Finding Purpose in Armenia: Two Norwegian Students at the Mardigian Child Protection Center

The children gather in the courtyard of the Mardigian Child Protection Center of the FAR to say goodbye to two people who have shared their everyday lives for the past six months.

As the children offer heartfelt words of gratitude and wish them success, it is the volunteers who struggle to hold back their tears. For 25-year-old Jarand Reime and 29-year-old Bjorn Olee, this farewell is far more emotional than they expected.

Jarand and Bjorn are social work students from the University of Stavanger in Norway, specializing in social work and child protection studies. When it came to time to choose where to complete the practical component of their studies, they had around ten countries to consider. They chose Armenia.

"I didn't know much about Armenia," Jarand recalls. "I started researching the country and its history. When I discovered that Armenia was the first Christian nation in the world, I was amazed. I fell in love with its history and beauty. I knew I wanted to study abroad and experience how social work is done in another country. Armenia was the first country on my list."

Bjorn had already traveled to more than thirty countries before arriving here, yet Armenia remained unfamiliar.

"It felt exotic," he says with a smile. "Now I know it became one of the best decisions I've ever made."

During their six months at the Mardigian Center, the volunteers became part of the children's everyday lives. They joined them in everything from daily routines to art classes, music and dance, played football, shared meals, visited the barber, went for walks in the park, talked through both joyful and difficult moments, and, before saying goodbye, exchanged handmade keepsakes and bracelets woven in the colors of the Armenian flag.

They also traveled across Armenia, observing how social workers and psychologists support vulnerable children and families in different communities.

Jarand says the child protection systems in Norway and Armenia differ greatly. In Norway, where resources are more abundant and the state fully supports such centers, there are on average four professionals for every child. At the Mardigian Center, one caregiver may look after as many as eight children.

"The approaches are different, but we share the same goal—to help children heal and successfully return to society," he says, adding that what impressed him most was the unwavering dedication of the Armenian professionals.

Bjorn was equally inspired by Armenia's strong sense of collective responsibility. Reflecting on the widely discussed Tsapatagh case, he was struck by the fact that decisions affecting children involved not only government authorities, but also the village head, teachers, police officers, and the local priest.

"The sense of collective responsibility is remarkably strong here," he says.

Their presence also made a difference for the children. With most caregivers and teachers being women, Jarand and Bjorn became positive male role models, building trust through everyday moments.

The Mardigian Child Protection Center has welcomed international interns for many years. According to the Center's Director, Mira Antonyan, cooperation with the University of Stavanger dates to 2005.

"It gives us the opportunity to learn about different practices, compare experiences, and look at our own work from a new perspective," she says. "But most importantly, every volunteer—even someone who spends only two hours here—is making an investment in a child's life. Building relationships with people from different cultures teaches children something that no classroom ever could. It is real-life learning."

The Center has also become a recognized center of excellence for child protection education. In cooperation with Yerevan State University, it hosts practical training for students studying child protection and social work with children and families, while regularly welcoming international students who wish to gain hands-on experience.

When they return to Norway, both Bjorn and Jarand will continue their careers as social workers.

For Jarand, it marks a meaningful career change.

"I used to work as a real estate agent, but I wanted to do something that gave my life meaning. Making other people happy is what truly makes me happy," he says.

For Bjorn, the decision was inspired by his travels.

"Seeing children begging in so many countries made me realize I wanted to help people in need through social work."

As they prepare to board the plane home, they are not leaving Armenia empty-handed.

They take with them countless memories, friendships, professional lessons—and, as they both put it, "a lot of newfound love from the children and the staff."

Today, the Mardigian Child Protection Center is home to 37 children. Your support helps ensure that these children can return to the safety, dignity, and love of family. Join us in making this possible by donating to FAR today.