The Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri, a beacon of hope and progress for local Armenian youth, commemorated its 8th anniversary. Guided by the vision of the “We Are Gyumri” Committee and under the dynamic leadership of Director Susanna Khotsanyan, the celebration underscored the Center’s continuous journey towards empowering the young generation in Gyumri. Established with the foundational support of the Shirvanian family, alongside both local and international partners, the Center has been a pivotal force in the community since its inception on July 11, 2016.
The anniversary event highlighted the Center’s significant contributions through engaging talks by speakers who commended its successful programs and initiatives. These speakers discussed the Center’s role in pioneering educational programming, cultural enrichment, and technological training aimed at cultivating the potential of the youth.
An integral part of the Center’s success story is its close collaboration with the “We Are Gyumri” Mina Shirvanian scholarship program. The program serves as a vital support system for local scholarship recipients, enabling them to contribute positively to the community while pursuing their undergraduate education in Shirak Province. These students volunteer their time at the Shirvanian Youth Center, engaging in and leading various activities throughout the year, from English language courses to Armenian national dance, and significantly enriching the community engagement initiatives of the Center.
Director Susanna Khotsanyan shared, “As we look back on these eight transformative years, we’re reminded of the powerful journey we’ve embarked on and the incredible impact we’ve managed to achieve together. The anniversary celebration isn’t just a remembrance of our past successes but also a beacon for our future endeavors. We stand committed to further empowering our youth, broadening our programs, and touching more lives.”
In tandem with the anniversary celebrations, the Center is also hosting its 4th Annual Summer Camp, themed “Amaras.” From July 16 to August 10, children aged 6 to 16 will engage in a broad spectrum of activities designed to connect them with their heritage and inspire a deep sense of cultural pride.
Expressing gratitude towards volunteers, donors, and partners, the Center also calls on the community for support. The “Amaras” Summer Camp, in particular, offers an opportunity for everyone to contribute to creating a stimulating and nurturing environment for the local children of Gyumri. To support this year’s summer camp, interested individuals are encouraged to visit our GoFundMe page.
For more details on the Shirvanian Youth Center’s diverse programs, upcoming anniversary initiatives, or information on how to support its cause, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Shirvanian Youth Center Facebook page.
The mission of the “We Are Gyumri” committee is to create a positive and lasting impact on youth in Gyumri, Armenia. The campaign restructured and renovated the Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri that had been destroyed during the 1988 Spitak earthquake. A year-round functional program was created at the Center to teach youth in Gyumri everyday skills, to provide them with the essentials they need for a brighter future, and to serve as a bridge between youth in Gyumri and their peers in the Diaspora. As another component of the campaign, the “We Are Gyumri” Mina Shirvanian Scholarship Fund is intended for residents of the Shirak Province to pursue their undergraduate education in their native region. “We are Gyumri” is an ARF Western U.S. Central Committee initiative. Visit the We Are Gyumri Facebook page for more information.
