Geneva, Switzerland
Advancing the Heritage of Armenians in Jewellery
25 GRADUATES EMBARK ON NEW CAREER THANKS TO AJF'S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The jewellery trade is part of our national heritage and a source of pride. Our mission is to perpetuate this significant segment of our cultural tradition both by informing the world about the immense contributions made by Armenians to the art of jewellery and promoting talented young Armenians in becoming the next generation of industry leaders. AJF's ambitious scholarships program has, to date, funded 25 students who have successfully completed their studies both in Armenia and abroad, and are now embarking on their new careers.
Canada
Tens of thousands of Syrian Armenians have fled the war and destruction in their country and are seeking refuge elsewhere. Many families have been able to resettle in Canada thanks to support from community groups. Montreal is believed to be one of the main destinations and has already welcomed over 1,000 Syriahay refugees. With the new government policy of welcoming 50,000 new refugees by the end of 2016, it is believed that many more Syriahays will be resettling in Canada.
Thanks to its partnership with the prestigious École de gemmologie de Montréal (EGM), AJF launched its special vocational training program for Syriahay refugees in Canada. Funding for this pilot initiative was provided by the Birks Family Foundation (BFF), with further support coming from community organizations. Following a number of information sessions held in the summer at AGBU Montreal for the newly arrived, AJF received about 30 applications of which 11 were selected. The successful applicants were: Diran Aharonian, Viken Apkarian, Haig Attachian, Rita Attachian, Knar Hamalian, Garabet Hassekian, Kevork Hassekian, Lilit Kandilian, Isken Karamanlian, Nerses Khachoyan, and Tsolig Moughalian.
AJA Montreal honoured the first class of 11 Syriahay students during a networking event on November 18 where AJA members representing manufacturing, retailing and wholesaling companies shared their knowledge and experiences with the Syrian Armenian jewellers who resettled in Montreal.
EGM also celebrated its special program with AJF during its annual awards ceremony held on November 25. During the event, AJF chairman Pierre Akkelian presented the Treasures of Western Armenia album as a token of appreciation to Jonathan Birks, former President of CJA and President of the Birks Family Foundation. Mr. Birks gave a passionate speech about the success of EGM and the value of reaching out to refugees during trying times. Syrian Armenian students were honoured by the speakers for their hard work, which prompted EGM Academic Director Chandra Horn and Melisende Diamonds owner Mr. Harout Ohanessian to fund a complementary hands-on Diamond Grading course.
On October 11, AJF's Hratch Kaspar participated in the education forum organized by the key refugee services NGO Hay Doun (see The Gazette article) where AJF presented its educational programs to almost 80 Syriahay students.
As refugees continue arriving to Canada (see story in The Globe and Mail), AJF is receiving requests for new scholarships in 2016. Talks are currently underway with EGM, as well as funding partners to accommodate the increase in demand. A call for applications has already been issued.
Armenia
The pilot program was launched in the fall of 2014 thanks to an agreement with the Armenian Gemological Laboratory and Academy (AGLA). The agreement until now supported gemological training for 14 students over three full-time intensive sessions. Grantees came from various communities such as the Syrian Armenian refugee community, residents of small villages, Artsakh, and the Diaspora.
For the 2015 fall session, AGLA launched a new Diamond Grading curriculum that incorporates a more practical hands-on training for certificate students. Following a new call by AJF, 9 applications were received. In view of recent geopolitical developments, Syrian Armenian refugees who recently relocated to Armenia were given priority. Hence, the following candidates were selected: Hagop Faqjian, Raffi Kheshvadjian, and Vatche Artin Bedros, all jewellers from Aleppo who recently moved to Armenia, as well as Marina Sargsyan, an Honours student in physics from Armenia. The applicants from Aleppo were supported by the Ministry of Diaspora.
All graduating students completed the certificate program and AJF is proud to announce the fourth cycle of scholarships at AGLA for the winter 2016 session for applicants from the Syrian Armenian, Artsakh, provinces and Diaspora communities.
Join the Armenian Jewellers Foundation mission to celebrate and build on the Armenian jewellery tradition and innovation to spark the next generation of industry. You can make an impact today by contacting us at info@ajf.foundation to sponsor the next Armenian student!