The Step Toward Home program continues, which is an educational and exploratory camp for two weeks headed by the RA Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs. During the past week, our participants took trips to educational institutions - TUMO, Ayb School and American University of Armenia (AUA).

Youth participants were able to experience TUMO’s unique, self-learning institution for Armenian youth, including its day-to-day educational activities, workshops and project labs.

During the visit to PicsArt, participants were introduced to the work behind one of the most creative applications in the world and to the company’s activities in the Armenia office. 

Participants also witnessed Ayb School’s 21st century academic excellence model as a private institution for elementary, middle and high school students founded by the Ayb Educational Foundation.

Visits included a tour of American University of Armenia (AUA), alongside introductions to representatives of AUA, Russian-Armenian University and Yerevan Brusov State University of Languages and Social Sciences. Participants asked questions regarding the various programs and educational opportunities available at these Armenian institutions.

Kicking off the second week of Step Toward Home, participants took a trip to Tavush province to visit Haghartsin, the famous 13th-century monastery. Afterwards, they toured the Monte Melkonian Military College, which is a high school and military educational institution operated by Armenia’s Ministry of Defence.

On Day 9 of the program, youth participants visited the Sardarapat Memorial Complex, followed by lighting candles at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral.

On Day 10 of their Step Toward Home journey, our youth participants visited Sevanavank by Lake Sevan. Afterwards, they were led to the scenic province of Lori and Dsegh Village, the celebrated hometown of legendary poet Hovhannes Tumanyan. In Dsegh, the participants toured the Hovhannes Tumanyan House-Museum followed by a visit to the COAF Smart Center.

Program coordinators directed participants to Vazgen Sargsyan Military University, where staff presented the university’s various programs and training center. The day ended with a visit to Yerablur, where participants paid their respects to the thousands of brave souls that lost their lives fighting for the Homeland and laid flowers in honor of their memory.