Birthright Armenia
Founded2003
FounderEdele Hovnanian
TypeEducational charity;
cultural exchange
FocusVolunteerism
Location
Area served
Armenia
Key people
Linda Yepoyan, Board Member;
Sevan Kabakian, Country Director
Volunteers
3000
WebsiteOfficial website

Birthright Armenia, also known as Depi Hayk (Armenian: Դեպի Հայք), is a volunteer internship enhancement program that also offers travel fellowships to eligible participants to assist in the development of Armenia.[1]

Organizational background

Birthright Armenia was established in 2003 by Edele Hovnanian[2] as an international nonprofit organization.[3] The organization's goals include strengthening ties between Armenia and Armenian Diaspora youth representatives by providing them an opportunity to take part in the daily life of fellow Armenians.[4][5]

Program

Participants should commit to a minimum of 30 hours of weekly volunteering or a university internship while given the choice of residing with local host families.[6] The organization offers a variety of volunteer opportunities among 1,300+ partner organizations across sectors such as architecture, marketing, tourism, healthcare, agriculture, IT, and business.[7] The program also includes weekly excursions, in-office Armenian language classes, and weekly forums with guest speakers who talk about different topics regarding Armenia.[6]

Eligibility

To participate, applicants must have at least one grandparent of Armenian nationality. They must also be aged between 21 and 32, having graduated from high school, and fulfilling residency requirements (prove that they were born outside of Armenia or left Armenia before the age of 15 and lived abroad for at least 10 years). Applicants who have primarily resided in Armenia for longer than the last three years are not eligible. Participants must agree to a minimum 9 week stay.[8]

Alumni

Birthright Armenia boasts an alumni network of more than 3000 individuals from 57 countries, 300 of which have repatriated to Armenia.[9] The organization supports alumni initiatives through "Next Step" grants, which enable alumni to make positive impacts both in Armenia and around the world.[10] Also, Birthright Armenia supports those who want to stay in Armenia after completing the program. Graduates can receive free temporary housing, as well as employment support, regular consultations with staff members, and access to a network of experienced repatriates.[11]

Similar organizations

Birthright Armenia was inspired by Birthright Israel, which offers educational and cultural exchange opportunities related to Jewish history and culture. Another similar project is Birthright Greece, aimed at the Greek Diaspora.[12]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-05-23. Retrieved 2013-06-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ↑ "Birthright Israel, Meet Birthright Armenia". New Voice, National Jewish Student Magazine. May 1, 2009. Retrieved 2011-05-25.
  3. ↑ Segrè, Francesca (2008-05-25). "Matchmaking, the Ultimate Government Service". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
  4. ↑ "Sevan Kabakian: 'At Birthright Armenia, we give flight to people'". www.h-pem.com. Retrieved 2020-09-21.
  5. 1 2 Luxner, Larry (March 9, 2022). "Birthright Armenia: Familiar goal, but with Caucasus twist". The Times of Israel. Retrieved November 25, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ↑ "Complete your university internship in Armenia". web.archive.org. 2023-11-25. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
  7. ↑ "FAQ". web.archive.org. 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-11-18.
  8. ↑ "Birthright Armenia a strong bridge between Armenia and Diaspora: program for volunteers continues actively". armenpress.am. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
  9. ↑ "Micro Grants for Alumni". web.archive.org. 2023-11-21. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
  10. ↑ "Pathway to Armenia | Birthright Armenia". web.archive.org. 2023-11-21. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
  11. ↑ Jeremy Gillick (5 May 2008). "Birthright Israel, Meet Birthright Armenia". Archived from the original on 12 May 2008.
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