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Executive Director's Corner

Seven years ago when we, a group of concerned individuals, came together to help compatriots in Armenia survive the blockade exacerbated by a severe winter, we were naïve in thinking that within few short years things would improve, and that our services would no longer be needed.

During our last trip to Armenia, it became clear to my wife and me that BAFA's original goal of providing a few years of relief work was indeed short sighted. Things for people in general have gone from bad to worse. Originally the poor had a few items in their homes and sold them to supplement their social security check along with the daily meal at the BAFA Soup kitchens. Today's elderly have nothing left to sell and no hope that things will ever improve. One of our patrons told us that when the weekend comes there is nothing to eat, he waits for Monday to arrive for a meal at the Soup Kitchen. And thus, we remain committed to the mission that BAFA set out to perform.

One of the most encouraging activities supporting BAFA's objectives during the past several years has been the Walnut Creek ARS Erepouni school children's organized support of our school programs. Garine Keledjian's article offers a beautiful example of how, even the youngest among us, can make a difference in Armenia.

In this issue of ARIT you will also read about visits made by Levon Der Bedrossian and Arpi Haleblian to various BAFA project sites. Arpi reports in Groong, how even in the midst of their greatest hardship, our compatriots are remarkable people from whom we can learn dignity.

Finally, Francois Antounian updates us on the new dimensions of BAFA's Medical projects. He introduces us to Dr. Haik Avakian and his upcoming training in the area of orthopedic surgery.

You, BAFA supporters, have been faithful during the last seven years in supporting our projects. At no time during the last seven years has the need in Armenia been as great as it is right now. We have literally hundreds of individuals waiting to join our Soup Kitchen program. We will be glad to help them if you continue, and even increase your support. Whatever we have achieved in Armenia is because of you, dear "friends of Armenia," and we thank you.

John Haleblian

Groong

I am looking forward to visiting the ladies at BAFA's Norki Massif restaurant. Our driver Garik takes my husband, John, and me there at lunchtime. Elderly men and women are sitting at the tables and eating their meal. Quiet conversation is going on at each table while some are at the kitchen counter being served by the staff. The aroma of the food makes me feel hungry, especially the smell of the freshly baked bread.

I join a table where three ladies are enjoying their lunch. I recognize two of them from the previous year. Lisa, who only has one tooth, gets up and hugs and welcomes me. She has a broad smile, her hazel eyes shine, her gray hair is combed back. She has a clean, but worn-out dress. She hangs on to me as she tells me how grateful she is for her daily meal and says that without this restaurant she has no other way of obtaining food.

Next, I meet Haiganoush who is patiently waiting to see me. She extends her hand and warmly greets me. She is a dignified lady. It is obvious that her teaching profession has given her this demeanor. I notice that she has a bruise on one side of her face, and she tries to cover it as I ask her what happened. She says that she fell in her home in the morning, and being alone, it was hard for her to get up. I notice that she has lost weight, but say nothing. She tells me that with a pension of a mere $5.00 a month, it is impossible to see a doctor. Yet, she smiles and takes the beautiful embroidered handkerchief from her jacket pocket and offers it to me. I feel very touched and try to convince her to keep it in her pocket where it looks just right. She finally relents. I tell her I'm glad she made it to lunch today. She tells me that she mustered all her energy to come because had she stayed home, she would have only bread to eat.

In the meantime, I sense Araxia trying to get my attention. She is a plump but tall lady with her hair in a bun. With a smile she welcomes me and asks me to thank all the donors in the United States who make it possible for her to have a balanced meal daily. As I look at her face, I notice that she does not see me. There is a shade on her eyes, and yet she looks very cheerful. I ask her how she comes to lunch, and she tells me that a friend walks with her. Then comes the wonderful surprise. Araxia asks me if I would like her to sing for me, and I say yes, of course! She stands and with a loud voice fills the restaurant with Groong! She has an attentive audience. She sings with feelings and gestures. My eyes water as I listen. The song's melancholic words portray our nation's condition so well. I hug and thank her and encourage her to keep singing even when living is so rough.

Within just a few minutes with these three precious ladies, I feel refreshed, touched and blessed realizing how much they have to offer me despite their deprived lives.

Arpi Haleblian

MY VISIT TO BAFA PROJECTS WITH MY CHILDREN

On April the 3rd, along with my teenage children, Vanick and Laurice, I visited Armenia for 10 days. Spring was already in the air and in Yerevan the weather had warmed up; cotton clouds were gliding over the surrounding mountains still covered with snow, and children on the roadsides were selling wild purple and yellow fragrant spring flowers.

Of course we visited Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan and Echmiadzin; marveled once again at the majestic ruins of Zvartnots, testimony to our ancestor's refined talents, knowledge and creativity. My children too, felt that our land is beautiful with its rocks and stones… and that with hard work and determination it's possible to transform rough stones into graceful artifacts.

At Dsidsernagapert, we had the unmistakable taste of the tragedy our parents of past generations had experienced across the land. We also felt the need to transform the resulting energy into a tangible, constructive endeavor.

Our most memorable moments were also when we visited the Bay Area Friends of Armenia Soup Kitchens of Norki Massif and Nor Hadjn. It was extremely moving to be among the elderly during these very harsh economic times marked by high unemployment and poverty. Attached are few pictures of BAFA Soup Kitchen patrons and kitchen crew.

Memorable too, were the songs and recitations of our youngsters in Ojantag School No. 8. They seemed happy, as the attached pictures show, to have visitors in their own classrooms. In spite of their material and emotional shortcomings, most of them responded to our presence playfully, with enthusiasm and warmth.

The day before our return, at Khor Virap, with mount Ararat in the background as a permanent guardian, we savored the surrounding beauty, climbed down the dark legendary dungeon, lit candles, made our wishes and we returned with the feeling that we would like to do this again in the near future.

Levon Der Bedrossian

ARS EREPOUNI SCHOOLS FUNDRAISING

It was almost Christmas. The year was 1997. Before music class, the children were asked what they wanted for Christmas from Gaghant Baba. There was a lot of enthusiasm and many noisy children screaming out their wishes. The list became very long. Of course, every child in America wants and expects gifts at Christmas. We, the teachers, felt the need to explain to the children the real meaning of the season.

Inspired by the notion of "It is better to give than to receive," the children started getting ideas. "Let's give Gaghant Baba toys, video games, dolls, and more toys to send to the children in Armenia." After exchanging countless ideas about giving, the teachers suggested it's better to give money to Gaghant Baba so it would be easier to deliver.

Right then Julie Kulhanjian, a BAFA Board member and a parent in our school, suggested, "Why don't we give money to one of the schools that BAFA is supporting." That was the perfect idea and that's how Walnut Creek ARS Erepouni School adopted Ojantag boarding school No.8 in Yerevan, Armenia.

At the Christmas hantes, the students gave their donations in an envelope to Gaghant Baba. That Christmas in 1997, the children raised $500 and it was the beginning of a beautiful tradition of Christmas giving. The following year, $700 was raised. In 1999, the amount went up to $850. For the new millennium we raised $885.

We have also raised money at our year-end hantes. For the past two years, we have done auctions to raise money. The year-end hantes this year, raised $600 to build a playground for Ojantag school children.

In addition to fundraising, our students wrote letters to the children of the same age at the Ojantag School. In turn, the children of Ojantag School created artwork and crafts dedicated to the ARS Erebouni School children. Our letters and pictures now decorate the walls of the room that we have helped to furnish with our donations.

I urge all the other Bay Area Armenian schools to follow the example of our school and teach our children the meaning and spirit of giving.

Thank You,

Garine Keledjian

New Milestone for BAFA's Medical Education Program

It is a done deal! Dr. Haik Avakian is coming to SFGH/UCSF for a "residency training" in orthopedic surgery for one year. As some of you may recall, he has already spent three months here. The chief of the training program was so impressed with Dr. Avakian that he volunteered to accept him as a trainee for another year. As he put it, "Haik is of a caliber to become a leading teacher and even a Minister of Health."

One of BAFA's goals is to help raise the level of medicine in Armenia. As practical people, we want to take this unique opportunity to help develop Haik into the leading orthopedist in Armenia, and perhaps the Caucasus, and even the whole CIS. Let us use our local networks to improve the lives of those for whom we care so much. We hope that during his stay in San Francisco, Haik also gets the opportunity to meet as many of you as possible, learn about us - the Armenian Diaspora, see how we work together for the people in Armenia, and assume the ambassadorship of goodwill.

Of course all of these efforts are possible because of your deep commitment and caring. So much depends on our collective and continued involvement. We, at BAFA, are ready to keep going as long as we know you are behind us.

Francois Antounian, MD

ACCOUNTABILITY

One of the most common questions asked to BAFA Board members is "are you sure the funds sent to Armenia reach the correct destination?"

Other than various Board members regularly visiting the various BAFA projects in Armenia, we also regularly receive reports regarding how the various funds are spent.

As we have previously reported the various BAFA Soup Kitchens are supervised by Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). Attached is a copy of the monthly expense report prepared by FAR, for our Nor Hadjn Soup Kitchen. As you can see FAR presents a detailed report, to the last Kilogram of each item used in the daily menu.

We at BAFA Board thank you for your confidence in us and we try our utmost to make sure that each dollar donated by you is directly used for the project designated by you.

BAFA Board of Directors