Gulamerian Youth Center in Ashtarak
The Gulamerian Youth Center in Ashtarak, administered by the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, has been fully supported by the Gulamerian Foundation since 2006. The Center offers a beautiful reflection of Josephine and Harold’s fundamental belief in the importance of keeping children busy with a range of activities that will help them learn and grow. With an extensive renovation completed in 2016, including expansion and upgrades to its operating systems, the Center now houses multiple dance studios, music rooms, classrooms for learning languages, chess, crafts and other skills. As with all the Children’s Centers, youth are also provided with religious education.
With its fully-trained faculty and staff, the Gulamerian Youth Center serves more than 400 children who benefit from the variety of afterschool learning opportunities offered. Most recently, a kindergarten for children aged four to six was opened serving children not only from Ashtarak but also from the neighboring villages of Mughni, Sasuni, Karbi, Parpi and Oshakan.
The hard work and commitment demonstrated by the Center’s students is evident in the numerous prizes won at local and national festivals and competitions. Many of the students continue studies in their chosen field at prestigious institutions, including the Komitas Conservatory of Music.
Given that most day schools in Armenia still have major challenges and hurdles depriving students of a complete learning experience, these Children’s Centers respond especially to the lack of sufficient funding for arts, sports and extra-curricular activities. Centers like The Gulamerian Youth Center in Astharak provide programs that enhance day school offerings and foster a new generation of responsible, well-rounded young citizens positioned to move the Armenian Nation forward.
