This season, like in previous years, AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) made an impactful contribution to several summer programs, particularly - the Global Leadership program by Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Step Toward Home program by the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.
Being in line with the mission of these programs to connect youth from Armenia and the Diaspora through educational, networking and social opportunities, AGBU AVC has leveraged its 15 years of experience in online education to provide resources, organize events and enrich the programs’ agenda.
The Global Leadership program (GLP), which took place from June 16 to July 27, brought 20 young participants to Armenia, where they did internships at different organizations, foundations and centers.
The participants also had the opportunity to take the AGBU AVC Western Armenian language classes and participate in a social event dedicated to Artsakh, under the guidance of AGBU AVC Western Armenian Affairs Coordinator Zepur Kheblikian and AGBU AVC Senior Online Instructor Ani Dekirmenchyan.
“The GLP participants were actively involved in the Western Armenian classes organized by AGBU AVC. Many of them expressed their wishes to enroll in AVC courses to improve their language skills,” says Zepur Kheblikian.
The Step Toward Home (Qayl Depi Tun) program ran from June 3 to August 24 hosting over 600 participants from 19 countries. The teenagers, aged 13-18, visited Armenia in six cohorts, exploring the Armenian culture and heritage through hands-on experience.
During their visit, AGBU AVC Partnership and Communications Specialist Kima Serobyan welcomed each group at the AGBU Armenia office and presented the various educational programs available at AGBU AVC, including online courses, special programs, virtual communities and other learning opportunities.
“We were happy to welcome the participants in Armenia, as they demonstrated a keen interest in their homeland. Their engagement and dedication throughout the AGBU AVC activities’ presentations were truly inspiring, and we are proud to have been a part of their journey in reconnecting with their roots,” mentions Kima Serobyan.
In addition to the annual summer programs, AGBU AVC maintained a busy and productive schedule with its Summer Term courses and activities.
More than 900 e-learners enrolled in the Summer Term online courses at the Armenian Language, Armenian History, Armenian Culture and Chess departments. The AGBU AVC online instructors also organized social events for e-learners about the different festivals that take place in Armenia in the summer.
One of the AGBU AVC e-learners, Karapet Varatian, says, “Thank you very much for organizing such an interesting event. Among all the summer festivals held in Armenia, my two favorites were the Dolma (Tolma) Festival and the Sheep Shearing Festival.”
Another e-learner said, “I enjoyed it very much! There are so many [festivals] I would like to go to. One day, I’ll definitely plan a trip [to Armenia].”
With the busy and successful summer season concluded, AGBU AVC is gearing up for the Fall Term 2024 with more exciting programs.
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