May 2008

Dear Friends,

It has been over seventeen years since AGBU began one of its first projects in Armenia—the sponsorship of the Nork, Arapkir and Malatya Children's Centers. Offering a wide variety of after-school electives, through the years the Centers have enriched the lives of some fifteen thousand-plus youngsters enrolled in art, music, dance, language, history, computer and gymnastics classes. Beginning at the age of eight, some even younger, most continue their attendance until graduation from high school.

In 2006 and 2007, full-house audiences throughout the United States had the opportunity to enjoy a Children's Center troupe of fifty-two students in over fifty performances. Standing ovations confirmed the talent and energy of the musicians, dancers, soloists and choruses. The professionalism and stamina of the performers were unbelievable as they took the stage every day or every other day in different cities for three weeks on each of their two tours. This group and an additional fifty performers of the Children's Centers appear throughout the year at various halls, theaters and special events in Armenia.

But this is only one aspect of the Children's Centers' accomplishments. In a recent student newsletter prepared in the computer classes, one young child remarked that he had progressed so much in his English classes that he was now getting excellent marks in his public school. Another scholarship student from a low-income family was excited that her sewing classes were so productive that she was now able to design and sew new clothing for her sisters and mother, after years of wearing used garments. She now dreams of being a fashion designer. The work submitted by a Nork student to the United Nations art competition around the theme "We can put an end to poverty" was recognized as one of six best entries out of tens of thousands of worldwide submissions. She and her teacher were invited to New York to receive the award.

These are just a few of the many success stories.

We couldn't be more pleased with the enthusiasm and progress of the children and the dedication and professionalism of the teachers. It is especially rewarding to watch the children come to the Centers at 2:30 PM each day, smiling and eager, even though they have spent the last six hours in classes at their elementary or high schools.

The Centers, located in middle- and low-income neighborhoods, offer an opportunity that often profoundly influences future dreams and careers for the widely diverse youngsters. The fee of sixty-five dollars for nine months (the school year)—a very nominal sum in the United States—is still an extra expense for many in Armenia, who are barely meeting family expenses, especially for those families who have two or three children enrolled. Tuition fees, along with a number of scholarships, barely cover 35% percent of the budget. At the same time, AGBU has to contend with rising salaries for some 250 instructors and staff, the doubling of utility costs for the approximately 150,000 sq.ft. of space occupied by the Nork, Arapkir and Malatya Centers and a 40% drop in the value of the dollar in Armenia.

Thanks to all our wonderful donors as well as others who have established permanent endowments, we have covered the shortfall each year. It has been truly rewarding to know we are encouraging a younger generation to develop their innate talents and skills, giving them added confidence as they mature.

We do hope you will join us in this most worthwhile project.

With appreciation,

Berge Setrakian
President