“Patriotism: The Guarantee of a Strong Homeland” Summer School Program

“It is not enough to be a son of the nation; one must also be its ardent soldier.”

G. Nzhdeh

From July 18 to 26, the “Ընտանիք” Children and Youth Creative Center of Gyumri under the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia implemented the “Patriotism: The Guarantee of a Strong Homeland” Summer School Program at the “Arbanjak” Camp in Vanadzor.

The objectives of the program were:

• to bring together schoolchildren from Shirak Province and Artsakh, strengthen their friendly ties, and contribute to the development of individuals rich in national and universal values and raised in a military-patriotic spirit;

• to present the exploits of modern-day heroes through organized events and seminars and use their examples to strengthen the moral and fighting spirit of teenagers;

• to raise awareness among pre-conscription-age teenagers about service in the national army and strengthen their knowledge of military science;

• to foster interest in robotics;

• to organize meaningful summer recreation for the students.

The groups formed at the Summer School stood out through the historical names they chose, the artistic events inspired by those names, and the patriotic messages they addressed to one another. Each name was chosen deliberately: “Vardanank” as an ideological symbol of self-sacrifice for the homeland and conscious martyrdom; “Artsakh” as a symbol of the heroic spirit of the Armenian people; and “Cilicia” as a symbol of strength and resilience.

Guided by the ideals of military patriotism and building a strong state, the program organizers arranged and conducted a variety of activities for the schoolchildren: sports, military, and intellectual games and competitions; civil defense exercises; practical training in first aid and evacuation procedures; reconnaissance hikes; traditional Armenian dance classes; thematic seminars; and screenings and discussions of documentary and feature films. The discussions once again highlighted the role of the Armenian soldier in establishing and preserving our state.

Military educational games were organized by scouts who had arrived from France, and the schoolchildren also engaged with them in discussions on intercultural topics.

The participants’ enthusiasm and active involvement were evident during events dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia and the 130th anniversary of G. Nzhdeh’s birth. Patriotism was reflected in their every word and gesture, as well as in their performances of military-patriotic songs and dances. They pledged never to abandon their homeland, to become defenders of its borders and guarantors of its security, because they themselves are the eternal guardians of their land.

The participants of the Summer School also met with Vardan Sargsyan, Chairman of the Gyumri Territorial Branch of the Yerkrapah Volunteer Union (YVU); Samvel Abajyan, member of the YVU Council and recipient of the Artsakh President’s “Combat Service” Medal; Harutyun Kirakosyan, member of the YVU Council and recipient of the “For the Liberation of Shushi” and “Mkhitar Heratsi” medals; Mnatsakan Gevorgyan, military instructor at Gyumri State Vocational School No. 4 and recipient of the “Drastamat Kanayan” Medal; and modern-day hero Rafael Hovhannisyan, a former student of the “Ընտանիք” Center, graduate of Gyumri State Vocational School No. 4, participant in the Four-Day Artsakh War, and recipient of the “Combat Cross” 2nd Degree Order.

The teenagers had the opportunity to ask questions that concerned them, share their thoughts, and communicate with soldiers who had made their contribution to the defense of the homeland. The veterans also shared their experiences from the battlefield, offered advice, and presented the heroic image of the Armenian soldier.

As part of the program, the teenagers also spent an unforgettable day at the centuries-old St. Astvatsatsin Church in Odzun and Haghpat Monastery, experiencing the invaluable treasures of Armenia’s cultural heritage.

The Summer School concluded with a farewell bonfire—moments of joy and sadness, words of gratitude and farewell, and an awards ceremony. A. Minasyan, Director of the “Ընտանիք” Center, presented certificates and prizes to the participants who distinguished themselves throughout the program.

The Union of Artsakh Freedom Fighters also awarded the “Ընտանիք” Center, represented by Director A. Minasyan, a certificate of appreciation for its active contribution to strengthening the Armenia–Artsakh–Diaspora triad.

H. Sargsyan