Impact Stories
President’s Visit
In the fall of 2021, CERA President Rouzan Kheranian was determined to personally visit the borderline villages in Syunik Province, despite the volatile and insecure conditions along the border and surrounding roads.
Her unwavering commitment to bringing hope, unity, and financial assistance to the people who felt forgotten by the world after a devastating war deeply resonated with the communities she visited: Tsav, Nerkin Hand, and Chakaten.
Her visit brought carefree smiles back to children’s beautiful faces and lifted the heavy burden of isolation and despair from the adults. There was a tangible sense of hope for the future. If a brief visit can create such contagious energy, imagine what we can achieve by offering a sustainable support system!
CERA President Rouzan Kheranian at Tsav Community School: with the school principal, teachers, children, and their parents
Tsav community children express their gratitude to CERA donors
Syunik’s Tsav community school children’s visit with their peers at Akhuryan community school in Gyumri
The newly forged friendship between the two communities is solidified in the handshake of the two school principals
Empowering the younger generation to seek true national unity by breaking down regional barriers through cultural exchange visits.
Thanks to the Organization’s sponsorship in July of 2023, students from Tsav local school in Syunik Province, located at the southernmost border of the country, embarked on a long but culturally and psychologically rewarding trip to the Akhuryan community in Gyumri Province.
During their visit, they immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Gyumri by exploring museums, attending theatres, and experiencing age-old local traditions. They also connected with their peers at Akhuryan School, sharing information about their regional homes, history, cultural heritage, unique traditions, and everyday challenges. These peer-to-peer interactions were genuine, meaningful, and heartwarming, promising future collaboration.
Unfortunately, as of today, the children from Akhuryan School have not been able to utilize their invitation to visit the Tsav community in Syunik due to the ongoing volatile and insecure situation at the border.
Children from the two schools share stories while building the foundation blocks for lasting friendship
Introducing themselves to their new friends allowing their beautiful personalities to shine through
Pictures of local sites reveal the history, heritage, and resilience of the people living here