Armenian General Benevolent Union
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Tel: 212.319.6383
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
AGBU GENERATION NEXT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM MEMBERS TRACE THE ROOTS OF
THEIR ANCESTORS IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
On April 18, 2004, the AGBU Generation Next Mentorship Program
convened at the AGBU Pasadena Center to participate in a group
activity dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. Mentors, mentees, and
task force members were asked to determine where their grandparents or
great grandparents were from before the Genocide. Program members
placed pins on a map of historic Armenia and/or a world map indicating
the origins of their ancestors and the subsequent journey of their
family throughout the world. This activity not only demonstrated how
the Genocide forced Armenians outside of their homeland, but it also
encouraged the mentees to learn more about their family history and in
turn themselves. This powerful visual effect also showed that we are
still unified as a people despite being dispersed across the world.
Guest speaker and task force member Armen Tamzarian led the group in a
discussion about the Genocide by asking probing questions and
highlighting important events in Armenian history. After
Mr. Tamzarian’s overview, the program members joined together to share
their own struggles and experiences in dealing with the Armenian
Genocide’s impact today. While everyone shared personal stories,
members also suggested constructive ways of coping with the tragedy’s
painful history.
Since its establishment in 1997, AGBU Generation Next mentors and
staff have served over 100 Armenian students ranging from the seventh
to eleventh grades. Adult volunteers from AGBU Generation Next assist
these students with issues involving academics, behavior, and
acculturation. By providing positive role models, our volunteer
mentors help these young Armenians become responsible, self-sufficient
young adults. To receive more information about AGBU Generation Next,
please call 626.794.7942 or send an email to [email protected].