History of the “Entanik” Youth Creative Center

History

 

Gyumri is a city of culture, crafts, and the arts—a city where education is highly valued and deeply appreciated. It is unique in its creative spirit, ancient heritage, distinctive character, harmonious architectural style, and rich cultural traditions.

We have travelled a journey spanning thousands of years, marked by numerous victories as well as bitter losses. The year 1988 brought the vibrant life of this remarkable and quintessentially Armenian city to an abrupt halt. Silence descended upon the bustling streets of the ancient city, and life seemed to stop for a brief moment.

Yet, in the devastated and cold city, numerous children—orphans, children with disabilities, those from socially vulnerable families, and those experiencing severe emotional and psychological hardship—were in urgent need of warmth, care, and support.

It was these pressing challenges that led to the establishment of an institution that would bring together and support orphaned, children with disabilities, and vulnerable children, providing them with both material and moral assistance.

The initiators had to knock on many doors before finding a partner who shared their vision and was willing to support its realization. In 1991, the “Hayuralsibshin” Association provided a modular building, along with some of the necessary resources, for the establishment of an educational and cultural institution.

That same year, the “Family” Charitable Organization, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Armenia, established the “Family” Youth Creative Center with the aim of providing adolescents in Gyumri with diverse vocational education and meaningful opportunities for employment and personal development.

On March 24, 1991, the Center welcomed its first students. It included more than a dozen classrooms and craft workshops, a sports hall, a club, additional facilities, comfortable corridors, and a dining hall with a fully equipped kitchen.

From the very beginning, the newly established organization had a clear mission: to contribute to the moral and psychological well-being of children who had lost their parents, children with disabilities, children from socially vulnerable families, children facing special challenges, and children from large families. The Center sought to provide both material and moral support and to help children overcome the difficulties of everyday life.

An equally important role of the Center was to provide adolescents with meaningful and purposeful engagement through diverse educational and creative activities in the fields of crafts and the arts. The programs were designed to develop their creative abilities, provide vocational skills, and help them build a foundation for their future, reducing the risk of unemployment.

Every effort was made to create an environment where children could receive well-rounded education and enjoy their leisure time in a safe, supportive, and stimulating atmosphere. The educational institution also created opportunities for the implementation of various social programs, which played an important role in developing and strengthening the relationship between the Center and its students.

Year by year, the number of students attending the Center increased, as did the range of vocational and creative disciplines offered. New programs and workshops were added to the existing ones.

Recognizing the importance of the Center's mission, together with the deteriorating condition of its wooden building, the rapidly growing number of students, and the limited space available, the construction of a new facility became one of the strategic priorities of the “Family” organization.

On October 15, 2008, the Center's new building was officially opened. It provided comfortable and bright classrooms equipped with the educational equipment, materials, tools, and furnishings necessary for the comprehensive teaching of various crafts and artistic disciplines.

The building was constructed in accordance with international standards and was equipped with modern utility systems, central heating, and security systems.

Throughout its years of operation, the “Family” Youth Creative Center has earned a strong reputation both in Gyumri and across Armenia, as well as internationally. The Center has regularly organized citywide, regional, and cross-border educational and cultural events.

Recognizing the importance of national unity in strengthening Armenia's independent statehood, the Center has cooperated with educational and cultural institutions across the regions of the Republic of Armenia and in Javakhk, as well as with various international organizations, establishing strong and lasting partnerships through a wide range of educational and cultural programs.

Upon completing their studies at the Center, students receive certificates corresponding to the knowledge and skills they have acquired.

We consider it our responsibility and privilege to contribute to the important mission of educating a knowledgeable and well-educated, Christian and distinctly Armenian generation—one that is grounded in faith, cultural identity, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility toward society.

“Family” is a place you can always return to—a place where you will always find love, warmth, trust, and dedication.