AGBU “DISCOVER ARMENIA” COMPLETES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON
“Discover Armenia” is one of the most successful youth programs of the Armenian General Benevolent Union carried out in Armenia. Every year it brings together 15-18-year-old Diaspora-Armenian youth to spend unforgettable days in their homeland.
For the seventh year in a row, this year AGBU’s “Discover Armenia” program brought to Armenia 31 participants from Canada, France, Greece, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, UK and US. The program coordinated by AGBU Diaspora Youth Programs Coordinator in Armenia Hermine Duzian took place from August 7 to August 26.
AGBU “DISCOVER ARMENIA” COMPLETES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SEASON
“Discover Armenia” is one of the most successful youth programs of the Armenian General Benevolent Union carried out in Armenia. Every year it brings together 15-18-year-old Diaspora-Armenian youth to spend unforgettable days in their homeland.
For the seventh year in a row, this year AGBU’s “Discover Armenia” program brought to Armenia 31 participants from Canada, France, Greece, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, UK and US. The program coordinated by AGBU Diaspora Youth Programs Coordinator in Armenia Hermine Duzian took place from August 7 to August 26.
AGBU SPONSORS THE FIRST PAN-ARMENIAN CHESS OLYMPIAD
As part of the “One Nation, One Culture” festival the first pan-Armenian chess olympiad took place in Yerevan from August 15 to August 23. The joint initiative of the RA Diaspora Ministry and the Chess Academy of Armenia brought to Yerevan forty high-ranking Armenian chess players from Diaspora, Artsakh and Armenia. For most of them this was the first opportunity to visit their homeland. The first pan-Armenian chess olympiad was sponsored by Chairman of the Union of French in Armenia Raymond Yezeguelian, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and “Armavia” company. The total prize fund of the tournament, 22,000 USD, was provided by the AGBU.
AGBU-AYA “VAHRAM PAPAZIAN” THEATER GROUP OF BEIRUT ON TOUR IN ARMENIA
Armenian General Benevolent Union-Armenian Youth Association’s “Vahram Papazian” theater group of Beirut was on tour in Armenia from July 3-10 as part of the RA Diaspora Ministry’s “One Nation, One Culture” festival. On July 4, the group presented Hakob Paronian’s “Shoghokort” (“The Flatterer”) in the packed hall of the Paronian State Theater of Musical Comedy in Yerevan. In charge of the production of the two-act comedy was professor Yervant Ghazanchian, who has been directing the group for the past decade. He is also the Artistic Director of the Paronian State Theater of Musical Comedy.
AGBU ARMENIAN VIRTUAL COLLEGE IS 1 YEAR OLD
On July 2, Armenian General Benevolent Union’s (AGBU) Armenian Virtual College (AVC) celebrated the first anniversary of its activities. The online forum organized by the AVC was attended by AGBU Central Board member and Founding-Chairman of the AVC Dr. Yervant Zorian, AGBU Central Board member and member of the Phoenix University Board of Directors Carol Aslanian, RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobian, education specialists.
Having been launched in June 2009, the AVC has become the first Armenian online university, with a distinct goal to make Armenian education available to everyone and everywhere through modern technologies.
AGBU ARMENIAN VIRTUAL COLLEGE HOSTED THE PARTICIPANTS OF RA DIASPORA MINISTRY’S “COME HOME” PROGRAM
On June 30, AGBU Armenian Virtual College hosted more than 100 participants of the RA Diaspora Ministry’s “Come Home” program, who have arrived from different communities of the Diaspora, including Russia, Georgia, Canada, Lebanon and Syria, and will spend 2 weeks in Armenian families.
Dr. Yervant Zorian, AGBU Central Board member and Founding-Chairman of the AVC, presented the potential of the online education system involving the youth in active discussions. His questions revealed that only 75% of those present have some knowledge of Armenian.
AGBU EUROPE’S “GORIZ” PROGRAM IN ARMENIA
“PRO-DEMOCRATIA: YOUTH SEMINAR FOR DEMOCRACY AND CIVIL SOCIETY REINFORCEMENT”
“Pro-Democratia: Youth Seminar for Democracy and Civil Society Reinforcement” took place in Yerevan on May 20-24 in the framework of AGBU Europe’s “Goriz” program. Funded by the “Youth in Action” program of the European Commission “Goriz” aims to develop new projects encouraging active participation of youth in civil society.
Organized by AGBU France in partnership with AGBU Armenian Representation, ACAB (Spain), HAIK (Germany), Inside Europe (Belgium), SIVAM (Russia), AGBU Sofia (Bulgaria), AGBU Damascus (Syria) and Jamanak (Turkey), this year “Goriz” brought together 20 young Armenians from EU countries.
AGBU EUROPE’S “GORIZ” PROGRAM IN ARMENIA
“PRO-DEMOCRATIA: YOUTH SEMINAR FOR DEMOCRACY AND CIVIL SOCIETY REINFORCEMENT”
“Pro-Democratia: Youth Seminar for Democracy and Civil Society Reinforcement” took place in Yerevan on May 20-24 in the framework of AGBU Europe’s “Goriz” program. Funded by the “Youth in Action” program of the European Commission “Goriz” aims to develop new projects encouraging active participation of youth in civil society. Organized by AGBU France in partnership with AGBU Armenian Representation, ACAB (Spain), HAIK (Germany), Inside Europe (Belgium), SIVAM (Russia), AGBU Sofia (Bulgaria), AGBU Damascus (Syria) and Jamanak (Turkey), this year “Goriz” brought together 20 young Armenians from EU countries.
AGBU YEREVAN YPs AND SCOUTS LEND A HELPING HAND TO THE CHILDREN WITH LEUKEMIA IN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
Two youth structures of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, AGBU Young Professionals Yerevan team and the AGBU Yerevan Scouts, in partnership with “Grant Life” Foundation, organized a series of fundraising events to help children with leukaemia in the Republic of Armenia. The events aimed not only at raising public awareness about this disease, but also at purchasing a centrifuge machine. A leukaemia-diagnosed child cannot survive without blood transfusion, which is an obligatory therapy for haematological diseases, otherwise a patient dies within 2-3 months.
THE PAN-YP ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT IN KHACHIK VILLAGE
On April 10, the AGBU YP Yerevan members, headed by chairman Harutyun Poghossian, CARD Agribusiness Projects Coordinator Anna Karapetian, and RA Nature Protection Ministry representative Vahagn Sargsyan, visited Khachik village of Vayots Dzor region of Armenia to implement Phase 1 of the Pan-YP Environmental project. In the desolate area near the ancient church of the village, which is currently being reconstructed, the AGBU YPs, CARD representatives and the villagers headed by village head Vachik Poghossian, planted 95 seedlings provided by the RA Nature Protection Ministry.
AGBU AND RA DIASPORA MINISTRY JOINTLY ORGANIZED THEATER PERFORMANCES ON THE OCCASION OF THE
95TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
From April 21-27, as part of the events dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, RA Diaspora Ministry and Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), with the financial assistance of AGBU, jointly organized four theater performances of Franz Werfel’s “40 days of Musa Dagh” (director Armen Elbakian) and Pertj Zeytountsian’s “All rise, the court is in session” (director Tigran Gasparian) at G. Soundoukian State Academic Theater of Yerevan.
Prior to the April 23 performance of “40 days of Musa Dagh”, the AGBU Yerevan Scouts paid tribute to the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide with a candlelight ceremony at the lobby of the Soundoukian Theater.
AGBU PRESENTS CERTIFICATES TO 23 BEST STUDENTS OF THE FRENCH UNIVERSITY IN ARMENIA
The official ceremony of granting certificates of excellence to the 23 best students of the French University in Armenia (UFAR) by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) took place at the “Henry Cuny” Hall of the French University on April 5. This year the total amount of AGBU’s financial support to the University has made 30,000 USD.
AGBU and UFAR have been cooperating in a number of projects since 2004. Starting 2007, within the framework of this cooperation, AGBU has supported the University in covering the tuition expenses for a selected number of students.
CELEBRATION IN HONOR OF MR. AND MRS. NAZAR AND ARTEMIS NAZARIAN IN THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
On April 5, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians presided over a Home Blessing service for the new Chancellery building of the Mother See, and a celebration in honor of the Benefactors, Mr. and Mrs Nazar and Artemis Nazarian, of the United States.
The Pontiff of All Armenians led Mr. and Mrs. Nazarian and guests to the entrance of the Chancellery where an opening ceremony was held. Children from the Etchmiadzin Youth Center presented a short performance in the assembly room of the Chancellery.
YEREVAN FINALS OF THE 4TH REPUBLICAN INTERSCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT
The third round of the AGBU-sponsored 4th republican interschool chess tournament is held from March 25 to April 15, 2010. Thanks to AGBU’s donation the winners of the third round receive chess clocks. The 4th republican interschool chess tournament started in the fall of 2009 and will end in May 2010.
The regional finals take place in all the regions of the Republic of Armenia these days. The Yerevan finals attended by RA Education and Science Minister Armen Ashotyan, Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Kamo Areyan, AGBU President Berge Setrakian, Vice President of the RA Chess federation Smbat Lputyan, AGBU Central Board members and other officials.
MARGARET AJEMIAN-AHNERT’S “THE KNOCK AT THE DOOR”
IN ARMENIAN
A unique evening featuring Armenian-American writer, Winner of the 2008 New York Book Fair Award for Best Historical Memoir Margaret Ajemian-Ahnert took place at the Komitas Hall of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute on March 30, 2010. During the evening organized by the Fund for Armenian Relief Ajemian-Ahnert read passages from her book ''The Knock at the Door'', which has been translated into Armenian, and answered questions from the audience. At the evening present were AGBU President Berge Setrakian, AGBU Central Board of Directors members Garnik Yacoubian, Vasken Yacoubian and Aris Atamian, FAR Executive Director Garnik Nanagoulian, other guests.
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES AGBU DELEGATION
On April 1, President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan received the delegation of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) headed by AGBU President Berge Setrakian. Also present at the meeting were member of the AGBU Council of Trustees Nazar Nazarian and his wife Artemis Nazarian, AGBU Central Board members Garnik Yacoubian, Vasken Yacoubian, Aris Atamian, Sam Simonian. Welcoming the guests President Sargsyan expressed his delight at the fact that the number of delegates grows with each consequent visit to Armenia.
AGBU-YSMU LEVON AND CLAUDIA NAZARIAN RADIOLOGY CENTER” OPENS IN YEREVAN
A radio-diagnosis and therapy center opened at Yerevan State Medical University after M. Heratsi on March 31. President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan was present at the opening ceremony. The official opening ceremony was also attended by the President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Berge Setrakian, AGBU Council of Trustees member Nazar Nazarian, AGBU Central Board members Garnik Yacoubian, Vasken Yacoubian, Aris Atamian, other AGBU members, RA Health Minister Harutyun Kushkian, Rector of the YSMU Gohar Kyalyan, other officials and guests.
ARMENIAN PM RECEIVES AGBU DELEGATION
On March 31, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan received the delegation of the Armenian General Benevolent Union headed by AGBU President Berge Setrakian. Also in the delegation were AGBU Council of Trustees member Nazar Nazarian, AGBU Central Board members Garnik Yacoubian, Vasken Yacoubian, Aris Atamian, AGBU Armenian Representation Director Ashot Ghazarian.
AGBU LAUNCHES MOSCOW SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM
AGBU is currently accepting applications for its newly created 2010 Moscow Summer Intern Program. Already home to the largest community in the worldwide Armenian diaspora, Moscow will be the location of AGBU's newest summer intern program, which joins the organization's successful programs in New York and Yerevan. The first Moscow Summer Intern Program is scheduled to begin on June 26, 2010, and it will continue for five weeks, concluding on July 31. The program will offer students of Armenian descent from around the world a once-in-a-lifetime professional experience in a global hub of trade, commerce, diplomacy and innovation.
MARIE NOUBAR OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC RE-OPENED IN YEREVAN
Marie Noubar Ophthalmology Clinic of the Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) re-opened its doors after complete renovation on November 27. The clinic was built with the donation of founder and president of Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Boghos Noubar pasha in memory of his wife Marie Noubar. This was the first eye clinic in Armenia considered to be the cradle of Armenian oculists.
Built in 1929 this clinical facility had never been renovated. Today, thanks to the initiative and efforts of the YSMU we have a completely renovated ophthalmology clinic equipped with advanced medical devices and modern technologies.
AGBU CONTINUES SUPPORTING THE REPUBLICAN INTERSCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT
For the third consecutive year the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) renders assistance to the Republican Interschool Chess Championship, which is organized by the RA Education and Science Ministry, RA Chess Federation and the AGBU.
The main goal of the tournament is to support the development of chess in Armenia, discover new young talents and help maintain Armenia’s leading position in the world chess championships. About 15,000 schoolchildren from all the regions of Armenia and Artsakh struggle for the finals.
AGBU AND HOLY SEE OF ST. ETCHMIADZIN YOUTH CENTERS PARTICIPATE IN A PAINTING COMPETITION IN A YEREVAN PARK
On Saturday, November 14, students of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Youth Centers participated in a painting competition on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of consecration of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians. For a whole hour, in one of the beautiful parks of Yerevan, the children painted under the curious looks of passersby. Papers, pencils, watercolors, gouache, music, interesting topics and bright faces and….an hour to paint.
AGBU PRESIDENT BERGE SETRAKIAN PARTICIPATED IN THE THIRD DIOCESAN REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY AT THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
From October 31 to November 3, 2009, the third Diocesan Representative Assembly of the Armenian Apostolic Church was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and with the participation of representatives from the Armenian Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Constantinople; Diocesan Primates from Armenia and the Diaspora; high ranking clergy; Members of the Supreme Spiritual Council and representatives of the laity.
AGBU YP Yerevan & Fuller Center project
On November 14th AGBU YP, Yerevan along with The Fuller Center for Housing Armenia helped build a home for the Karapetyan Family in Geghard region of Kotayk Marz.
For the last 19 years the family of 6, whose eldest son is currently serving in the Armenian Army, has lived in indescribable conditions in a cabin made of scrap metal donated by the head of the Village Authorities. However, with the help of generous donors, Volunteers and the constant support of the Fuller Center, the Karapetyan family was finally able to see their lifelong dream of owning a home come true.
The AGBU YP group consisted of 23 members of the Yerevan chapter and in just a few short hours was able to bring the completion of the Karapetyan home forward by 10 days according to the father of the family.
AGBU has worked with the Fuller Center for three years and helped construct homes for families like the Karapetyans all around Armenia.
Berge Setrakian's iterview on Shan TV (part1)
During his latest visit to Armenia the president of Armenian General Benevolent Union Mr. Berge Setrakian gave an interview to Shant TV
Berge Setrakian's iterview on Shan TV (part 2)
During his latest visit to Armenia the president of Armenian General Benevolent Union Mr. Berge Setrakian gave an interview to Shant TV
Berge Setrakian's iterview on Shan TV (part 3)
During his latest visit to Armenia the president of Armenian General Benevolent Union Mr. Berge Setrakian gave an interview to Shant TV
“AGBU Levon Zaven Surmelian Printing House” opened at the Writers Union of Armenia
Continuing its traditional support to various cultural programs, particularly its contribution to the development of Armenian literature and book publishing both in Armenia and Diaspora, Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) expands cooperation with the Writers’ Union of Armenia (WUA). During the years with the financial support of AGBU the Writers’ Union of Armenia has published works of Armenian writers and organized pan-Armenian conferences.
AGBU-AVC PRESENTED IN MOSCOW
Dr. Yervant Zoryan, Member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Central Board of Directors, and Mr. Ashot Ghazarian, Director of the AGBU Armenian Representation visited Moscow, Russia, from September 18-21, to meet with students and Armenian community of Moscow and present the AGBU’s educational and youth projects in general and particularly the Armenian Virtual College (AVC) – AGBU’s newest contribution to Armenian education.
Statement Of The AGBU Central Board Of Directors On The Occasion Of The Release Of The Recent Draft Of Protocols To Be Considered By Armenia And Turkey
On August 31, 2009 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, together with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, jointly produced two documents of protocol concerning the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey and the development of bilateral relations.
The Armenian General Benevolent Union has been steadfast in serving the Armenian people for more than a century. It has been a leading voice for the desires and aspirations of the Diaspora. AGBU unwaveringly adheres to its time-honored policy of supporting the homeland, safeguarding the rights of the Armenian nation, and promoting the historic and cultural legacy of our people.
SCOUT CAMP IS A WAY OF LINKING THE DIASPORA YOUTH TO THEIR MOTHERLAND
The visit of Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) President Berge Setrakian to Armenia in the fall of 2007 launched a new and very important program. With the support of the AGBU Central Board of Directors the first scout camp was organized in Armenia. For that purpose AGBU purchased campgrounds in the Lermontovo village of Lori region.
“Azg” was invited to participate in the fire ceremony and closing of the first round of camping of this year’s AGBU camp “Antranik”.
As we reached the camp the atmosphere of joy and happiness surrounded us.
2009 AGBU “GARBIS PAPAZIAN” AWARD PRESENTED TO TSVETANA PASKALEVA
The 2009 “Garbis Papazian” award is presented to Bulgarian TV director, reporter and cinematographer Tsvetana Paskaleva for her unwavering devotion to the truthful presentation of the Artsakh liberation struggle.
Paskaleva worked in Artsakh during the war covering the heroic battle and presenting the conflict of Karabakh to the international community. As a foreign journalist she made reportages on the mass deportations and ferocities against the Armenian nation and showed them to the world.
SHUSHI HOSTS THE FINALS OF ARMENIAN REPUBLICAN INTERSCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT
On May 6, the finals of the Armenian Republican Interschool Chess Tournament initiated by the RA Chess Federation, RA Education and Science Ministry and Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) took place in Shushi, Karabakh, with participation of 18 teams from all the regions of Armenia, Karabakh and Javakhq.
HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II RECEIVED PRESIDENT OF AGBU BERGE SETRAKIAN
On March 25, Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II received Mr. Berge Setrakian, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).
His Holiness expressed gratitude for the patriotic activities of AGBU and the services offered to the Homeland, Diaspora and the Church. Catholicos Karekin II also conveyed his appreciation personally to Mr. Setrakian for his devoted soul and heartfelt approach towards the Armenian Church and the Holy See St. Etchmiadzin. His Holiness and Mr. Setrakian spoke about the strong cooperation between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), discussed the joint educational and social programs.
AGBU PRESIDENT BERGE SETRAKIAN RECEIVED BY PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA SERGE SARGSYAN
On March 24, 2009 President of the Republic of Armenia Serge Sargsyan received the President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Berge Setrakian. As the presidential press office informed Armenpress highly assessing the patriotic and nation-preserving activities of AGBU, President Sargsyan said that it is very pleasant to hear about new projects.
AGBU President Berge Setrakian presented the current activities of the Union and future plans. AGBU has initiated new programs the main purpose of which is the strengthening of ties between the homeland and the new generation of Diasporan-Armenians.
NA SPEAKER RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF AGBU
Speaker of Armenian parliament Hovik Abrahamian received the President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Berge Setrakian who was accompanied by a member of AGBU Central Board Vasken Yacoubian and Director of AGBU Armenian Representation Ashot Ghazarian.
Public relations department of the Armenian parliament told Armenpress that greeting the guests the NA Speaker pointed out the century-long patriotic activity of AGBU directed towards the preservation of Armenia, and noted that the AGBU has implemented a number of educational, cultural, social, humanitarian and church construction programs in Armenia.
RA PRIME MINISTER TIGRAN SARGSYAN RECEIVED AGBU PRESIDENT BERGE SETRAKIAN
Today, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan received Berge Setrakian, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).
The Prime Minister mentioned that the results of the implementation of agreements reached during their previous meeting are inspiring. Head of the RA Government thanked the AGBU and Berge Setrakian personally for the programs implemented in Homeland. According to Tigran Sargsyan these programs are especially important today since they help reduce the negative impact of the world financial and economic crisis and, at the same time, resist it.
PRESENTATION OF LEVON-ZAVEN ZURMELIAN’S “TECHNIQUES OF FICTION WRITING: MEASURE AND MADNESS” BOOK
On Tuesday, February 17, the presentation of famous Diasporan Armenian writer and poet Levon-Zaven Surmelian’s “Techniques of Fiction Writing: Measure and Madness” book took place at the AUA Business Center. The event was organized by the Armenian General Benevolent Union and M. Abeghian Institute of Literature of the RA National Academy of Sciences. The book, financed by the AGBU “Levon-Zaven Surmelian” Fund and published by the Abeghian Institute of Literature in the “Literary Studies XX century” series, was translated into Armenian by Aram Arsenian.
ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION’S DONATION TO THE FRENCH UNIVERSITY OF ARMENIA
To promote the educational programs of the French University of Armenia and financially support the best students of the university Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) continues its program of cooperation and assistance to the university. For the second consecutive year, within the framework of that cooperation, AGBU fully covers the annual tuition fees of the university’s 19 best students enrolled in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of Bachelor programs.
AGBU YP Yerevan group’s project for F. Nansen Orphanage children in Gyumri
On the 16th November 2008Tumanyan Puppet Theater of Yerevan hosted the exhibition-sale of the works of Gyumri F. Nansen Orphanage children. The project was organized by AGBU YP Yerevan team. The project consisted of two parts. In the beginning of November within the framework of this program AGBU YP Yerevan organized the trip of all 69 children of the orphanage to Yerevan.
THE BIG CHESS DAY
With the sponsorship of Armenian UN Association and Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Chess Federation organized the 4th UN Cup annual chess festival dedicated to the International Peace Day, which UN traditionally celebrates on September 21.
RA President Serzh Sargsyan, who is also the President of the RA Chess Federation, attended the opening ceremony. The events was also attended by UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Consuelo Vidal, 1st Vice-President of the RA Chess Federation Smbat Lputian, RA Minister of Sport and Youth Issues Armen Grikorian, AGBU Armenian Representation Director Ashot Ghazarian and other officials.
OPENING OF RENOVATED FUNDAMENTAL SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY OF RA NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
The opening of the fundamental scientific library of RA National Academy of Sciences, which has been renovated recently by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, took place on September 27, during AGBU President Berge Setrakian’s visit to Armenia.
AGBU SCOUT CAMP IN ARMENIA
Scouting is a major program of AGBU youth chapters worldwide, along with cultural, sport & social activities.
The first AGBU-AYA boy scout group was formed in 1936 in Lebanon, Syria & Egypt.
Subsequently, Girl scouts (or Guides), Cubs, Brownies and Rovers were later established simultaneously by AGBU youth chapters all over the world, such as in Iran, Iraq, Cyprus, South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil) as well as in the USA & Canada. Today AGBU Scout camp was launched in Armenia.
AGBU president Berge Setrakian’s visit to Armenia
On April 28 AGBU president Berge Setrakian met Serge Sarkissian and congratulated him on his recent election in the highest post of the Republic of Armenia. The AGBU President expressed confidence that the newly-elected President will succeed in making Armenia the dream country of world-spread Armenians. Emphasizing the union’s eagerness to bring its contribution to this process, Berge Setrakian mentioned that AGBU will support and back the President in his patriotic activities. RA President Serge Sarkissian and AGBU President Berge Setrakian also spoke about Armenia-Diaspora relations, underscoring the importance of building these relations based on mutual understanding and cooperation.
AGBU Sponsors Next Generation of Chess Champions in Armenia
The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) has made a donation of $20,000 USD in support of the Second Republican Interschool Chess Championship project. This project is the initiative of the Armenian Chess Federation under the auspices of the Republic of Armenia's Ministry of Education and Science. AGBU enjoys the status of Vice President of the Championship's organizing committee.
10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GYUMRI BRANCH OF FINE ARTS ACADEMY
“This building has been reconstructed by Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, Armenian General Benevolent Union and the funds provided by the people during Loris Tjeknavorian’s 1991 pilgrimage to Gyumri”. This sentence is written on the plaque at the entrance of the building unofficially called Academy of Fine Arts, which houses the Gyumri branches of three state art institutions of Yerevan. Yerevan Fine Arts Academy’s Gyumri branch celebrated its 10th anniversary. This educational center, which started with less than 10 students 10 years ago, today has 192 future specialists in its six departments. Some of them have already gained popularity.
AGBU donation to French University
On December 4, an agreement was signed between UFAR and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). With this agreement the AGBU donated 20,000 euros to the University to cover the annual tuition fees of 23 best students (2nd, 3rd and 4th year) of the university.
AGBU donation to Genocide Museum-Institut
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) donated 10 units of technical equipment with a total price of 3 million 338 thousand AMD to the Armenian Genocide-Museum, with the help of which the museum employees will be able to digitize not only the known materials about the Armenian Genocide but also the information not fully examined and investigated yet.
Alex and Marie Manoogian Interred in Holy Etchmiadzin
On July 17, the earthly remains of National Hero of the Republic of Armenia, Life President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union and national benefactor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Alex Manoogian, and those of his wife, Marie Manoogian, were committed to the soil on the grounds of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided and offered the solemn Repose of Souls service, with the participation of the RA President Robert Kocharian, NKR President Arkady Ghoukasian, President of the National Assembly of Armenia Tigran Torosian, RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsian, the children of Alex and Marie Manoogian – Louise Manoogian Simone and Richard Manoogian, and Manoogian family members.
Norashen School openning ceremony
On September 11, the opening ceremony of a newly-built school took place in the NKR Hadrut region’s village of Norashen, which is reconstructed with the sponsorship of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).The construction of the Norashen school was financed by AGBU Los Angeles and Sydney branches. The eight-year-school designed for eighty pupils has eight classrooms, one event hall, a teachers’ room and an office for the director. Today, the school has 32 pupils.
AGBU 100, April 2-8, 2007
The closing events of the centennial ceremonies took place in Yerevan, from April 2-8, 2007.
AGBU members visit to Karabakh
During the AGBU centennial events in Armenia AGBU members visited NKR and had a meeting with local officials.
H1 TV reportage
During the AGBU centennial celebration more then 150 Armenians from 25 countries of the world had visited Armenia.
