“ Of course , the explosions were loud , but our dreams were louder .”
When we were told that we would be participating in Teach For Armenia ’ s Virtual Student Leadership Camp , I started counting down the days for it to begin . I simply could not wait for it to start ! But when the first day of camp finally arrived , so did the conflict with Azerbaijan . Their shots struck just a few kilometers from our home in Choratan , a village in the northeastern province of Tavush . Of course , the explosions were loud , but our dreams were louder . My classmates and I decided to log into the first day of the Virtual Student Leadership Camp from the safety of our school ’ s underground shelter .
I always thought that Choratan ’ s biggest problem was its distance from Yerevan . The Virtual Student Leadership Camp solved this problem . We were able to connect virtually with students , Teacher-Leaders , Teach For Armenia staff , and wonderful guest speakers from all parts of Armenia . We even got the chance to speak with the CEO of one of Armenia ’ s largest companies .
The Virtual Student Leadership Camp dispelled the stereotype that there are limited opportunities in border communities like ours . Instead , through Teach For Armenia ’ s new Change-Based Learning curriculum , we were taught to recognize all of the possibilities around us . My friends and I were so inspired that we started brainstorming projects that we could implement in our community . This is how our Community Impact Project was born — a blog about Choratan named “ Without Borders .” Through the blog , we want to make our voices heard and promote our community .
Even from a bomb shelter , the Virtual Student Leadership Camp allowed my friends and I to dream , create , and hope without borders .
Mane Asatryan 9th Grade Student Choratan village , Tavush region
Annual Report 2020 13