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To Download the 2000-2001 Biennial Report in .PDF format, click here.
As we present this 2000-2001 Biennial Report of AGBU programs on the 95th Anniversary of the organization, we pay tribute to all the Central Board of Directors, Chairpersons and thousands of volunteers who preceded us.
Established in 1906 in Cairo, Egypt by prominent, visionary individuals, led by Boghos Nubar, AGBU's mission was designed to improve educational and economic opportunities for less fortunate Armenians living in their historic land under oppressive Ottoman rule. The decision to move forward with the creation of the Armenian General Benevolent Union was a remarkable act of courage by a small group of highly respected Armenians who, forsaking the tranquility of their aristocratic existence, ventured into national service in one of the stormiest periods of our history.
The first few years, the Central Board of Directors made a number of grants to schools and orphanages, shipped food and seed to famine-stricken Yerevan (capital of present day Armenia) while recruiting volunteers and organizing chapters across the globe to support their mission. The tragic 1909 massacre of 30,000 Armenians in Adana, Turkey was the first major challenge as AGBU mobilized to provide food, clothing, tents and medication for the remaining victims. To care for homeless children, AGBU established its first orphanage in Deort Yol (Cilicia). Despite the sudden blow, the Union forged ahead during the next five years opening some 40 rural schools, a teachers' college and 80 Chapters in Turkey.
All the hopes and dreams of the Armenian population in Turkey ended overnight as the deliberate and systematic government-ordered extermination of Armenians began in April 1915; it was an unprecedented, horrific genocide of 1,500,000 men, women and children and the deportation of hundreds of thousands of others.
For AGBU it was the beginning of an era of humanitarian assistance that was to last for the next 30 years as temporary housing, clinics, hospitals and schools were established throughout the Middle East and Europe for the homeless victims. Armenia, a refuge for many of the homeless, remained on AGBU's agenda as donors contributed in the late 20's towards the construction of an eye clinic, maternity hospital, several schools and the town of Nubarashen. From 1931 to 1933 AGBU was instrumental in the transportation of an additional 10,000 refugees resettling in Armenia.
In 1922 Boghos Nubar relocated the Central Board offices to Paris, France. Upon his death in 1930, Boghos Nubar was succeeded by Calouste Gulbenkian and two years later was followed by Zareh Nubar, son of the founder. With the onset of World War II the headquarters of the AGBU was transferred to New York City under the presidency of Arshag Karagheusian. Through the war years, AGBU continued its humanitarian relief: $75,000 to Armenia for aid and $800,000 for the resettlement of 5,000 refugees still residing in temporary housing to Anjar, Lebanon, each family receiving land, a home, farm equipment and animals. In addition, free medical and dental clinics opened in Aleppo, Syria and Beirut, Lebanon. In 1946 The Central Board and the Central Committee of America began a yearlong campaign, which ultimately raised $2,000,000 for the resettlement of 100,000 men, women and children from Syria, Lebanon, Greece and France to Armenia.
In 1953, with the election of Alex Manoogian as president of the AGBU Central Board of Directors, a new era began for the organization. Dedicated to his people and to his heritage, he began to travel the world, year after year visiting AGBU Chapters and meeting with members to hear their dreams and ideas. Everywhere he went, again and again he heard the cry for institutions that would preserve the Armenian culture, traditions and language for future generations. And so, under Alex Manoogian's leadership, the building and programs began. With financial funding from AGBU, Alex Manoogian and countless members of each community, new schools and centers were constructed in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Greece, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Uruguay and the United States. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians of all ages began to enjoy an active community life and countless cultural and educational programs. Alex Manoogian's commitment to AGBU and Armenians the world over is a legacy we are proud to continue.
AGBU Central Board of Directors
WORLDWIDE CHAPTERS
From the inception of the AGBU in 1906, the Central Board of Directors established numerous chapters throughout the world to promote and fund the mission of the organization.
Today, thousands of member volunteers and staff initiate and implement a wide variety of educational, cultural and humanitarian programs in twenty-one countries: Day schools, Saturday schools, scouting programs, athletic competitions, summer camps, art, music, dance and language classes entice the younger generation; scholarships grants and loans for higher education plus tuition subsidies for elementary and high school enrollees serve thousands of students annually.
Twenty-three AGBU community centers offer a venue to promote the talent of artists, musicians, authors, actors and community members with exhibits, concerts, lectures, theatrical performances and sports along with social events that bring the local population together during the year. As in any philanthropic organization, countless hours are given by dedicated members to organize and fund the many activities of AGBU. In more recent years AGBU chapters have expanded their work to initiate cultural exchanges, sponsor projects and humanitarian aid for Armenia.
The photographs shown are only a small example of the hundreds of activities organized by AGBU chapters across the globe and include two new community centers in Kamishli and Damascus, Syria.
EDUCATION
Primary and Secondary Education
Today, a network of twenty-two AGBU administered institutions and Saturday schools offer quality education to Armenian youth in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. During this biennial report, enrollment for AGBU administered educational institutions totaled 5500 students. California's Manoogian-Demirdjian and Argentina's Marie Manoogian Schools offer graduates an annual trip to Armenia.
In addition to AGBU institutions, AGBU financially assisted schools in Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, England, France, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and the United States with a total enrollment of more than 2500 students.
AGBU Elementary and High Schools: Buenos Aires, Argentina: Marie Manoogian Institute; Sydney, Australia: Alexander School; Sao Paulo, Brazil: Paren and Regina Bazarian School; Montreal, Canada: Ecole Armen Quebec Alex Manoogian; Toronto, Canada: Alice and Taniel Zaroukian School; Nicosia, Cyprus: Melkonian Educational Institute; Athens, Greece: Artaki Kalpakian School; Tehran, Iran: Nevart Gulbenkian School, Marie Manoogian School; Beirut, Lebanon: Agopian Hovagimian Manoukian School, Levon Nazarian School, Boghos Garmirian School; Aleppo, Syria: Lazar Najarian-Caloust Gulbenkian School; Damascus, Syria: Gullabi Gulbenkian School; Montevideo, Uruguay: Nubarian Manoogian School; Canoga Park, California: Manoogian Demirdjian School; Southfield, Michigan: Alex and Marie Manoogian School.
AGBU Saturday Schools: Sydney, Australia; Paris, France; Cleveland, Ohio; Orange County, California; Chicago, Illinois.
Higher Education Scholarships
Scholarships and loans were awarded to deserving undergraduate and graduate Armenian students throughout the world. During the past two years financial assistance enabled 1071 applicants in 28 countries to meet their educational goals. A total of $1,073,739 was allocated.
Scholarships Awarded in 28 Countries: Argentina 43; Australia 28; Austria 27; Brazil 4; Bulgaria 117; Canada 74; China 2; Cyprus 49; Czech Republic 1; Egypt 57; England 73; France 130; Germany 37; Greece 18; Hungary 3; Iran 29; Israel 7; Italy 21; Jordan 2; Lebanon 124; Lithuania 2; Netherlands 4; Roumania 4; Sweden 1; Switzerland 5; Syria 53; Turkey 37; USA 119.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Summer Camps
AGBU camps in Andes, New York; Marseille, France; and Kessab, Syria enroll some 600 students annually. Ranging from two to six week sessions, the administration offers a full range of sports, educational and cultural programs. Active camp alumni serve on various management committees and others upon reaching the age of sixteen to eighteen serve as counselors. In recent years, through contributions from generous donors, Camp Nubar in New York has undergone extensive renovation of its cabins and built a new center to house its dining room and a variety of cultural activities.
Athletic Games
International athletic games have played a major role in bringing together young adults from around the world, often stimulating life-long friendships. AGBU Chapters in France, United States, Switzerland, Lebanon, Cyprus, Australia and Argentina have organized local and international games over the past ten years.
In 2001 AGBU teams from the Middle East, United States and Canada competed in the second Pan Armenian Games in Yerevan, Armenia, joining 2000 other athletes and coaches from 30 countries.
A NEW GENERATION
New York City Summer Internships
Donors to the AGBU President's Club sponsor an annual eight-week summer internship program in New York City for university students and graduates. During these two years, 69 participants from 17 countries had the unique opportunity to intern in medicine and research, law, journalism, banking, city government, media productions, education, public relations, finance, and international affairs. During their leisure hours, interns enjoyed a wide variety of cultural events in New York City, and a specially prepared series of lectures and videos designed to enhance pride in their Armenian heritage. All interns are housed at the New York University dormitories. In 2002 the Summer Intern Program will celebrate its 15th anniversary.
AGBU Young Professionals
AGBU Young Professionals (YPs) are a growing network of career-oriented Armenians who work together to develop projects and events to enrich the lives of fellow Armenians and the greater community.
Building on the foundations of AGBU's mission to provide philanthropic projects that will positively impact society, YPs have developed innovative programming such as the Generation Next program in Los Angeles that responds to the growing number of Armenian teenagers in California who endure overwhelming obstacles. At risk students are assigned mentors who help guide them through academic and social options. In the United State and Canada, YPs have raised funds for AGBU Armenia Programs, established a scholarship for a student participating in the New York Summer Intern Program and organized professional workshops, lectures, art exhibits, concerts and social events.
Focus 2001: Celebrating AGBU'S 95th Anniversary
A Gala weekend in New York City celebrating AGBU's 95th Anniversary was organized entirely by past participants of Camp Nubar and the Summer Intern Program joined with representatives of Young Professionals organizations. Networking and celebrating AGBU's mission of preserving and promoting Armenian culture and heritage, over 700 attendees from 14 countries took part in the weekend, which raised close to $26,500 for AGBU youth and young professional programs.
Highlights from the weekend included a panel discussion, a video presentation of Camp Nubar, Summer Intern and Young Professional activities, tours of the "Big Apple" (New York City), a gala banquet, club night and Sunday brunch.
OUTREACH TO THE PUBLIC
Publications
The AGBU Magazine, distributed to 80,000 families, institutions, embassies and government agencies, has the largest circulation of any Armenian publication in the history of the Diaspora. The magazine, over the past eleven years, has covered community life and events in 24 countries. Included in each issue are articles and photographs of AGBU activities and donors around the world.
The District Committee of France publication of the UGAB Magazine (Union Générale Arménienne de Bienfaisance) in French distributed to some 25,000 addresses, covers original profiles of individuals and articles of European interest. La Lettre de L'UGAB, published by the District Committee of France and designed for French language readers, covers local events and political and economic news from Armenia. The newsletter is mailed to 2,000 subscribers weekly.
Young AGBU professionals in Buenos Aires, Argentina publish Generación 3 in Spanish, containing a wide variety of local interest articles for 4000 readers.
The Armenian language Hoosharar, AGBU's oldest publication covers AGBU events and programs for worldwide members. Sydney and Beirut (Khosnak) and Melkonian Educational Institute (Hayatsk) publish bulletins and magazines covering local and worldwide AGBU news.
Ararat, published quarterly, offers fiction, non-fiction, biographies and poetry written by talented authors on a wide variety of subjects.
In its mission to promote Armenian authors and the Armenian heritage, AGBU funded the publications of Archeology of Madness: Komitas, the biography of an Armenian icon; Edge of Time, Traveling in Armenia and Karabagh; Treasured Armenian Recipes; The Annual of Armenian Linguistics.
Media
In cooperation with New York Public Television, AGBU assisted in the production of Armenian Americans, a one hour documentary that has been aired in 13 U.S. and Canadian cities.
In 2001 a second documentary initiated by AGBU The Armenians: A Story of Survival was produced by Andrew Goldberg. It also aired in 25 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Both films interviewing Armenians, prominent scholars and covering the history of Armenians were estimated to have been viewed by an audience of over one million.
The AGBU website, www.agbu.org, includes articles form the organization's publications, information on AGBU programs, direct links to worldwide chapters and special projects.
ARMENIA
With the independence of Armenia, donors and major benefactors have funded and endowed a number of long-term AGBU educational, cultural, humanitarian and religious programs. Spanning all age and income groups, AGBU donor-funded special projects over the past ten years have served hundreds of thousands in Armenia and annually employ some 1000 plus individuals.
American University of Armenia
AUA continues to offer extraordinary opportunities in higher education with its Master's degree programs in Business Management, Engineering, Law, Public Health, Political Science and Conservation and Environmental Science. In 2001, a new degree program in Computer and Information Science was added. The University now boasts an alumni of over 850, many of whom are quickly succeeding in their chosen careers. American University of Armenia graduates, with their computer and English skills, their Western training and field work experience are today breaking new ground in a wide variety of fields. Annually some 350 students are enrolled in the two-year program.
Nork, Arapkir and Malatya Children's CSenters
AGBU and the Holy See of Etchmiadzin joined forces in February 1993 to administer three Children's Centers in Yerevan. With overcrowded schools and shortened class hours, the Centers provide history, language, art, music, dance, crafts and gymnastic programs each day from two in the afternoon to seven in the evening. All three centers include a chapel, weekly church services and Bible studies. The combined Centers have an enrollment of 3500 students, ages five to sixteen, and employ an administrative staff of three hundred. Over the past two years each center has undergone an extensive renovation to update classrooms. Three of AGBU's Soup Kitchens are presently located at the Arapkir, Malatya and Nork Centers.
Ultrasound Center
In association with the Jefferson Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, AGBU under the direction of Dr. Levon Nazarian, Associate Professor of Radiology at Jefferson University Hospital has established an Ultrasound department at Erebuni Hospital. In 2000, AGBU and Jefferson opened a new Ultrasound training center at the Yerevan State Medical Institute for students and doctors. Ultrasound, a safe and relatively inexpensive method for imaging the body, is used as a diagnostic clinical tool for a wide variety of conditions. Medical personnel receive instruction and hands-on training at the Center in all applications of ultrasound, including interventional, abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology.
Humanitarian Aid
AGBU continues to serve some 1200 pensioners and orphans a daily meal at six soup kitchens in Yerevan, Sevan, Etchmiadzin and Hrazdan. Many of our recipients often take the ample portions home to share with their friends and families. For those who are ill or handicapped, special volunteers deliver the meals to their homes. In 2000, AGBU renovated facilities at the Children's Centers to house the three Yerevan soup kitchens.
Armenian Philharmonic
Recognizing the importance of the performing arts in Armenia, AGBU has since 1992 subsidized the one hundred-member Armenia Philharmonic. Annual grants are allocated for weekly concerts, new instruments, administration, salary supplements, international guest artists and special festivals. The Philharmonic has successfully toured Austria, France, Greece, England, Lebanon and Iran and produced over a dozen CD recordings.
Karabakh
The District of France has undertaken the reconstruction of 29 houses and a school in the village of Norashen, Karabakh. Nineteen homes have been completed. Norashen, in the middle of the war zone during the 1988 to 1994 conflict with Azerbaijan, was completely destroyed. Strongly attached to their village, families have returned with the completion of construction. A second project undertaken by the District of France has been assistance to a number of widows and their children by providing two milk cows and two calves per family in order to supplement living expenses.
HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
The construction of the OUTSIDE ALTAR on the grounds of Holy Etchmiadzin was sponsored by an AGBU benefactor. The altar and surrounding area will accommodate 10,000 attendees during special services. In addition the interior frescoes of the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral were restored to their original colors in honor of the 1700th anniversary of Christianity as the State religion of Armenia.
ST. HAKOP ARMENIAN CHURCH, Funded by a major U.S. donor and under construction in the new Ani section of Gyumri, is expected to be completed in late 2002. The apartment complexes of Ani with a population of 50,000 plus were built to house homeless victims of the 1988 earthquake. The Church with classrooms and offices, will offer religious services, Sunday School and a number of activities for children and adults, generating a new sense of community in Ani.
SEVAN SEMINARY - Established in 1993, the Vaskenian Sevan Seminary (named in honor of the late Vasken I, of blessed memory, Catholicos of all Armenians) received a major grant from an AGBU donor for the construction of a 100 student dormitory and private chapel on the extensive grounds of the Lake Sevan property. The new dormitory will include staff rooms, offices, library and student quarters. The building is expected to be completed in late 2002.
To date, the Seminary has graduated some sixty deacons and priests. They are currently assigned to a number of parishes, serving as chaplains in army service or are assigned to administrative positions at Holy Etchmiadzin. A group of AGBU individual donors from the United States have sponsored the Seminary's annual expenses for the past seven years through establishing AGBU endowments.
ST. GREGORY CATHEDRAL, the largest Armenian church in the world, was inaugurated in September 2001 as a symbol of the 1700th anniversary. Over 15,000 attended the ceremonies which were widely aired on television. AGBU donors were major funders during the five year construction.
ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION - Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
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December 31 |
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2001 |
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2000 |
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Assets |
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Current assets: |
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Cash |
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$4,885,711 |
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$4,120,837 |
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Portfolio investments |
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*163,789,241 |
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*163,873,999 |
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Accounts receivable |
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986,517 |
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2,065,393 |
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Interest receivable |
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656,809 |
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731,145 |
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Total Current Assets |
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$170,318,278 |
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$170,791,374 |
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Real Estate |
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65,416,945 |
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65,068,724 |
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Furniture, equipment and leasehold improvements, net |
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2,484,547 |
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2,542,528 |
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Total Assets |
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$238,219,770 |
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$238,402,626 |
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Liabilities and Net Assets |
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Liabilites: |
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Accounts payable |
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$3,423,803 |
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$5,058,989 |
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Notes payable |
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696,283 |
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739,103 |
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Total Liabilities |
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$4,120,086 |
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$5,798,092 |
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Net Assets: |
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Unrestricted net assets |
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$40,216,018 |
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$38,641,197 |
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Temporarily restricted net assets |
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27,690,744 |
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32,468,146 |
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Permanently restricted net assets |
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166,192,922 |
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161,495,191 |
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Total Net Assets |
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$234,099,684 |
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$232,604,534 |
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Total Liabilities and Net Assets |
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$238,219,770 |
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$238,402,626 |
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ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION - Consolidated Statement of Activities
* These amounts represent book value as of 12/31/00 and 12/31/01. Total market value as of 12/31/00 and 12/31/01 are $172,060,092 and $162,033,031 respectively.
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Year Ended December 31, 2001 |
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Unrestricted |
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Temporarily Restricted |
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Permanently Restricted |
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Total |
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Public support and revenue: |
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Public support |
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Contributions |
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$1,431,568 |
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$8,650,951 |
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$4,975,632 |
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$15,058,151 |
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Membership dues |
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313,245 |
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313,245 |
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Special events |
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3,735,019 |
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3,735,019 |
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|
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$5,479,832 |
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$8,650,951 |
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$4,975,632 |
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$19,106,415 |
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Revenue |
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Investment income |
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($59,966) |
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$5,436,775 |
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$5,376,809 |
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Rental income |
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1,020,346 |
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2,542 |
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1,022,888 |
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Tuition and other school income |
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10,427,247 |
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10,427,247 |
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$11,387,627 |
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$5,439,317 |
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$16,826,944 |
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Net assets released from restrictions: |
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Satisfaction of program restrictions |
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$3,899,411 |
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($3,899,411) |
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0 |
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Management income and reserve fees |
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753,982 |
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(866,230) |
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112,248 |
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0 |
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Total Public support and revenue |
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$21,520,852 |
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$9,324,627 |
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$5,087,880 |
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$35,933,359 |
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Program and administrative expenses: |
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Programs: |
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Educational |
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$14,706,475 |
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$1,232,280 |
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$15,938,755 |
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Cultural |
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6,109,766 |
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825,853 |
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6,935,619 |
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Religious |
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42,354 |
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6,669,767 |
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6,712,121 |
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Humanitarian |
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871,713 |
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1,569,485 |
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|
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2,441,198 |
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|
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|
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$21,730,308 |
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$10,297,385 |
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$32,027,693 |
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Administrative: |
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$2,079,571 |
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$66,741 |
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$2,146,312 |
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Fund raising |
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177,287 |
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30,586 |
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207,873 |
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