Where a Mother Once Learned, Now Her Son Thrives

Five-year-old Argishti is one of the bright young children at the Janet Mardigian Kindergarten in Ijevan, Tavush Province. In August 2023, his family moved from Saint Petersburg of Russia to Ijevan so their children could grow up and receive their education in Homeland. His mother, Armenuhi Khachatryan, 40, says they always felt something was missing while living abroad.

“It came down to a choice: either we stay in Russia forever or return home. And of course, Armenia won,” she says with a smile.

Today, Argishti attends the same kindergarten his mother did more than 30 years ago. But the place she remembered is not the place she sees now. The once worn-down building is now bright, welcoming, and full of life. Armenuhi remembers how, in her childhood, teachers constantly told them to be careful because the floors were uneven. When she came to enroll her son, she saw a completely different kindergarten.

“I immediately chose my old kindergarten, especially after seeing how beautifully it had been renovated. When you walk in and see how warm, bright, and well-equipped it is, you can’t help but feel proud,” she says.

The kindergarten was fully renovated and refurbished in 2019 through the generosity of the Mardigian Family Foundation and recently renamed the Janet Mardigian Kindergarten. Since then, enrollment has grown from 160 to 197 children. The kindergarten provides quality early education along with balanced meals supported by Ted and Marianne Hovivian of New York City.

Armenuhi shares that Argishti used to be a very picky eater, but now he enjoys his meals, especially lentil soup. “He comes home full and happy, and that means so much to a working mom,” she says. “It’s also reassuring to know the kindergarten meets all safety standards. Every evening he tells me what he ate and what he learned. He already loves geography, and his favorite country is Japan.”

“Our decision to return home was absolutely the right one,” Armenuhi says. “And I’m sure that when Argishti starts first grade, he’ll be more than ready thanks to the wonderful start he is getting here."

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