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Executive Director's Corner

Last April, for the fourth year in a row, my wife, Arpi, and I had the opportunity to travel to Armenia to check on the progress of the various BAFA projects. During our stay we visited a dozen schools. These included four schools located in the Earthquake zone, five at the Azeri border, and three in Yerevan. We had the privilege of touring and giving a sum of $1,000 per school to ten "Michnagarg" schools, and a sum of $200-$300 to two kindergartens. Mrs. Cheryl Touryan, representing Women of Vision, joined us during our Yerevan visits. Her impressions of our stop at the Yerevan Ojantag School Number 8 are described in the article, "A Visit to Yerevan Ojantag Boarding School No. 8." In an accompanying article, "A Visit to BAFA Supported Armenian Schools in the Earthquake Zone," my wife, Arpi, reflects on the beauty of the land around Mountain Aragatz, and describes the dire physical conditions of the schools there. Last May, Mr. Charles Tateosian, a founding member of the BAFA Board, and his wife, Mary, visited Armenia. Mary has been instrumental in collecting and distributing clothing to the pensioners of the various soup kitchens BAFA has supported during the past six years. Mary has kindly written a vignette, "Let's Do Lunch," in which she captures the reality that many elderly people face in Armenia. She reminds us how well our BAFA soup kitchen program, now in its sixth year of operation, supports 940 elderly retirees and some orphans. In this issue of ARIT, four BAFA Board members, including François Antounian, Gariné Keledjian, Julie Kulhanjian and John Poochigian, share their views on what compels them to serve on the Board. As Executive Director of the BAFA Board, I must say that without the wise counsel and tremendous time commitment of our Board members, we would not have accomplished so much. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of our board members. On a final note, I'd like to add that, along with half-a-million Armenians, I participated in the April 24th walk to Tzidzernagapert, the Genocide memorial. It was a unique opportunity that I wish every Diaspora Armenian could experience-a chance to feel part of the fatherland, and appreciate the importance of helping Armenia achieve its full potential.

John Haleblian

A Visit to Yerevan Ojantag Boarding School No. 8

The classrooms were filled with happy chatter and serious recitation, when I visited Yerevan Ojantag Boarding School No. 8 recently. It is one of eleven such schools in the Republic of Armenia, specializing in the education of children who have difficulty functioning in the regular classroom. Some of these children have mental and/or emotional disabilities, and some are from traumatic family situations that have hindered their ability to learn. The latter is the case for ten-year-old Varvara Hagopian. She comes from a home where her father suffers from mental illness and as a result is abusive and violent. She has grown up in fear, so much so that when she entered first grade she was unable to speak. After being transferred to this school two years ago, she has begun to blossom, thanks to the loving and able leadership of Rosa Vartanian, and her capable teachers. Varvara is now in third grade, is reading at grade level, and appears happy and eager to learn. Her older brother also attends the school. Varvara lives at the school during the week, and visits her mother over weekends. The family situation is still desperate, because her mother is divorced, and has no income to support her family. Varvara now is a source of hope for her mother, because she is learning handcrafts, sewing, art and other skills that will enable her to be independent when she grows up. For most of these children, the vocational skills they are learning at this school provide the only hope for a meaningful future. The number of such cases has increased in Armenia since the collapse of the Soviet state. The economic and social turmoil has led to much personal tragedy. Divorce is increasing and families are facing disaster, with very little support from the government. Add to this the problems of mental and physical disability and it is obvious that need among these vulnerable children in Armenia far exceeds the available resources. However, there is a place where a few lives are being touched, given hope and dignity. It was a privilege to visit the Ojantag Boarding School No. 8 and see how the partnership between Bay Area Friends of Armenia and the local school personnel is making a difference in the life of one little girl named Varvara.

Cheryl Touryan

Ojantag Boarding School No. 8 children playing on a BAFA donated rug in their playroom

Varvara Hagopian with her teacher, Ophelia Ghazarian

A Visit to BAFA Supported Armenian Schools in the Earthquake Zone

The school buildings in the Earthquake area are in shambles; they are in dire need of repair. The Spitak Earthquake of 1988 has destroyed practically all of the school buildings in the Aragatzotn Region. Some schools have started to rebuild, but remain only partially completed due to lack of funds. Students are housed in temporary makeshift buildings which are inadequate in meeting their needs. They are cramped in small classrooms without light or heat, with old desks and chairs. It is not unusual to see some students with coats and gloves to keep themselves warm. Nature is beautiful in the Aragatzotn Region. As we approached this area we witnessed the lofty, snow covered, beautiful mountain Aragatz with four peaks. It is breathtaking to see the scenery and enjoy the crisp fresh air. Our children are deprived of nice schools and necessary materials, yet they live in such a healthy and lovely natural environment. Norashen Michnagarg was one of the four schools in the Earthquake area that my husband, John, and I had the privilege of visiting to donate, on behalf of BAFA,a sum of $1,000 as support for teacher and school needs. Norashen Michnagarg School sits next to the ruins of the pre-earthquake school. The principal shares his office with the teachers. It is a poorly furnished room with few tables and chairs, and one cupboard. There is no heat, electricity or phone. Despite these difficult circumstances, there are dedicated teachers and principals in these schools who are committed to educating our young Armenian children. May we accept the challenge and support these schools through our BAFA School program. Let us keep them flourishing, as the Armenian government can only fund the meager salaries of the staff and nothing more.

Arpi Haleblian

"LET'S DO LUNCH...!"

Mrs. Mardirosian leaves her one-room apartment at about 11:30 in the morning for the Soup Kitchen in her area. She is allowing herself a half-an-hour for the walk. She pulls her threadbare sweater closer around her as the fall winds are a bit brisk today. Akh, things were so much better when her husband was alive-that was before the earthquake, before the Karabagh situation, and when things were normal. A few blocks along the way she meets Mrs. Hagopian who is also on her way to the Soup Kitchen. They catch up on news of their families. Mrs. Hagopian whose only son was killed in Karabagh, says that his young wife has finally left Yerevan, along with Mrs. Hagopian's only grandson, to seek a better life elsewhere. "Akh, inch beedee badahee?" (What is going to happen?) They continue to walk on in silence. Mrs. Mardirosian can offer little encouragement to her friend as her own life has no future. At the Soup Kitchen the line has already formed. The aroma of the fresh baked bread is so good, it reminds Mrs. Mardirosian of her own kitchen. That was many years ago. She steps up to the counter, takes her bit of salad, a small bowl of broth, and a plate with the roll, and some of the rice/meat 'geragoor.' She decides she does not want the powdered milk today. She joins her friends at one of the tables. The rumor today is that many boxes of clothing and shoes have arrived from America for distribution to the needy at the Soup Kitchens. She silently prays that she may be a recipient of a jacket or heavy sweater, and perhaps a pair of shoes. The ones she is wearing have already been patched several times and will not keep her feet dry this coming winter. People are also saying that there are more individuals being relocated to the area who will need the Soup Kitchen, but cannot be accommodated. The facilities and monies are stretched to the limit. Mrs. Hagopian knows of a grandmother who is left with the care of her two small grandchildren whom she is unable to feed. Hopefully, she will be able to be accepted at a Soup Kitchen soon. Suddenly there is a stir at the door. Visitors have arrived from America representing the Bay Area Friends of Armenia, the organization that subsidizes the Soup Kitchens. They want to review first-hand how the Kitchens operate. They spend time discussing the situation with the kitchen staff and the directors. They make notes about everything (costs, number of people served, operating expenses). Mrs. Mardirosian is one of the first to rise from her table and approach the visitors. With tears in her eyes, she clasps their hands: "Togh Asdvadz orhnee tzez" (God bless you!). Mrs. Mardirosian finally leaves the Soup Kitchen to return to her room. She feels a little better for having her hot meal, and for spending a few hours with her friends. Tomorrow will be another day. The directors of Yerevan's Soup Kitchens are very energetic and creative (Jarbig!) in securing the footstuffs necessary for the kitchens. It is no small feat that they are able to feed as many as they do with the funds they have available. There is a need for so much more! What did YOU eat today? and how many times? What did YOU wear today? how many choices did you have? How far did YOU walk today to have a meal? Which one of your cars did you use? Could YOU walk in Mrs. Mardirosian's shoes day after day? Mrs. Mardirosian's story is fictional, but represents a typical situation that many elderly people face in Yerevan. The story speaks of the undeniable fact that there is a great need for MORE assistance, so that the Soup Kitchens can handle more of the elderly and impoverished who need that one full meal a day. A mere 15 dollars will feed one person for one month. How many needy Armenians can you support for one month?

Mary Tateosian

WHY DO I CONTINUE TO SERVE ON THE BAFA BOARD?

BAFA's mission, "To help the citizens of the Republic of Armenia in the areas of Health, Education and Welfare," remains as pertinent as ever. For the first time in our modern history we, Armenians, have had seven years of independence as a sovereign nation. With no tradition in governmental structures, the Republic of Armenia has undertaken the construction of these organizations from ground zero. The environment into which this independent state was born, including the last "short lived" Republic that lasted two years, was a hostile one. First, there was the collapse of the Soviet Union coupled with the Liberation War that lingers on in Artsakh, and finally, the ongoing blockades on the East and West of the Republic. The lure of the potentially lucrative oil reserves diverted away from Russia into Western markets is so attractive, that the West, which is traditionally concerned with justice and human rights, turns a blind eye to the murder and injustice occurring in Turkey and Azerbaijan. In the meantime, Armenia, held under a "magnifying glass" scrutiny, is criticized for human rights abuses. All this is done under the guise of pressuring Armenia to submission, so that it cedes Artsakh to Azerbaijan. It is presented as a condition to allow the pipelines to pass through to the West via Turkey's Ceyhan port. Of course, there are no guarantees that Armenia will ever benefit from that oil transport since Georgian and Russian routes are already in the works. In the backdrop of present day circumstances of the Trans-Caucasus, Armenia is under psychological, political, financial and military pressure to surrender its rights for others' oil benefits. We, as Diaspora Armenians, should not be pawns in this elaborate and well orchestrated pressure scheme that will work against our newly independent Republic's national interests and security. You may be wondering what all these have to do with why I serve on the BAFA Board. The answer is simple. I see myself, as I hope you all do, as part of the worldwide Armenian Nation. Of course, running the Republic is best left for those on the ground rather than by "remote control" from abroad. This is neither the time for division nor greed. Our primary goal should be to help Armenia in becoming strong. I can do my part through BAFA by helping in a positive way. Along with my colleagues on the BAFA Board, and all the supporters of BAFA projects, we can help achieve a sense of community-a spirit that is very much appreciated by the recipients in Armenia. We can support them in enduring the hardships of transition which will, undoubtedly, take a generation or more. If we should fail to protect our Republic now, we may not get a second chance. I personally do not want to accept the risk. This is why I continue to serve on the BAFA Board. BAFA's Soup kitchens project is meeting a critical need by supporting the elderly and the orphans, the single mothers, and widows of the Liberation War for Artsakh. These individuals cannot rely on the emerging government institutions for help. Just think, how long after its independence did the U.S. sustain the safety net for its citizens? Likewise, to secure a safety net for Armenia, we must be willing to protect the dispossessed for a long time to come. I am proud to report that BAFA's Medical Project has already achieved the following substantial realities:

1. We trained one general, and three orthopedic surgeons who now practice in Armenia according to U.S. standards.
2. We are currently training a second general surgeon in the area of TRAUMA surgery. His goal will be to serve as the director of the TRAUMA Department at a Central Hospital, thus potentially affecting the standards by which all other hospitals in the country are held.
3. We had U.S. surgeons operate and install equipment in a hospital. Since then the equipment has been properly used for hundreds of operations.
4. We sent hundreds of boxes of medical equipment purchased or donated on a humanitarian basis by medical companies. These are valued at over two-and-a-half million in U.S. dollars. This effort is ongoing.
5. We have supplied the Eye Institute with thousands of used frames and optical lenses to be donated to those who cannot afford to buy prescription lenses.
6. We sent two operating room nurses and a physical therapist to train and work with their counterparts. This infusion has raised the proficiency level of various staff.
7. Last but not least, we are playing a critical role in motivating many professionals to stay and practice in Armenia. Our show of commitment and moral support, since the harshest days of the Republic's early existence, have gone a long way.

Finally, BAFA's school project has engendered tremendous moral and financial support. Our teachers have the charge of educating the next generation of leaders and citizens. The BAFA school project is serving as a model to a multitude of other organizations that are turning their attention to the plight.

I feel fortunate that I, along with you, can make a real difference in the lives of many. This is why I continue to serve on the BAFA Board, and invite you to continue your support.

François Antounian, MD

Why Do I Serve on the BAFA Board?

I want to thank you for your donations, without which BAFA could not exist. This has afforded me the pleasure of serving as a Board Member of BAFA. I attend meetings quite regularly, because we need to monitor our programs frequently. We need to satisfy ourselves that money we receive is used to greatest effect. Therefore, we have spirited discussions of how undesignated donations should be allocated. The discussions are collegial and polite, but reflect our frustration over rising costs in Armenia. I want to assure you that all of our projects are achieving their intended purposes. I speak for all Board Members, when I say we are happy to support ALL administrative expenses; thus, you can be certain that every dollar you send supports Armenia.

John Poochigian, MD

Why Do I serve on the BAFA Board?

I have had both the honor and personal satisfaction of participating on the BAFA Board since its inception. I am proud to help BAFA grow and expand assistance to Hayastan as we fulfill our mission to improve the health, education and welfare of our brothers and sisters there. BAFA's success lies in our team approach. Board members and staff offer personal and professional skills to develop and implement sound, useful projects. BAFA supporters are generous and responsive to the call to help Hayastan. Together, we all provide much-needed support to Hayastan's Soup Kitchen patrons, hard-working young students, and pioneering medical practitioners. We have developed innovative ways to achieve these goals including establishing a sister school relationship between a school in Yerevan and one in Walnut Creek, California, and providing training opportunities in San Francisco hospitals for promising physicians from Hayastan. I believe that we in the Diaspora must do all we can to nurture Hayastan's growth through generous support and thoughtful and timely service. BAFA has and will continue to provide an avenue for this support.

Julie Kulhanjian, MD

Why Did I Join the BAFA Board?

When Dr. Julie Kulhanjian asked me to consider becoming a BAFA board member, I felt proud and honored. Having had exposure to the work of BAFA through my husband's and my contact with Dr. Francois Antounian, I felt confident that the organization is doing an excellent job of taking care of the needs of the people of Armenia. I value BAFA's support of the soup kitchens which started during the time of the Armenian earthquake, and the various medical outreach programs it has developed. I am also impressed with the adoption of the School project. Finally, I appreciate the fact that the overhead for running the organization is minimal, and that most of the monies are directly put into use rather than wasted, as they often are in larger bureaucra-cies. I look forward to contributing to these causes by being a member of BAFA.

Gariné Keledjian