Projects of the Ministry in 2010
"One nation, one culture" program (original in armenian)
Publication of “Hayern Aysor” online multilingual daily of the RA Ministry of Diaspora
“History of communities” - studies on Armenian communities of the Diaspora
Organizing events praising notable Diaspora Armenian individuals and organizations
Frequent visits of Diaspora Armenian youth to Armenia
Broadening of the database of the Western Armenian-Eastern Armenian converter
Preparing and broadcasting film series, video clips and television programs
Programs for support in cultural and educational issues facing Armenian communities of Latin America
Organizing a pan-Armenian forum for establishing the “National Council”
Establishment of an alley for Armenian benefactors
Creation of an electronic library
Delivering instructional books to public schools in the Diaspora
Publication of “Hayern Aysor” online multilingual daily of the RA Ministry of Diaspora
1.Situation
“Hayern Aysor” online daily was installed on the Internet in May 2009. The main goal of the daily newspaper is to create a field of general information for Armenia and the Diaspora in order to continue to promote the strengthening of relations between Armenia and the Diaspora, create a common environment for information, exchange of information between newspapers and online media in different countries of the world and create opportunities for cooperation.
2.Issues
The cultural, political and economic events taking place in Armenian communities of the Diaspora, the hardships and achievements of our fellow Diaspora Armenians and activities of Armenian organizations are either poorly presented or not presented at all in Armenia and the Diaspora. Armenians living in different countries of the Diaspora, as well as their achievements and successes, remain under the shade and that leads to a lack of awareness among our fellow Armenians living in the Diaspora.
3.Solutions
The “Hayern Aysor” online newspaper publication will provide the opportunity to continue to shed light on political, cultural and economic events taking place in Armenian communities of the Diaspora, raise and present the issues and achievements of our fellow Diaspora Armenians, always be informed and raise awareness about events concerning our fellow Armenians, always provide information about Diaspora Armenian benefactors and their charities, Diaspora Armenian organizations, introduce wealthy, acknowledged and successful Armenians in other countries, as well as conduct daily monitoring to be aware of and respond quickly to issues of national significance.
4.Results
“Hayern Aysor” online multilingual daily is published and delivered to tens of thousands of subscribers on a daily basis. It is envisaged to continue the weekly summarized editions of materials with up to 52 editions a year.
"History of communities" - studies on Armenian communities of the Diaspora
1.Situation
One of the main propositions stated in the concept on development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership is to conduct studies on the current issues facing Armenian communities of the Diaspora, perspectives, trends for development, as well as the formation of Diaspora Armenian communities, relations between the “old” and “new” Diaspora, the culture, traditions and daily life of each community, the flows of migration and demography in the Armenian communities, activities of Diaspora Armenian organizations and perspectives and other issues.
2.Issues
Armenian communities of the Diaspora frequently undergo dynamic changes which need to be studied frequently. There are extremely few fundamental works and investigations on the Diaspora and its current issues.
3.Solutions
Coordinated research in Diaspora Armenian communities through scientific institutions, specialized centers and working groups and ensuring publication of studies for later application.
4.Results
As a result, the fundamental works, booklets and reference materials are developed and published in order to apply them in Armenia, Diaspora Armenian communities and centers for Armenian studies for purposes of research.
Publication of the 2010 “SPYURK” yearbook: individuals and memorable events in different Diaspora Armenian communities
1.Situation
According to the propositions stated in the concept on development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership, it is necessary to present issues and realities between Armenia and the Diaspora through different means of information.
2.Issues
It is necessary to provide means of information to promote the development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership through cooperation with Diaspora Armenian organizations, as well as the harmony between the means of information and the primacies of the state policy in other spheres through measures for implementing the policy on development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership and ongoing monitoring, evaluation and inclusion of results.
3.Solutions
Solutions would be to break the current stereotypes about the Armenian Diaspora and have a real picture of Armenians living in different historical, geopolitical and cultural environments by evaluating and reporting the real needs of sectors of Diaspora Armenians and studying their history and activities.
4.Results
The annual “SPYURK” yearbook is delivered to all Diaspora Armenian communities and contains information and memorable episodes of activities, achievements and successes of our fellow Armenians in different corners of the globe. The yearbook is illustrated and will be printed in Armenian and English.
Organizing events praising notable Diaspora Armenian individuals and organizations
1.Situation
Pan-Armenian structures and organizations and notable individuals have made a great contribution and provided notable services for preservation of Armenian identity for all times and through different programs.
2.Issues
Armenians in Armenia and the Diaspora don’t know each other well because they have lived and grown up in different civilizations. That is the reason why different sectors of Armenians in Armenia and the Diaspora have different perceptions of the primacies of partnership.
3.Solutions
It is necessary to raise awareness among the Armenian public about the activities of many notable Diaspora Armenian individuals and organizations and present the integrated activities aimed at preservation of Armenian identity implemented in the Diaspora. Such events will promote preservation of Armenian identity and will be viewed as a moral evaluation of activities in the Diaspora.
4.Results
There would be more opportunities for Armenia and the Diaspora to get acquainted with each other, shedding light on the life and career of famous Armenians, properly presenting their activities in Armenia and uniting notable Diaspora Armenians around project implementation and development of partnership.
Organizing pan-Armenian forums of “Diaspora Armenian graduates of RA universities”, “Armenian financiers”, “Preservation of qualities of Armenian identity in mixed marriages” and “State of instruction of Western Armenian in the Diaspora”
1.Situation
Based on the propositions stated in the concept on development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership, the RA Government envisages the creation of mechanisms for estimating the current potential in science, education, economy, culture and other spheres in the Diaspora. The real issues are the consolidation of Diaspora Armenians’ potential and the broadening of spheres of organized cooperation, as well as the creation and development of professional networks.
2.Issues
There have not been serious steps taken in these spheres of the development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership and it is necessary to promote cooperation between Diaspora Armenian individuals and organizations with different professional capabilities.
3.Solutions
Solutions would be to organize and hold the first pan-Armenian forums in Armenia. The forum agenda, the primary issues to be discussed, the particularities for organization must be discussed with the corresponding professional associations.
4.Results
The program would provide the opportunity to identify, evaluate and record the potential of Diaspora Armenian professionals, form common approaches and introduce unified methods and mechanisms for solving the issues, as well as find effective courses for bringing Eastern and Western Armenian closer.
Frequent visits of Diaspora Armenian youth to Armenia
1.Situation
One of the major objectives for the development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership is to establish and reinforce relations among Armenian youth through all-embracing programs. Being under the cultural influences of different countries, Diaspora Armenian youth need to have practical relations in addition to their theoretical notions and knowledge of Armenia and the Armenian reality.
2.Issues
The organizing of patriotic and military-patriotic discipline, collaboration and exchanges in sports and among the youth, pan-Armenian youth and athletic events, scientific-methodological research, forums and seminars
3.Solutions
In 2009, nearly 500 youth paid 15-day visits to Armenia within the framework of the “Come Home” project. The youth lived with the host families, managed to quickly integrate into Armenian youth, acknowledge Armenian family traditions, get acquainted with their peers’ interests, establish ties, tour and become familiarized with historical sites in Armenia and meet with state, public and cultural figures of Armenia.
4.Results
The results of the project are the development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership, strengthening of youth relations and opportunities for new initiatives in culture, society, education and other spheres; integration of current notions about Armenia in the Diaspora; the drive for promoting preservation of Armenian identity and additional promotion of increasing tourism.
Supporting Master’s students of the Department of Diaspora Studies at YSU to prepare and train specialists in Diaspora studies
1.Situation
Introduction of the system of instruction for experts in the field of Armenia-Diaspora partnership, including demands for the process, inclusion of “Armenian Studies” and “History of Communities” in the Master’s degree programs at institutions of higher learning; confirming the order of developing, introducing and funding programs for Diaspora studies and adjunct themes, building capacities of institutions of higher learning and the creation of legal grounds for introducing systems for shedding light on instruction and activities.
2.Issues
The issues include the need for ongoing training of experts in order to secure professional specialists for raising the effectiveness of development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership and activities in different fields of the Diaspora. Training institutions are not prepared and don’t have the ability to conduct ongoing training of experts involved in the implementation of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership. Thus, it is necessary to develop their institutional capabilities and envisage mechanisms for trainees’ promotion.
3.Solutions
Support in developing activities of the Department of Diaspora Studies at YSU and providing grants for Master’s students through inclusion of the profession “Diaspora Studies” in the Master’s degree programs, as well as the development and introduction of other adjunct topics.
4.Results
As a result, it will be possible to prepare masters of “Diaspora Studies”. The capabilities of the department will be used for the implementation of studies on the psychology, culture, history and society of different Diaspora Armenian communities.
Broadening of the database of the Western Armenian - Eastern Armenian converter
1.Situation
The guarantee for the existence and survival of the Diaspora is the Armenian language. The issue of preserving and disseminating the Armenian language is a key issue in the Diaspora. A large part of Diaspora Armenians are not proficient in Armenian or are partially proficient. In some Diaspora Armenian communities, the use of the Armenian language is limited to oral speech. In 2009 the Ministry installed an online converter program for mutual comprehension between the two sectors of the Armenian language in Diaspora Armenian communities (according to the contract, the service provider is obliged to implement the service for another two years).
2.Issues
The converter program needs to be continuously developed.
3.Solutions
It is necessary to broaden the translation database that lies at the core of the program by adding the dictionary database in order to raise the level of effectiveness.
4.Results
Ensure fast and efficient translation of difficult professional texts.
Teleconferences with the participation of notable individuals of the community who are dedicated to culture, education, the community and preservation of Armenian identity
1.Situation
The opportunities provided by modern information technologies are of utmost significance for implementing the propositions stated in the concept on development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership. The teleconferences on significant issues are an effective direction for professionals’ exchange of views.
2.Issues
There are many multifaceted issues that very often require support in public and direct discussions, exchange of views, best experience or urgent issues.
3.Solutions
The teleconferences provide opportunities for holding consultations between Diaspora Armenian organizations, as well as professional and community associations. It is also effective in terms of establishing connections and mutual recognition.
4.Results
The result is raising issues, searching for solutions and reaching agreements on support programs and cooperation.
Preparing and broadcasting film series, video clips and television programs
1.Situation
Preparing and broadcasting instructive, cognitive, educational, informative, disciplinary and cultural film series, video clips and television programs are issues that are established in the propositions of the concept on development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership.
2.Issues
Many Diaspora Armenian communities lack Armenian schools, clubs and as a result, the qualities of the Armenian identity, history, language and culture are not appropriate for many children and youth and this makes the process of preserving the Armenian identity more difficult.
3.Solutions
Taking into account the fact that electronic media play a huge role and are of great significance in terms of education, instruction and information and based on the need for taking measures to promote preservation of the Armenian identity in the Diaspora, it is envisaged to prepare and broadcast cognitive film series, television programs, DVDs and video clips about Armenian language, traditions, and history of Armenia and the Armenian nation.
4.Results
As a result, it will be possible to put an end to the danger of assimilation to a certain extent through dissemination in new communities and those where there are no organizational structures and give the opportunity to get acquainted with the Homeland and receive preliminary information.
Programs for support in cultural and educational issues facing Armenian communities of Latin America
1.Situation
Issues relating to preservation of Armenian identity are of major importance for Armenians living in Latin American countries. The communities are on the verge of assimilation and in danger of losing the Armenian language and identity and educational institutions are weak. Taking into account the current state and the need for showing possible support, in 2009 the RA Government confirmed the program for support in cultural and educational issues facing Armenian communities of Latin America.
2.Issues
The events for the program for support in cultural and educational issues facing Armenian communities of Latin America envisage steps to be taken toward preservation of Armenian identity and the fight against assimilation. The communities need support in organization, cultural contacts and involvement in pan-Armenian programs.
3.Solutions
In 2010 it is envisaged to support activities of the center for Armenian studies at the University of San Paolo; organize concerts for Armenian cultural groups, creative groups and individual performers in the communities; participation of theater groups, choirs and performing artists of the Armenian communities, as well as the organizing of visits and meetings of Armenian writers and other cultural figures.
4.Results
More active community life, new resources for self-organization, new stimuli for preservation of Armenian identity, as well as establishment of new contacts and cooperation through mutual visits.
Pan-Armenian awards ceremony
1.Situation
Many organizations, educational institutions and the media make everyday efforts in preserving the Armenian identity in the Diaspora, developing the Armenia-Diaspora partnership, establishing and strengthening relations. They also contribute to the preservation and dissemination of Armenian language, culture and qualities of Armenian identity. Armenian families also play an important role in preservation of the Armenian language and traditions and this is left on the shoulders of the Armenian families in the absence of corresponding organizations and institutions in many communities.
2.Issues
As everyone, Diaspora Armenian organizations also need the Homeland’s inspiration and attention for encouragement, to set a good example and show their achievements and efforts.
3.Solutions
It is necessary to find ways to encourage the activities in the Diaspora, as well as evaluate the achievements after competitions and daily grateful achievements. With that purpose, the Ministry is organizing a pan-Armenian awards ceremony in different categories for teachers, students, journalists and Armenian families.
4.Results
Raising awareness about the best efforts, achievements and registered successes, encouraging and presenting the experience.
Obtaining the RA emblems (coat of arms and flag) and delivering them to Diaspora Armenian institutions
1.Situation
The emblems of independent Armenia (flag and coat of arms) are in demand in the Diaspora. Many educational, scientific, cultural and community organizations have raised the issue of placing the RA flag and coat of arms as symbols of the Homeland.
2.Issues
An issue is to ensure the presence of Armenian emblems at the administrative offices of Armenian community organizations.
3.Solutions
Obtaining the RA state flag and coat of arms and delivering them to the initially formed lists and addresses.
4.Results
The RA flag and coat of arms will be present next to the emblems of the given country at administrative offices of Diaspora Armenian organizations and during community events. Perhaps this issues is strictly symbolic, it has a great psychological impact on organizing community life. The pride for statehood is worth more than the money that we wish to spend for this project.
Organizing a pan-Armenian forum for establishing the “National Council”
1.Situation
The Armenia-Diaspora partnership is of a sectional nature. Issues of pan-Armenian and general significance are not coordinated and sometimes they are viewed as a monopoly of the organization in different sectors of the Diaspora.
2.Issues
The lack of one pan-Armenian general representative structure or organization creates obstacles for the involvement of all sectors of the Diaspora, inter-community support and collaboration, as well as making the Armenia-Diaspora more effective and prospective.
3.Solutions
It is envisaged to create a pan-Armenian central body called the “National Council” headed by the RA President. The aim of the “National Council” will be to involve all Armenians in the Armenia-Diaspora partnership, jointly discuss and determine the principles for issues of national concern, ascertain the state and national priorities, convey a pan-national nature to the activities of state bodies and ensure their cooperation for the Armenia-Diaspora partnership.
4.Results
Another pan-Armenian forum will be convened in Las Vegas to create the “National Council”. As a result, pan-diasporan organizations will have the opportunity to be involved in issues concerning the implementation of the prospective policy on development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership and the decisions on many issues concerning the Armenia-Diaspora partnership will be legitimate with the presence of the “National Council”.
Establishment of an alley for Armenian benefactors
1.Situation
There are no full notions about the activities implemented by notable Diaspora Armenians in Armenia and knowledge about the activities of many benefactors is gradually decreasing.
2.Issues
The Armenia-Diaspora partnership has always required the support of well-known dedicated individuals and businessmen. Many have used their capabilities for eternalizing the psychological and cultural values and organizing community life for the preservation of Armenian identity in the Diaspora. The Homeland has also been supported by the multifaceted support and dedication of Diaspora Armenian benefactors. There are values that need to be transmitted to the generations and one of them is good deeds.
3.Solutions
It is necessary to have a separate special open-air corner in Yerevan, Armenia to present the great Armenian benefactors, including their names and brief biographies.
4.Results
Generations will know about the benefactors of Armenia and the Diaspora. Great Armenian benefactors will be praised for their dedicated contribution and the state will encourage beneficence.
Creation of an electronic library
1.Situation
Creation of the Armenia-Diaspora pan-Armenian library.
2.Issues
There are very few texts in Armenian on the Internet and that doesn’t give users in Armenia and the Diaspora the opportunity to stay in the Armenian environment. There are almost no electronic libraries, while the dispersion of Armenians around the globe doesn’t create the opportunity for people to be able to communicate. There are no corresponding compact libraries and that is the reason why our fellow Diaspora Armenians are mainly cut off from Armenian art, culture, literature and national values.
3.Solutions
A solution is the creation of a pan-Armenian electronic library resource center, taking into account the gap between spelling and Armenian language that is filled in with the works by Armenian classical and contemporary writers from Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora.
4.Results
The result will be to spread Armenian literature in the Diaspora and help Diaspora Armenians get acquainted with Armenian culture.
Preparing and installing lay-outs of monuments built in different countries and dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
1.Situation
The preparation and installment of lay-outs of monuments built in different countries and dedicated to the Armenian Genocide at Tsitsernakaberd are an important loop in organizing events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
The aim of the program is to gather and show Armenians and the international community the lay-outs of monuments dedicated to the Armenian Genocide through one complex.
This will show the attitude of many countries and cities of the world toward the Armenian Genocide, as well as the Armenians living in the given country and their issues.
2.Issues
Preparation and installment of lay-outs of monuments built in different countries and dedicated to the Armenian Genocide in Tsitsernakaberd is one of the important stages for organizing the events dedicated to the 95th and 100th anniversaries of the Armenian Genocide.
The creation of the complex of monument lay-outs will alarm the world about the events dedicated to the 95th and 100th anniversaries of the Armenian Genocide.
3.Solutions
The program envisages
-preparing the list of monuments dedicated to the Armenian Genocide in different countries,
-creation of a database of monuments, “biography of monument”, photo
-selection and concession of site in Yerevan for project implementation
-creation of a professional working group for project implementation
-preparation and installment of the first part of the lay-outs of the monuments in the envisaged site
-public and political announcements about the event
4.Results
The result of the program is a complex construction in Yerevan, presenting the lay-outs of monuments dedicated to the Armenian Genocide and built in different countries with inscriptions of where the monuments were installed, when and by whose permission and support.
The complex complements the role and significance of the square composed of fir trees planted in Tsitsernakaberd by heads of different countries.
It is appropriate to build the monument near the square at Tsitsernakaberd.
Delivering instructional books to public schools in the Diaspora
1.Situation
Issues concerning delivery of instructional books to Diaspora Armenian public schools always arise and very often the books are delivered late and to the wrong addressees.
2.Issues
The delivery of instructional books from Armenia to Diaspora Armenian public schools is strictly important and the issues in this field have a negative impact on organizing of the educational process.
3.Solutions
There is a need to select a corresponding delivery organization through a contest in order to solve the issue. This will provide the opportunity to secure the delivery of books to the public schools on time and in the amount that has been foreseen.
4.Results
Timely delivery of instructional books to public schools in the Diaspora in the amount foreseen.
Implementation of the program “Working with the communities”
(creation of professional networks, organizing of communities, creation of schools and other events that are part of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership)
1.Situation
As established by the concept on development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership and the charter of the Ministry of Diaspora, there is a need to respond to the solutions of multifaceted issues in the sphere of activities of the Ministry, recognition and establishment of relations, the events and invitations in different communities, be on the scene and have a clear picture of the situations.
2.Issues
Many communities face unique issues with objective and subjective reasons. Those issues very often impede the organizing of activities with the given communities and the partnership. By being on the scene, it is possible to give correct evaluations on the perspectives and real directions for partnership.
3.Solutions
A solution would be to send employees of the Ministry on business trips according to the regions.
4.Results
Recognition, personal contacts and relations and real grounds for prospective partnership.
