Last month, FAR received a very generous donation of 245 TV sets from Armenia’s Marriott Hotel. Now, the organization is distributing the TVs to 55 organizations, including orphanages, special schools, secondary schools, senior centers, old age homes, soup kitchens, etc., in Yerevan and other regions.

Distribution of TVs from FAR Yerevan Office

Melikyan Kristine from Gavar Orphanage (right)
During our visit to Gavar Orphanage, we asked one little girl named Melikyan Kristine if she watched TV very often.
“If I have a chance,” she said. “I often watch soap operas on TV, but the boys are soccer fans. The new TVs will give us an opportunity to watch our favorite programs without quarrelling.”

Distribution of TVs at Vanadzor Orphanage
The boys were in a flurry during our visit to Vanadzor Orphanage.
At that time, the European Weightlifting Championships were on and the boys were hurrying to install the new TVs in the lounge room. One of them happily said that finally everyone could watch whatever they prefer.

Credit: FAR Staff

There are several different groups at Gavar Orphanage that aim to develop children’s skills. One such group is the carpet-weaving club, which has been running since 1995. Many children spend their free time at the weaving looms where they get acquainted with the traditions of Armenian embroidery, carpet making, and ultimately general Armenian culture.

The goal of our visit to Gavar Orphanage was not only to meet with Gulamerian Scholarship Program  beneficiaries who reside at Gavar, but to also deliver weaving materials donated by the Megerian Rugs Company to the children. This is a usual donation provided by this company  in response to requests to help the children in the class who desperately need yarn.

During our visit, I met 17-year-old Aida Asirbabyan who has worked on carpet making since she was 10. “At first, I was seduced by the beautiful color of the threads,” Aida said. “Later, I realized that carpet weaving is both painting and design, both art and tradition, and finally, a piece of our culture that differentiates the Armenian people from many other nationalities. You can always find me here after my lessons. It is a restful and a magical world for me.”

The orphans were extremely happy and they presented us with a thank you letter and a small handmade carpet for the company.

Gavar Orphanage Children with their Handmade Works

Megerian Rugs Company supports Gavar Orphanage

Aida and Larisa are Happy to Receive Megerian Rug’s Presents

Credit: Eduard Karapetyan

I have visited the Nor Kharberd Orphanage in Ararat Marz several times. Recently, FAR Communications Officer Hasmik Manukyan accompanied me on my visit to the orphanage to distribute jackets and boots to the children. From the outset this trip seemed like it would be an ordinary one. Yet, the very moment we met the disabled children of Nor Kharberd, we were filled with excitement. Witnessing the children’s happiness upon receiving the gifts and hearing their words of gratitude filled us with joy.

Today, more than 260 mentally and physically disabled children between the ages of 6 and 24 live at Nor Kharberd. And while the Armenian government in recent years has taken some serious steps to improve the conditions of those children, many needs have yet to be addressed.

Orphanage Director Harutyun Balasanyan proudly showed us some of the recent improvements, like a new sub building constructed by the government and a few rooms that have been renovated due to the contributions of various supporters. But he also urgently stressed the outstanding needs, which are almost impossible to address due to the country’s financial crisis. While there are handicapped ramps on the grounds, there are too few to actually allow the children to freely move around the campus in their wheelchairs. As a result, it’s very difficult to travel between the facility’s buildings. The living room also desperately needs renovation. It serves as a waiting room for visitors who often must pass the entire day there.

Harutyun also hopes to build a rehabilitation center. “As a physician, I deeply realize what a crucial role something like a water therapy or a rehabilitation center would play in the improvement of the children’s health. If we ever succeed in fulfilling this dream, I would consider myself the happiest man in the world,” Harutyun said.

Upon our departure, we expressed words of acknowledgement to the entire staff. They all deserve the highest appreciation for their devotion to such important work. We hope that people will continue to try and improve the lives of these children who deserve happiness and love. I hope that society will never be indifferent to their fate.

FAR Members Visit Kharberd Orphanage
To Distribute Jackets & Boots to the Children

Credit: Felix Arustamyan