.
Janbazian KG of Martakert
The year-end graduation ceremony for the senior group students of AMAA’s Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian Kindergarten of Martakert, was held on Saturday, June 17 in the hall of Martakert’s Culture and Youth Center. The theme of the ceremony was “Farewell Kindergarten.”
The students presented a program of recitations, songs, and dances dedicated to Armenia, as well as to their school, teachers, and parents. There were words of thanks to the staff for their motherly love, not sparing any effort or energy, and for making each day enjoyable.
At the conclusion of the event, the students handed over the symbolic key that opens the door to the world of wonders to the next generation. Kindergarten Director Gayane Aleksanyan congratulated the class and wished them good luck in their academic journey.
Bagdikian KG of Stepnakert
The AMAA’s Hagop & Lydia Bagdikian Kindergarten of Stepanakert on Tuesday, June 27 held its year-end graduation ceremony. Under the theme of the program, “Let’s Live for Artsakh to Live!,” the students presented songs, recitations, and performances. It was a fairytale for the children, who have been under siege for the past 200 days.
At the conclusion of the program, Kindergarten Director Nune Babayan wished the students well and gifted each of them packages filled with school supplies provided by the AMAA.
Basmadjian KG of Askeran
The AMAA’s Yeprem & Zabel Basmadjian Kindergarten in Askeran on Thursday, June 29 celebrated the 17th annual graduation ceremony.
Despite the blockade and the prevailing humanitarian crisis, the staff and parents joined forces and, by God’s grace, did the impossible. The children joyously recited poetry, sang, and danced.
Inside the school’s hall, it was a different world during the ceremony. As the guests immersed themselves into the students’ world, they momentarily escaped from the horrors, uncertainty, and injustices that engulf them on a day-to-day basis. The students declared, to the world, that they deserve to have a peaceful childhood in their Homeland.
“Our children are the ones who give us hope and strength to live in our homeland today,” said Director Anahit Danielyan in her remarks. “They want to enjoy the beauty of Artsakh’s nature, and the sacred homeland where their grandparents lived and worked.”
“May God give strength, patience, courage, and peace to realize the golden fairy tale of our children’s lives in Artsakh… May God hear and be pleased with the words and the will of our little ones… and may the days of Artsakh and the world open with good news, peaceful and carefree…” said Viktor Karapetyan, AMAA Representative in Artsakh.
