Over the past two years I have heard the stories and seen the pictures, but the reality of Armenia was beyond my expectations!  During the past school holidays I travelled with two other teachers at Galstaun College, Mr Lepedjian and Mrs Marashlian to Armenia, where we spent just over two weeks, followed by a week with the Armenian community in Lebanon.

I was overwhelmed by the beautiful countryside, the beautiful churches and Yerevan’s elegant tree-lined streets – all within sight of the sparkling snows of Ararat and Masis.  What impressed me most, however, was the extraordinary warmth and generosity of the people.

During our stay we visited private homes, schools, magnificent monasteries and important places like the Matenadaran and Dzidzernagapert, Sevan and Artsakh.  It was an honour to be granted and audience with His Holiness Karakin II and to have meetings with the Minister for the Diaspora, Dr Hranoush Hagopian and the Deputy Minister, Dr Stepan Bedrossian, the Deputy Minister for Education, Mrs Karine Harutyunyan and many very helpful people from Hamazkaine including Ms Lillit Galstyan

A highlight of the trip was my attendance at the closing ceremony of the Ari Dun program.  This is a very special program for young Armenians from the Diaspora who come to Armenia to get in touch with their language, culture, history and national heritage.  They return home with a renewed sense of patriotism and pride, equipped with new knowledge and enhanced language skills.

A highlight of our trip to Artsakh, which included (enroute) Khor Virap, Datev, Noravank and Gandsazar, was our meeting with representatives of a local school in Stepanakert.  I hope that our students will be able to communicate with the students at this school, to build friendships and share experiences.

Equally, we were very moved by the warmth of our welcome at School 136 in Yerevan, where the Principal  brought students and teachers back from their holidays to meet us and demonstrate some of the excellent features of the school.  We were greeted with a traditional salt and bread ceremony and a lovely dance performed by 20 girls from the Dance troupe.  Then students proudly showed us their beautiful classrooms and gave recitals.  It was a pleasure to meet with teachers afterwards to discuss our common challenges and goals and forge professional links.

In Beirut we were able to visit two schools, speaking to students and teachers who had come in during their holidays.  Again we found great commonality of purpose in that both our schools were providing a high quality local education for our students, while ensuring that they grew proudly in their knowledge and experience of their Armenian traditions, language and culture.

My visit to Armenia was indeed a life-changing experience.  I learned so much about a great nation and was deeply appreciative to all the kind and generous people who shared their lives and opened their homes.

Mrs Carolyn Blanden - Head of College, Hamazkaine Galstaun College