“ There are programs that are significant because of their scope , but also the extent of their impact . In building a bridge between young people in Armenia and the Diaspora , ‘ Step Towards Home ’ has a mission that is both ambitious and wide-reaching . It has been an honor organizing the program . I could not be more thankful for the experience I gained working through the whole process .”
Astghik Mnatsakanyan Qayl Depi Tun Educational Program Coordinator Teach For Armenia Alumni-Ambassador 1st Generation Teacher-Leader
“ Qayl Depi Tun is not just a summer program , it is a bridge for young Armenians in the Diaspora to connect with their homeland . This summer , I taught Armenian language , history , and culture courses through the program . During my classes , I tried to revive memories of Armenia in my students . It seems that Armenians , no matter where they were born and raised , are intuitively connected to this place and its culture . I seek to unearth that connection and help young people discover and grow into their Armenian identity .”
Mariam Aghababyan Qayl Depi Tun Instructor Teach For Armenia Alumni-Ambassador 3rd Generation Teacher-Leader
“ Qayl Depi Tun built a bridge between Armenia and I — our homeland . I am grateful to the teachers who made us feel at home , even through online lessons . I enjoyed the programming and interacting with people from all over the world . Over the course of two weeks , we not only met our peers in Armenia , but also became a team and achieved a sense of belonging . At the end of the camp , none of us wanted to say goodbye . Instead , we said ‘ see you next year ,’ and hopefully in Armenia .”
Khachatur Putulyan Qayl Depi Tun Student Ninotsminda , Georgia
Annual Report 2020 59