Despite closed borders, the connection with the Diaspora youth has not changed. The Government of the Republic of Armenia, represented by the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, has developed an engaging online summer program designed specifically for Diaspora Armenian youth, which opened on August 3rd.

More than 250 young Armenians from 30 countries in the Diaspora are participating in the virtual educational program. The program is implemented in cooperation with the Teach for Armenia Educational Foundation and has partenered with the AGBU Armenian Virtual College.

Sara Anjargolian, Chief of Staff for the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, delivered the welcoming speech at the opening ceremony: “This year we decided to bring the homeland to your personal home because we did not want to cancel the program due to the pandemic. Why are we doing all this? Because, first of all, Armenia is your home. We want you to personally get to know it and maybe in the future, as I did, you might come to Armenia as a volunteer, student or a working professional. You can come to Armenia in many different and interesting ways, but this program is the first step.”

Sona Hovhannisyan, Director of Education and Innovation at the Teach For Armenia educational foundation, emphasized the idea of ​​a home underlying the program, "Know that you are at home, we have been waiting for you for a long time.”

In addition, Arpine Tavakalyan, AGBU Armenian Virtual College Hybrid Education Program Coordinator, gave remarks.

Then the participants of the program talked about their expectations and got acquainted with the teachers. French-Armenian singer Hakob Ghasabyan performed music during the opening ceremony.

The "Step To Home" will be held for Diasporan youth aged 12-18 until August 28th in two stages. The program includes Armenian language lessons, history courses, virtual visits, interactive discussions, debate club, online educational games, meetings with state and public figures, representatives of culture and art, participants from the previous year, workshops, and community projects.