Birthright Armenia
Birthright Armenia, also known as Depi Hayk, is a volunteer internship enhancement program that also offers travel fellowships to eligible participants to assist in the development of Armenia.[1]
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Founded | 2003 |
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Founder | Edele Hovnanian |
Type | Educational charity; cultural exchange |
Focus | Volunteerism |
Location | |
Area served | Armenia |
Key people | Linda Yepoyan, Board Member; Sevan Kabakian, Country Director |
Volunteers | 3000 |
Website | Official website |
Organizational background
Birthright Armenia was established in 2003 by Edele Hovnanian[2] as an international nonprofit organization.[3] The organization's goals include strengthening ties between Armenia and Armenian Diaspora youth representatives by providing them an opportunity to take part in the daily life of fellow Armenians.[4][5]
Applicants need only be either full or partial Armenian descent, between the ages of 21–32, and must agree to a minimum 9 week stay.[1] As of 2023, over 3,000 individuals from more than 57 countries have participated in the Birthright Armenia program.[6]
Similar organizations
Birthright Armenia was inspired by Birthright Israel, which offers educational and cultural exchange opportunities related to Jewish history and culture. Another similar project is Birthright Greece, aimed at the Greek Diaspora.[7]
See also
- Diaspora tourism
- Genealogy tourism
- Repatriation of Armenians
- Overseas Citizenship of India, a scheme allowing foreign citizens with ancestral origins in British India to obtain permanent residency in India
- Year of Return, Ghana 2019
References
- "Connected Through Service: Diaspora Volunteers and Global Development" (PDF). USAID. August 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2011-05-25.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-05-23. Retrieved 2013-06-13.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "Birthright Israel, Meet Birthright Armenia". New Voice, National Jewish Student Magazine. May 1, 2009. Retrieved 2011-05-25.
- Segrè, Francesca (2008-05-25). "Matchmaking, the Ultimate Government Service". The New York Times. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
- "Sevan Kabakian: 'At Birthright Armenia, we give flight to people'". www.h-pem.com. Retrieved 2020-09-21.
- "The Armenian Weekly Online". Armenianweekly.com. 2010-11-03. Retrieved 2011-05-25.
- Jeremy Gillick (5 May 2008). "Birthright Israel, Meet Birthright Armenia". Archived from the original on 12 May 2008.