FAR Board of Directors Send a Message to the Future

The bus engine roared to life just as the sun peeked over the horizon on a crisp autumn morning. The air was filled with excitement, the kind that always accompanies FAR’s Board of Directors’ visits to Armenia. But this visit was unlike any other. It marked a new chapter - one that could be divided into two parts: before and after COVID-19 and the Second Artsakh War.

“A lot has changed. I have probably been to Armenia 35–40 times, and there is nothing more pleasant than seeing the development over the years with each visit and realizing that you have your small contribution, your small share of participation in all of this, to develop your historical heritage,” said Randy Sapah-Gulian, FAR Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“When FAR was founded back in 1993, we certainly did not imagine that it would last so long. Initially, the goal was to rebuild certain systems and structures, water and energy supply systems, but by 2004–2005, we realized this mission was greater than construction or infrastructure. We needed to build the spirit of people so they could grow and establish themselves from within. With that in mind, we moved forward with our programs.”

The first stop was in Armenia’s western Armavir Province, with a visit to James and Marta Batmasian Vocational Training Center in Parakar, revitalized in 2019 where students with and without disabilities learn side by side, gaining skills in mechanics, carpet weaving, culinary arts, hairstyling, gardening, etc.. The final stop was in Tavush Province, in Armenia’s northeast, where FAR has been implementing the Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP), made possible through the generous support of FAR Board Member Edward Mardigian and the Mardigian Family Foundation.

During the new technology labs opening at ACT college, FAR Board Member Sandra Shahinian, who also inaugurated a new lab here bearing her name, highlighted the importance of the future and technology. “I feel that the young people FAR is nurturing here are the roses of Armenia that will grow, flourish, and bloom and bring great beauty and happiness to Armenia. Today we saw the fulfilment of something that no one thought would be possible in such a short time when we first heard about the project. Seeing it come to fruition is truly remarkable. The emphasis is on technology - to use it for the future, to build skills for students who can go out into the world and immediately launch a career.”

Along the way, the Board visited the Mardigian Child Protection Center in Yerevan, Vanadzor Old Age Home, where they shared ‘matagh’ and celebrated International Day of Seniors, as well as Vanadzor Art School, where the creativity of the students and the joyful music of the Gyumri Octet filled their hearts with hope. In Tavush, the Board visited Janet Mardigian Kindergarten, Dilijan State Art College, and met with FAR-supported entrepreneurs, including several displaced from Artsakh, who proudly showcased their handmade goods, inviting them to try, taste, and purchase their products.

At each stop, the visits began with a prayer and blessing from Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, President of FAR and the Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. “As we gather here today with the FAR Board of Directors, we are reminded of a profound truth - that material resources are never merely material. They are infused with spirit. And that spirit, we see in you - in your love for art, for our Armenian culture, and for our sacred homeland. Continue in this same spirit of faith and devotion. To our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora - know that we stand with you in this holy mission of nation-building, inspired by our enduring Armenian and Christian spirit - a spirit that, as you have so beautifully shown today, is alive, strong, and victorious,” said the Bishop during the visit to Vanadzor Art School, where he received a painting made by the students.

The journey culminated at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, welcomed the Board members with fatherly warmth and offered his blessings. His Holiness expressed deep appreciation for FAR’s decades-long service: caring for children, empowering families, strengthening education and healthcare, preserving culture, and uniting Armenia with its Diaspora.

“We will not be here anymore, but what we are doing here - is sending a message to the future. The children are cared for by the most skillful hands and by the deepest, most compassionate hearts. Seeing their compassion and care for children just doubles my inspiration and my admiration. Thank you for taking care of the children of Armenia,” said Sandra Shahinian before the farewell.