“Mkhitar” Youth Center has been operating in Choratan village of Tavush marz for 25 years, where children from neighboring villages get together almost every day after school so as to be educated, learn new crafts and arts and organize their entertainment.

“Mkhitar” Youth Center is one of the beneficiaries of the annual grant program of the “Stepan Gishyan” Charitable Foundation. Thanks to the grant, the Center purchased a minibus that transports children from neighboring villages to the Center on a daily basis. After the purchase of the minibus, the number of students attending the Center has doubled. Instead of the previous 100 children, now more than 200 children attend the Center.

“Thanks to the minibus purchased through the provided grant, the children of 3 villages adjacent to Choratan village: Artsvaberd, Norashen and Verin Karmir Aghbyur, will also be able to attend the “Mkhitar” Youth Educational and Cultural Center. This will enable children to receive free education, develop skills and effectively organize their free time,” said Anna Gishyan, the Director of the “Stepan Gishyan” Charitable Foundation.

“The existence of the Center is really a very important link for children living in the border villages, where about 200 students attend 18 different groups: karate, needlework, embroidery, painting, music, Armenian dance, singing, theater, etc.

“With the support of the grant of the “Stepan Gishyan” Charitable Foundation, as well as the sponsorship of the former students of the Mekhitarist Congregation, the problem of the minibus was solved, which transports about 100 students from neighboring villages to the “Mkhitar” Youth Center 3-4 times a day,” said Edgar Kalantaryan, the Director of the “Mkhitar” Youth Center.

The “Stepan Gishyan” Charitable Foundation was created by Acba Bank, French Credit Agricole, Credit Agricole National Federation and the Gishyan family. The Foundation's programs are aimed at strengthening Armenian-French ties, improving and perfecting Armenia’s socio-economic, scientific-educational, cultural and healthcare systems.

More details in the video.