Ever wonder the logistics of how projects get done in Armenia? Listen to our latest episode of Pari Louys With Paros where Executive Director, Peter Abajian, shares with us his process of successfully completing a project and what he’s learned over 15 years doing nonprofit work in Armenia.

The word outsource has become synonymous with quick easy work that may fall short of expectations. Many businesses have taken part, or all of their operations to Armenia, and changed the negative connotation that exists around outsourcing, and created a successful business model to empower. Join us as we take a deep dive into the outsourcing of business in Armenia with Ani Simonian from American Savings Financial, who has successfully done this for her own business.  Ani Simonian - American Savings Financial  (818) 957-4600

Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Armenia. Although it is the hottest time of year, thousands of people from all over the world visit to take in all Armenia has to offer. In addition to all of the classic historical sites and the traditional tourist attractions, we have compiled a list of must see spots that may not be on your summer itinerary, but certainly still offer the beauty and history that Armenia is known for. Join us as we take you off the main roads and onto the beaten path to hidden gems in Armenia this summer! 

Syunik, the Southernmost province of Armenia is admired by many for its beautiful Armenian landscape and historical significance. The mountainous terrain provides a beautiful canvas for hikers and nature lovers. Bordered by Azerbaijan and Iran, the Syunik region also plays an important geopolitical role. Although a bit of a drive from Yerevan, the Syunik region receives many visitors who are excited to admire historical landmarks such as Kndsoresk and The longest tramway in the world at the Datev Monastery. Join us as we take a trip to the Southernmost region of Armenia.

Areni wine caves and the Noravank Monastery are just a few of the spectacular sites in the Vayots Dzor region. Join us as we discover 6,000 years or history in this region!  

It is late summer and your few hives are producing enough honey to help you and your family barely get by this winter. You are in charge of the entire honey process, and your potential customers are limited to the people in surrounding villages. Scarce economic opportunities is a reality for many in rural Armenian communities. These opportunities along Armenia’s border frontier with Azerbaijan, are even more limited. Rather than raising money for these businesses once, we have implemented a sustainable model that provides continued business and positive economic growth for not only the beekeeper, but many families throughout the village. Learn more about bees, the honey process and our hives in rural Armenia with Der Mesrop and Yeretzkin Annie Ash. Ghoghanj Mosaic Wall: 

Following the 2020 war, many families were driven from their homes and into a limbo of what would happen next. Some families left with nothing, others managed to save their livestock and belongings. But all of them left a piece of their lives behind as they fled their homes in search of safety. Almost a year and a half later, a handful of these families have fled the country, a handful have gone back to Artsakh, and a handful have been relocated to areas like Medz Masrik and Nerkin Karmir Aghbyur. Here is a deeper dive on where these families are now. 

Artsakh, a beautiful mountainous land with ancient Armenian roots, and a storied history. With two major wars within the past 30 years, it is almost impossible to meet a family who has not been negatively impacted by these unthinkable tragedies. Most recently, the 44 day war that started on September 27th, 2020, resulted in the loss of many heroes who fought with everything they had, a significant amount of land, and with it a sense of hope for the future of Artsakh. The aftermath of the war is still felt throughout the region, and the diaspora. The wounds felt by the families that were driven out of their homes, the families who lost their loved ones, and the incredible history and land that was lost still causes immense heartache. Here is a deeper look into what has happened since November 2020.

You step out of the plane to a familiar hum in the airport. You are greeted by many smiling faces eagerly waiting for their loved ones, even at 2am. The sliding glass doors open and the warm air kisses you on both cheeks. Suddenly the feeling of being in a foreign place is a remote thought, and you are home! Over the next three weeks you will spend your days enveloped in discovering the Motherland. Maybe it’s the way the food tastes, or perhaps it’s the historical landmarks that you’ve always learned about, now at your fingertips, or it’s the way you bond with your new friends as you all build something together. This feeling is SERVICE Armenia.   Sign up for SERVICE Armenia Summer 2022 (July 3rd-July24th) here: https://forms.gle/BXriVSSuHPT52J2M9

Today we will be taking you to the north-east corner of Armenia, to the border region of Tavush. This area is lush with greenery and hills and is home to some of the most beautiful sites in Armenia, including the Dilijan National Forest. Looming over the beauty of this region is it’s vulnerable location, bordered by a sliver of Georgia to the north and Azerbaijan to the North and East, making its position extremely important to our strength as a country. Due to its positioning, however, this area has suffered tremendously from its proximity to Azerbaijan and requires extra attention and care for prosperity to blossom on the border.